Would you sell your vote to co-star with Branjelina?

These are the results from a study commissioned by a freelance writer in Anchorage named ALEX SHESHUNOFF. I am not sure if this was nationwide or just conducted in Alaska (remember, it's the state that elected Mike Gravel so take them with a grain of salt--but seriously Mike, you rock.) Anyway, all I can say is wow! Wow, do we have a low quality democracy. Wow, the Olive Garden? I would have held out for Macaroni Grill at least.

"For a few hundred dollars, the Opinion Research Corporation will bug 1,006 folks during dinner for you. The whole survey isn't yours -- your questions probably follow some about shampoo preferences -- but they collect all sorts of demographic information and send you a detailed, statistically valid report.

Here's what I found out:

• Roughly one in five Americans would permanently give up their right to vote for $25,000, a bit less than the going rate established by Anderson.

• A majority had a much higher price. Sixty-four percent wouldn't permanently give up their right to vote even for a vaccine for cancer.

• Some sold for a much, much lower price. Twelve percent of America would disenfranchise itself for a $50 gift certificate from the Olive Garden."

If you want to read the rest you can get it here:
http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/story/9205390p-9121649c.html