I want to run for office.....any suggestions...

[Streetdoc270]

I really want to run for a federal office. I would like to run in '08 for Senate in NC. Anyone have any suggestions on how to do it? I know I don't stand a chance but I want to try. All help will be welcomed.

[MaineDem]

1. Have you held public office before?

Have you run campaigns?

The reason I'm asking is that I don't want to suggest something you know already.

Good luck! :thumbsup:

[demwing]

2. Why?

Tell us why you want to run.

[Streetdoc270]

15. Why I want to do this....

In a nutshell.


I am tired of what is happening in Congress today. All talk and no real action. Us regular Americans have problems that need solving, and those in charge do nothing about it. I was looking over Doles voting record and she has done nothing but vote against the military and the working class, she opposed increases in military benefits and opposed the amendment to the bankruptcy bill that would exempt those filing due to overwhelming medical bills.

I see people getting elected that were just 'regular people' and I believe that if I take the old-fashioned approach of knocking on (almost) every door in NC than I can get my message across and maybe the people will put their trust in me.

[snowbear]

3. Do you have a website?

Creating a website so voters can see how you stand on the issues.. and of course-- so they can donate ;) is probably a great start!

~~~ :bounce:

[Czolgosz]

5. Are you sure you can set up a website that takes donations for 08 already?

[snowbear]

10. Maybe not... but a website would still be great!

And StreetDoc can always add the info for sending in donations later!

~~~~~~~ (( :bounce: ))

[saracat]

4. First of all drop kick the I don't stand a chance.

If you believe that you won't stand a chance. Next line up lots of money. Contact every PAC and law firm you can find. You will need at least a million dollars. Probably more. Once you have a handle on money your state party and the DSCC will be interested in you. Fist make sure you have the basics. Look like a candidate and speak well. And have nothing negative in your backgroung. You must pass a background check.

[DaveinMD]

6. if you've never run

I would suggest you start downballot rather than start off running for US Senate. Running for local office will teach you important skills as a candidate. If you are set on federal office, try Congress instead.

[theboss]

7. Why not run for state delegate or something local?

A. You could possibly win.
B. You could actually get something accomplished on that stage.
C. You could gain experience and friends which will help you run for House or Senate later.

Running for Senate seems to be to be an expensive way to have little impact.

[izzie]

8. You will need ----

$3000 suit, white hair and skin and a cross in your hand. Oh I am just pulling your leg

[paineinthearse]

9. Take a look at Deval Patrick's website - www.devalpatrick.com

Deval has never heled elected office, but is running for governor of Massachusetts as an "outsider" for governor. His only political experience was in Clinton's Justice department as head of the civil rights division.

[Mairead]

17. Whoever did Patrick's site sabotaged him

• The drop shadow behind his image makes it look a cardboard cutout. What's the goal?


• The two different tones behind his unusual name makes it look like he's a partnership rather than a person


• Trajan (the typeface used for his name) loses its effect when compressed. One uses Trajan to get a very classic, dignified look; compressing it 'de-classic-ises' it. And it's crowded.


• The mouseover should not bring up 2 mono photos among the color ones...it should be one or the other


• The signup/contribute solicitations are inappropriate on a front page. The implication is that people have been told all they need to know once they've seen that page

I could go on, but won't. The worst part, of course, is that the site tells us nothing about what he stands for, the implication being that he stands for being elected governor. And maybe that's accurate, who knows.

[Orangepeel]

11. contact the NC Secretary of State's office

they will have info on the steps to take and what order you have to do them in (e.g., file, open a campaign account, collect money)

[MaineDem]

12. I'm going to assume you're new at running for office

My first suggestion would be to take advantage of all the training you can.

Wellstone training - http://www.wellstone.org/camp/index.aspx. Camp Wellstone has a track for those running for office as well as one for managing a campaign. You go through the candidate piece and have your campaign mamager go through the other. You MUST have a good campaign manager, especially if you're running for a Federal office.

Find out if any organizations you belong to offer training. Ask your state party for suggestions.

First off, get a good, knowledgable finance person. The FEC rules are very tough and you won't have the time to look into everything personally.

[PurityOfEssence]

13. Have a religion, a spouse, a pet, preferably kids, and the rest is money

Yes, this is snide, but if you fit within those parameters and don't have any legal dirt haunting you, you have a chance.

[chaska]

14. Ain't that the truth. The ONLY people who get elected are by definition...

conservatives. Regardless of party.

[Sir Jeffrey]

16. If you have no prior public service record...

I would echo the others in this thread who suggested you start off a bit lower and work your way up from there. Tackling someone like Liddy Dole off the bat is not a good idea unless you're currently a state senator or something with a proven record. NC is high profile with a high profile candidate.

Aside from that, if you know a lot of people with money you can do just about anything.

As a Poli Sci major, I can tell you that you really need to secure a lot of money to be considered electable. Once you reach that threshold, you can get the publicity you need to implement an effective campaign strategy.

If you really think you can secure the financing, the worst part aside from fundraising is speaking in public. If you have no problem with that, go for it. If you really think you stand no chance of winning, but still feel compelled to do more than post on DU (lol) then run for something you stand a shot at. You'd be serving the people better that way IMO.

Good luck whatever you decide. :)