John Jay Hooker, Tennessee’s perennial political candidate, puts little faith in the art of political strategy. The eccentric, who has been running for statewide office for five decades, says, “Campaigns are made by circumstance. When you’ve got the wind at your back in politics, it’s hard to lose. When it’s in your face, it’s hard to win.”

If one believes Hooker, the current crop of political candidates vying for office in November would be better served by putting a freeze on the millions of dollars they’re collectively paying the experts to guide them to victory. But that’s simply not going to happen.