"Going through the lying, "back room dealing" etc. at the local town level as well."

Yes. Here in Bar Harbor, Maine, town councillors use executive sessions *and* misinformation campaigns. They use their office to try to shut out residents who challenge them. While praising themselves for openness. One of the council culprits is now running for state office. Against someone who would be worse. It brings home the frustrations of voting for 'the lesser of two evils.' But it does not exempt us from the responsibility to do so.