"The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter." - Winston Churchill
At first glance, the results GOP primary in the MN-04 are not particularly noteworthy. Obi Sium defeated Jack Shepard 64% - 36%, with a total of a little less than 14,000 votes being cast. It may even be heartening to see the Republican voters nominating a minority candidate such as Sium, a rarity among both parties but especially among those on the right side of aisle.
Alas, a further inspection of the candidates is somewhat less encouraging to one's faith in the average voter. Jack Shepard, the man who received almost 5,000 votes in a district centered around St. Paul, MN has a record of accomplishments that is not normally what one would associate with a candidate for Congress.
Shepard has been convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and drug possession. He is currently residing in Rome, Italy as a fugitive with an outstanding warrant for his arrest on a arson charge dating back to 1982. One is forced to wonder how he expected to serve in the Congress without being arrested if he had won.
Perhaps the residents of the state that elected a former professional wrestler as their governor thought that they were casting their 5,000 votes for the fictional character on the popular show Lost rather than a felon and fugitive. I doubt the late Prime Minister would be consoled.