With the nation’s presidential election just about a month away, maybe it’s time to consider what it really means to run for office.

Over the past few months politicians from Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to state Rep. Randy Terrill have questioned the media’s role in the political process. Both are skilled public speakers and both are smart, capable politicians.

But I’m not sure that either Rep. Terrill or Gov. Palin have a full understanding of what it means to run for office from the media’s perspective.

While she has served as a governor, by accepting Sen. John McCain’s offer as a vice presidential candidate, Palin has moved from the state house to the national stage.

And political life there is more difficult.

Gov. Palin — to borrow a phrase from a law professor friend of mine — voluntarily thrust herself into the public light. That is, by seeking a public office, funded by tax dollars and conducting public business, Palin has opened herself up to intense scrutiny.

Like it or not, that’s the way it is. Because today, even with all its warts and problems, the press corps still remain America’s watchdog. And, often, that dog barks.

Palin’s problem first began when she allowed her political advisors to cloister her and prevent a full disclosure about her life. And while she pushed back at the press after stories appeared about her underage, pregnant daughter, Palin played the double standard card by having her children campaign with her, work the “rope line” at events, and appear at campaign rallies.

Don’t want the kids in the political mix? Keep them at home.

Like her own life, Gov. Palin has now opened the lives of her children up for examination when they became part of her political campaign.

Am I saying that Gov. Palin is a bad candidate, or unprepared for office?

No.

What I am saying is that the governor knows how the modern political campaign works and she knows — and should expect — every aspect of her life to be examined.

Sure, many have said a politician’s personal life should be off limits, but I’m pretty sure that debate went out the window when Sen. Gary Hart ran for office.

Closer to home, state Rep. Randy Terrill has accused his political opponents — including those who had the audacity to question his anti-immigration legislation — of dirty tricks and “sleaze-ball tactics” when stories first appeared about his bankruptcy.