As a former candidate for Congress, it’s interesting to watch campaigns unfold and leaders emerge.  Some say that leadership cannot be learned, but I disagree.  On a federal level, and probably at all levels of government, a leader is someone who constantly questions assumptions and continually seeks new perspectives to strengthen our Nation.  In other words, leadership should be synonymous with learning.

As you begin reviewing candidates for the upcoming election cycle, pay particular attention to those who will genuinely listen to your point of view.  For instance, if you send an inquiry to a candidate and you get either no response or a canned answer, you must question that individual’s commitment to learning and therefore his or her leadership.