Gubernatorial scuffle a huge waste of time

Special Prosecutor Peter Carlisle has begun a criminal investigation into the Linda Lingle gubernatorial campaign, which has been accused of exceeding state campaign spending limits.

The investigation has been triggered by several complaints, including those originating from the Democratic Party, the Frank Fasi campaign, and the George Peabody (Libertarian candidate) campaign.

The fact that the 1998 governor's election is centering around accusations of excessive spending is disturbing.

To what end is the money being spent? Instead of producing mass amounts of bumper stickers, pins, T-shirts and lawn signs, candidates should spend their resources to make their views and political plans known.

Slightly more disturbing is the amount of ruckus this issue is causing. Is there nothing better to hinge this campaign on than money and accusations?

Voters need to evaluate the views of the individual candidates in order to decide. They deserve a serious forum, not a competition of who can make the most noise.