Final answer:
Concerns about bitter partisanship suggest it may deter qualified individuals from running for political office, fearing the need to take extreme stances and the intensity of competition. This situation can affect the candidate quality and diversity in politics. Despite these challenges, local issues and service remain key motivators for candidates.
Step-by-step explanation:
People who are worried about bitter partisanship often suggest that it discourages good people from running for office. The heightened competition and increasingly partisan atmosphere contribute to this concern, as candidates are expected to stand out and may espouse more extreme positions. Scholars like Carson, Engstrom, and Roberts note the importance of candidate quality in the historical development of the incumbency advantage in American politics, indicating how competitiveness and partisanship can influence elections.
In polarized states or districts, members of the minority party may feel discouraged from running, impacting the diversity of candidates and potentially leading to less electoral competition. Furthermore, term limits were introduced with the hope of opening the field to a more varied group of candidates, including women, minorities, and individuals from non-traditional occupations, by ensuring seats would become available more frequently.
However, despite these challenges, the phrase 'All politics is local' continues to hold weight, inspiring public service among those who wish to improve their local communities by affecting issues such as infrastructure, jobs, and education. Candidates who can effectively address local concerns may find success, even in a politically charged environment.