When the reputation of politicians here in the UK is at a very low ebb, it is good to know we can turn to the past for a better model of how things should be. I found this instructive extract in the Swansea newspaper, The Cambrian, of October 1900 about the canvassing techniques developed by Judge John D. Holt, the Democratic candidate for the post of Governor of West Virginia.He may have been campaigning on the other side of the Atlantic but The Cambrian was mightily impressed by his determination and his versatility. To be frank there appears to have been nothing he would not do to secure a vote. In the first place he was an accomplished fiddle player, who plays quadrilles, waltzes, reels and two steps to the entire satisfaction of young people in the country districts. Apparently, as soon as he arrived anywhere on his canvassing tour he was playing away at a dance.Clearly it was hard work getting elected in West Virginia. You have to ask yourself, was it worth it? Was it really worth the humiliation of being the major attraction at some kind of ancient disco full of clumsy adolescents?But there was more. He was a good cook and handy at all kinds of housework. He didnt stop at kissing a baby. He could soothe it even in its most tempestuous moments. Obviously a man of real talent. His blackberry roll was apparently the best anyone had ever tasted. He would peel potatoes if it got him a vote or sweep the house or even undertake essential needlework in a way that defied criticism from the envious.What does this suggest? Madness? Desperation? Were there such advantages in getting elected that made it worth nursing someones ugly child to sleep? As a father I have always been uncomfortable with the idea that a politician might want to kiss any of my babies. But I know now that what I really wanted was for them to clean my house. Certainly it would have given me a real basis on which to make an informed judgement. Forget about their position on foreign policy. Lets see if they clean behind the sofa. In fact if you had lots of candidates you could get your house cleaned for a week on a rota basis. It works for me.I know nothing more about Judge John D. Holt but I am grateful to him. He has given me a model on which I can judge our current political leaders. Forget policy. Consider their pastry.Would I have given Judge Holt my vote? I would have given him a room in my house on the basis of his blackberry roll alone.