For eight months American statesmen have devoted the better part of their time and energies to getting themselves reelected. Aspiring politicians zealously tried to prove their opponents were menaeen in whom lechery, dishonesty, opportunism, and graft were compounded.

Meanwhile the office seekers maneuvered skillfully to avoid discussing important issus. Scarcely a candidate dared to take a stand on a draft program. The question of anti-inflationary tax hikes was adroitly snubbed by campaigners. Instead of declaring themselves on these matters they attacked each other, in comic books. The campaign was an unpleasant thing for an intelligent citizen to watch. It was not a cheerful commentary on democracy--but now it is over.

The politicians, some secure for another two years and all free of the pressure of practical politics, can now show some courage and some results. There is nothing to keep them from developing a draft program fast so college students, and especially graduating high school students, can have some idea of how to plan their futures. The Congress must also act quickly on such priority issues as price and rent control legislation, reconstruction aid for the Philippines, Korea, and possibly Yugoslavia. Above all there is a matter of taxes.

It is time that our politicians make a stab at being statesmen. Such an effort will be even more crucial when the new Congress, with its close party balance, meets in January.