Do we rely too much on "litmus test" yes/no items in jusdging political candidates?

We have school board members here who are reviewed in the paper.
There is a checklist grid for all the topics.
Along with class size and decentralization, are “Pro/anti-abortion” “Pro/anti- death penalty” “Pro/anti - marijuana legalization” “Pro/anti gun control”

None of which have ever been taken up by the schoolboard.

I’m surprized they didn’t ask whether it’s OK for the president to invade Iraq.

Do we need this from every candidate for every office?

If any of the talking heads who use the term “litmus test” can actually describe what a litmus test is in scientific terms I might give them a little credibility.

Who wants to bet a 99% probability that NONE of them can do so?