Are candidates hiding from the arts?

Political candidates are all over the state these days, grabbing photo ops wherever they can … except, it seems, at arts events.

Think about it: When was the last time you saw a candidate – local or national – posing in a theater, grip-and-greeting at a concert or holding a press conference in an art gallery?

Why does association with the arts cause so much fear among those running for office?

Is the concern about the “elitist” label keeping them away? Or are these politicians genuinely not interested?

Should we only expect to see a U.S. president in a theater seat during the annual Kennedy Center Honors telecast?

Your thoughts?