Having just written about potholes, I was wondering why politicians seem to ignore them.

Fixing potholes would seem to be an issue with considerable popular support. I live in Pennsylvania and potholes are a big problem. They make driving dangerous. You could easy lose control of your car while swerving to avoid a pothole or lose control after hitting a big one. Or someone else could and you could end up in the accident.

Nobody likes a pothole. At least I can’t think of anyone who does. It is really a no-lose proposition to oppose them. Yet I do not recall a single politician promising to get after the state or local road department to fix the potholes. I do not understand the politics of potholes.

For example, suppose a Democrat was running for governor and promised to get after the state road department to do a better job in repairing potholes or even taking some preventative measures. In this case, would the Republican opponent call it a waste of money. Or better yet, call for more and bigger potholes.

If the situation was reversed and a Republican promised fewer potholes or quicker repair, would the Democrat oppose that?

I do not understand the politics of potholes. Does someone like them? Why aren’t more politicians against them? Would opposing them be a popular thing?

I know potholes cost me several hundred dollars most years. Overall they cost the American driver billions of dollars each year. (see my link above).

I’d gladly pay more in taxes to get better roads. It would probably save more money in car repairs. It may save lives. I do not understand the politics of potholes.