QUESTIONABLE CANDIDATES

Why do they arrest these guys after the failed election attempt?
You might think they are spoilers or something.

VIRGINIA
William Smith, a candidate for the 19th District General Assembly on the Constitution Party ticket, was convicted in 1997 on felony pandering, "which," the Roanoke Times blogger explains, "in less polite term means pimping." Smith was sentenced to six years in jail, suspended after a year. Smith says he left the Republican party two years ago. He had his voting rights restored by Gov. Tim Kaine. (D) Chairman of the DNC.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Gary Dodds, (D) 1st District U.S. House candidate in 2006, convicted of faking a car crash to boost his chances during the campaign, was arrested in 2008 in Portsmouth for allegedly violating his bail conditions amid allegations that he assaulted his wife. He was released from jail in February 2009 after serving 8 months.

WASHINGTON
Oct. 2009 - Washougal City Council candidate Garry Alexander Sr., 55, (Non-partisan) pleaded guilty last week to second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, a felony, and is spending 60 days in jail, to be followed by 30 days of work release. The conviction mean he couldn't serve even if he won. Alexander was forced to resign from the school board and city council in February 2007 as a result of the felony theft conviction. His voting rights were suspended but later reinstated.

VIRGINIA
Sept 10, 2009 - Bradley Rees (R but professed Libertarian) Candidate 5th Congressional District seat was convicted of illegally possessing concealed weapons. Police confiscated two guns in his car after stopping him because of an expired inspection-rejection sticker.