[tareqak]

I might be in the minority on this issue, but I personally think it is reasonable for a political candidate to be investigated prior to running for office once they publicly announce that they are running. Tax returns, felonies, misdemeanors, credit reports, the whole kit and kaboodle. There are professions where interview candidates already go through varying levels of background checks, and I've gone through a few myself. Running for political office is very much a personal choice, and obtaining that office unlocks varying amounts of power and control over the lives of fellow citizens. If the candidate runs through that investigative gauntlet and comes out clean, then the corresponding voters have a much better idea of who is on the election night ticket.