Eric Hovde is the textbook definition of a political carpetbagger -- Thomas Bartell

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines the word "carpetbagger" as an "outsider, especially: a nonresident or new resident who seeks private gain from an area often by meddling in its business or politics." Sounds a lot like Eric Hovde, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

While Hovde claims Wisconsin roots, he maintains a $7 million mansion in an exclusive, private, ocean-front community. He has been named by the Orange County Business Journal for three years running as one of the county's most influential individuals. When he's not dipping his toes in the Pacific Ocean, he spends his time avoiding corporate taxes on his out-of-state companies by sheltering assets worth $74 million in companies based in Bermuda , according to Politico. He claims that low-income people who can't get food stamps are just " another sob story ."

His voting in Wisconsin elections has been sporadic at best . He also has had his ballot sent to his Laguna Beach mansion.

He is opposed to abortion. It's unclear where he spends the majority of his time (Wisconsin vs. California). He's not exactly in touch with Wisconsin voters.

I think the dictionary got it right.

Thomas Bartell, Verona