Why don't you run for office?

[John the Nerd]

On another forum I frequent, one of the posters ran for Congress as a Socialist in Florida. Now, I usually don't agree with him on anything at all, but I did find common ground here. It is our civic duty, as citizens, to be willing to take on the responsibilities of public office.

Congress is a little steep for a first step, it takes a lot of time and money to run. But just about anybody can afford to run for local offices, like seats in the state legislature, or county-wide offices. These are largely low cost campaigns, where the incumbents aren't as well known, and personal networks count for much more. And now would be an excellent time for people committed to freedom to run. There's two years before the next election, and Obama-mania won't be pulling in the anti-gun vote. A lot can be done in state legislatures to promote and defend our rights.

Besides, nothing ticks off the career politicians more than a regular citizen trying to take away "their" job.

Anybody else interested? I'm thinking about running for State Delegate, which is $50 in Maryland, and requires some finance filings and such.

[bcvd45]

Who knows what we want more than we do? .... They all live in their high class fantasy land and have no idea what is actually going on. Unfortunately I dont have $250 million in spare change lying in my couch at home to fund a campaign....Oh well.

[Lanse couche couche]

Some of us might not quite pass muster given a few minor legal "misunderstandings" in the past as well as other behavioral "quirks" that some prudes mightconsider to be disqualifying on various moral grounds[8D]

[muley699]

I have run twice, winning one election and losing another, but that was college. Right now i would not be able to gain party support from either party, wouldn't want to put my family thru the BS, wouldn't withstand media scruntiny, and couldn't keep my big mouth shut long enough to even pretend I wasn't a radical. Then again, BHO won, what the hell, my hat is in.

[ipscshooter]

I was President of my class in 4th grade. Does that count?

[John the Nerd]

Well 4th grade is a good start that's for sure.

As far as not having millions of dollars, local campaigns don't cost as much as you'd think. And if the two big parties won't back you, try the Libertarian or Constitution parties. At a local level, the national parties aren't committing resources. And there aren't any TV or radio ads to pay for. For $1000 you could run a decent campaign, if you have friends and family help you out, and if you put in effort on your own. You need money to pay election fees, and to buy some signs and bumper stickers. That's about it. A few fund raising cook-outs or bake sales could bring in all the money you need, and introduce you to voters in your area.

Remember, even if you don't win, you can put the fear of the public into the hearts of complacent politicians. You can force them to defend their positions on key issues. You can get results, even if you get crushed.

[bcvd45]

I say we bring back the Whig party!!! Or maybe I will run as a Federalist.

[ipscshooter]

I'm running in the Bull Moose Party...

[Lanse couche couche]

4th grade class president would have made one pretty competitive in terms of executive experience in this past election[8D]

[bcvd45]

Nice....pullin the Teddy card. I like it.