Is there a point in running if there is no chance of winning?

[Changenow]

I am being recruited to run for state rep. The incumbent is well liked in this very conservative area. There is not a prayer that he would be defeated, particularly by an unknown. Those who are trying to persuade me argue that if there is a challenger then the incumbent will have to spend money for the first time, also it's not a democracy if candidates run unopposed.

Any thoughts?

[Dookus]

1. well...

if you anticipate a future career in elective office, it would be great experience, as well as a way to make yourself known in your community. You'd get a chance to meet lots of people and learn about the issues.

Even if you don't win, a lot more people will know who you are in case you decide to run for another office.

Good luck if you do it! Sounds like a great opportunity.

[efhmc]

2. Do you have a desire to get some name recognition and run for this or

another office later on down the line when you might actually have a chance. Also, who will be funding this. Won't they have to spend money running your campaign?

[Piper3069]

3. Hell ya' run

For all of the reasons mentioned above. I am the campaign manager for a first-time contender as well, also running for state rep. His odds sound a little better, since the incumbent is retirng, so if he wins the primary, he's in. He's in a 75 percent Republican voting district so we're shooting for the Republican nom (no one freak out here). While I'm an independent myself, this guy I can support because his positions on many issues run close enough to mine (gay rights, balanced budgets, fair taxation, etc.). In fact, the guy is closer to Howard dean on the issues than George W. Bush, although he'd be probably vehemently disagree with that assessment. Keep us updated if you throw you're hat into the ring, maybe we can trade anecdotes.

[Changenow]

5. Great question on the funding.

There wouldn't be much since the little available would go to the candidates with a possibility of winning.

[efhmc]

8. Is that how the money in your county is doled out. It is divided evenly

here between all those running, with those who are running county-wide getting more than those running in only one precinct.

[Changenow]

14. There is very little money.

But I will explore that question.

[oneighty]

4. Go for it!

Do the best you can. Make no enemys. You will learn.

I ran for state senate years ago. Not a chance at all of winning.

We filled the slate had a good run, brought new people into our

democratic party, some of whom continued in politics and in later years

THEY WON.

180

[msanger]

6. everything changes

The incumbent could end up not running - sickness, family problems....

The economy could get so bad that people vote out ALL the republicans, and you get swept in.

I wish I had the guts to run for office. So DU it for all of us as well.

On the other hand, what would you be doing with our energy if you weren't running yourself. Could you get somebody else elected to a state or national office.

[bookman]

7. A reason to run

Even if there's no chance you have an opportunity to raise issues.

Also. I live in area where the Republican congressional candidate runs unopposed. I wish I had someone to vote for. I would get a sense that my vote meant something. If it's 2% this time and 3% next that's progress. Perhaps enough votes to let them know not to take voters for granted.

And...stranger things have happened.

If you decide to run, know it does have meaning.

Good luck

[Mel]

9. do it

here's some reasons I say do it.
1)if your able to bring up issues that are important that would otherwise not be

2)what about all those people that would want to vote that don't even bother because they don't want to vote for a conservative? if I was living in a place that didn't run a dem. against a puke I'd be one pretty darn mad voter and I tell you this much I would not vote for a repuke! I'd also think the Democratic party didn't care about me as a citizen for not running a candidate.

3) great experience for you if public service is what you desire to do.

The people trying to persuade you I agree with ALL of their points! So tell them they have one vote in agreement from an evil Du'er :evilgrin:

Here's my suggestion: think of that one man Senator Paul Wellstone he went up against Republican Senator Rudy Boschwitz they didn't think Paul could beat him, it was a long shot but he did it. You can too!

Read his book 'Conscience of a Liberal' he had some great ideas



Camp Wellstone — Learning the Wellstone Model of Elections and Activism
http://www.wellstone.org/index.aspx


Good luck!

[cherryperry]

10. Yes, there is a point!

1. You are speaking truth to power;

2. Ghandi always said something like even if you believe something will not change things, do it anyway; at least it will change your soul;

3. You actually might win;

4. You have a whole site full of supporters to come to who will keep your spirits up; who has that?

Good luck with your decision!

:kick: :hi:

[proud patriot]

11. Depends on whether you like running or not

You could run just for the love of running :hi:

[kainah]

12. Absolutely, there's a reason to run

It offers an opportunity to air your views -- especially if there's no chance you will win! Without an opponent, not only does the incumbent not have to spend money but, more importantly, the other viewpoint is not heard. I am absolutely convinced that the left has been MUCH too quiet with our views. We have to continue to speak out at every opportunity. Running for state Rep. will give you a very large platform from which to shout a message. If you have the health, the time, the inclination, and lots of energy, go for it!!!! I'm sure you can even raise some money here on DU.

[Changenow]

13. Thanks for the support.

but isn't it a little hard on the ego To get trounced? Even if you know the outcome it at the beginning?

Also, how does DU help with money?

[cherryperry]

15. Try as best you can

to keep your ego detached; of course that is easier said than done, but remember it's politics and how things go will have very little to do with a rejection of sweet ole' you!

As to the money: I have no idea. You have a pack of moral supporters here who will come to your aid whenever you need advice or lovingkindness - perhaps even some money. I doubt DU would be able to provide money, but what do I know? You could try to solicit donations from some DU members once you present us with your platform.

Make up your mind already! Any more questions?

[kainah]

16. I guess it depends on how "fragile" your ego is

I've never known anyone who didn't end up believing they actually might win and I didn't know anyone who wasn't a bit disappointed but a few days later, they've almost always felt they'd "fought the good fight" and were proud of themselves for doing it.

There were a couple of DUers who ran for "never gonna get elected" offices in 2002. One for the US House in eastern Oregon. He won the primary but lost decisively. The other ran for a Florida House seat and also lost. Both of them received individual donations from a number of individuals on DU, myself included. I'm not saying it'll fund the campaign, of course, but you're part of a community of 30,000 who share your beliefs. That's not a bad base to start with. There was talk back then of trying to organize a DU PAC but how to coordinate such a monster??

[benddem]

17. I ran for State Senate

Against a woman who'd been speaker of the House of the State House. She had terrific name recognition...in a heavily republican area. I started late...was 100's of thousands of dollars behind in fund raising...BUT it was a GREAT experience. I met zillions of people I'd never have met, went places I'd never see...learned a great deal about myself, politics, speech making.
I recieved 33% of the votes...which was the entire Dem. Electorate. I made a huge mistake by not focusing on the Indy's. I also hated asking people for money.
But I think it is Un american for people to run unopposed.
DO IT
:bounce:

[benddem]

18. Forgot

Where are you running?

[Changenow]

20. Oklahoma.n/t

[Lydia Leftcoast]

19. Ideas like

the forty-hour work week, workmen's compensation, and Social Security were first presented to the American people by parties such as the Socialists and the Progressives, parties that never won a national election and precious few local ones.

In the long run, they won, didn't they? (At least until the Busheviks came along.)