Is TV/Radio the Right Stepping Stone for Political Office?

This year could be a good gauge on whether being a radio or TV personality is a smart move before running for office. John Kasich who is a former Republican Congressmen and then a Fox News Channel Host is running for Governor in Ohio. Kasich, who also had an unsuccessful Presidential run on his resume is seen as a strong candidate with a good chance of winning in November.

In Arizona, former Republican Congressmen and former Radio host JD Hayworth is challenging John McCain in the Republican primary for the Senate. Although Hayworth trails in most polls, he is a serious challenger who McCain has been forced to use resources on to combat.

To find someone who was successful in their rise from Radio host the Senate, we don't have to look very far. Al Franken won a Senate seat on 2008 with no prior political experience, having been a political talk show host for under 10 years before being elected. It will be interesting to see if that was a fluke or if it starts a trend. If a trend is set, does this mean that Mike Huckabee or Sarah Palin would have an advantage in 2012?