I was asked to run for Congress tonight.

[Renew Deal]

I was at a local democratic club to push Clark. Someone else spoke on his behalf. I then spoke to a couple people about organization and Dems working in my area. I complained that others and I have volunteered, but we don't get called back or put to use. I said that I was going to walk into the county office and kick some ass. They didn't want me to kick ass. I think they took me seriously. Anyway, I asked who is running for the seat in my CD. MY CD is a strong republican one, but that's not the point. They said no one. Then they asked twice if I wanted to do it. I was stunned and a little pissed. How can they offer this to anyone off the street? I mean I knew one of the people there, but still. I said that they would be scraping the bottom of the barrel picking me. They got pissed and the one guy said that I should never say that again. He said that I could do it if I had the conviction and the backbone. The reasons why I made the barrel comment are:

I have no elected or serious political experience.
I have no serious money.
I have no following.
I have no formal positions other than what's on DU.
I have no serious experience with the party.
I have liberal arts and technology degrees.

So, how can they offer me this? I do want to be involved and I told them this. I heard about how they handle some things county wide and I want to change it. I want to kick some ass. What do you all think? I am 27-male, son of Greek immigrants. What do you think about this whole story?

BTW, the congressman is Peter King (3 CD, LI, NY).

http://www.house.gov/king/
http://congress.org/congressorg/bio/?id=406&lvl=C&chamber=H
http://acuratings.com/acu.cgi?ACT=3&STATE=NY&YEAR=2003
http://www.capwiz.com/lcv/bio/keyvotes/?id=406&congress=1082&lvl=C

[MissB]

1. Go for it.

Nothing will change if no one is willing to get involved.

[Doctor_J]

2. Go for it!

You gotta start somewhere. And IIRC, LI is starting to trend our way - that lady whose husband was killed is in her 4th term or some such. If Bushonomics has hit your CD, or if you've lost some soldiers, you will have some talking points.

[Renew Deal]

4. My area is fairly wealthy

and not very military. There is a puke machine here. The last Dem lost by 50K votes.

[lcordero]

3. So when are you going to file your paperwork?

[Renew Deal]

19. Ha, that's what my girlfriend said.

[calimary]

62. WUNNNNNderful T-shirt! Where can I get one?

Does it say Feingold on the front? I called his office today to thank him for speaking out against the Office of Special Plans - it was on CSPAN. He is a cool Dem!

[rockymountaindem]

5. I wish someone would ask me to run for Congress.

I envy you. Go for it!

[Renew Deal]

20. I found that I had to ask myself.

That may work for you.

[Wickerman]

6. They want to hang someone out there

Do it if you think it would be fun, a good experience, or in the interest of your friends and neighbors. You might not win, but it would be the time of your life. You would never work so hard for so little again. You have good degrees. If you want to do it, find the power wielders in your area, get them behind you, demand some funding and demand an experienced campaign person.

Chances are they just want a body to keep the Dem buzz going and a name across the ticket, but if you show enthusiasm they will support you.

good luck

[Renew Deal]

22. I am full of enthusiasm.

I have always wanted to run for something. But congress? Man. I would do it if there was no one, but it would be tough. I have to think about all this.

[Wickerman]

55. You still thinking?

DO IT!

Your country needs you, dammit

[Liberalboy]

7. I'm a 29-male, son of Greek immigrants...

I was reminded all the time about the land of opprotunity my parents came to - and now I'm pissed it's been taken away. My mother would always remind me that Dukakis' family grew up one village over from her. He rose from nothing to challenge Bush in 1988.

You have to start somewhere....good luck!

[GOPisEvil]

8. No race in this country should go without opposition.

It is patently undemocratic.

I thought about running in my district, but I thought a known politician was running (he had publicly considered it) AND I'd have had to quit my job as a state employee. I'm sick that the state Democratic party in Texas isn't running anyone. Even with no money, we should ALWAYS offer an alternative and put up a fight. Hell, what if the Republican gets caught in some nasty scandal...and there's no other choice to offer voters?

[Renew Deal]

23. How can the dems not challenge every congressional seat?

It just doesn't make sense.

[GOPisEvil]

42. They don't want to throw good money on a losing proposition.

Fine - no one is saying they have to spend millions. But, at least run SOMEONE. Even if they spend next-to-nothing, just have someone on the ballot. Name recognition is worth something next time around...

[SanchoPanza]

57. Gerrymandering creates so-called "Unwinnable Districts"

A lot of state legislatures do this, and with far less overt contempt for democracy than shown by SLs Colorado and Texas. If any of you watched Michael Moore's "The Awful Truth" back when it was on Bravo (and on the air, for that matter), Moore ran a ficus tree against an incumbent Republican in New Jersey (I believe) who was deemed "hands-off" by the Two-Party Establishment. Before they stopped counting votes for a plant, the Ficus apparently won a majority of votes in the first reported tallies.

[Renew Deal]

64. My district has almost no minority voters.

There are some in Long Beach and Farmingdale, but the district is largley carved through republican areas. One positive thing is that no dem has given dems someone to vote for in a while. I would go out there and fight for it.

[JPZenger]

9. Lack of Competition in the House

It is a real shame there is such little competition for House seats. This is because re-districting has become a very exact science. For example, when the Republicans control the process, they put all the Democrats and minorities in one or two districts, so that the Republicans will have a clear majority in most of the other districts.

There is one district in Pennsylvania that is very competitive between Republicans and Democrats. However, the Dems couldn't find a qualified local candidate who would run. So, finally, they found a good candidate who lives an hour away and got him to rent a house in the district and run for that House seat. We'll see how this goes over with the electorate.

[JasonBerry]

10. Bleachers

You have always struck me as a sharp individual with a lot of things to offer - namely - an ability to articulate your positions. Political office is a great way to serve and if you are seriously considering it, I would highly recommend the book, "In Praise Of Public Life" by Joe Lieberman. Though I agree with him on little, the book is a must-read for anyone considering a public career. It sounds like you might have what it takes if you have people asking you to consider a race. I hope you might give it some serious consideration. Whatever you choose - best of luck to you! Here is the Amazon link to his book (Check the library first if you're interested, but honestly it is truly an excellent book.)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0684867753

[Renew Deal]

24. Thanks

Thanks for the info and the encouragement. I can't imagine anything greater than serving people in this way. It would be an incredible challenge.

[lastknowngood]

11. The shrub was a complete failure at everything so the bar can't

be that high.

[Snappy]

12. Do you have strong feelings about certain issues?

If you do I encourage your to go forth. Find a campaign manager that believes in you and listen to her/his advice.

[Renew Deal]

25. I do

I have strong feelings on health care, campaign finance, the deficit\debt and just about everything else.

[Frances]

13. I don't know if Maine Mary is still on DU or not

but back in 2002 she explained how she won an election in her district (I can't remember if it was to a state office or to Congress)

If you do decide to run, ask DU for more advice on what you should do.

I volunteered in 2000 for a Dem for Congress. He lost, but the Dem candidate in 2002 defeated the popular incumbent Republican.

I think a lot of Republicans are sick of borrow and spend. So you may change some minds if the news continues to be as negative as it is now.

[Renew Deal]

26. I was thinking the same thing.

Imagine I got in congress because of peoples outrage? Talk about Mr. Smith.

[Rebellious Republican]

38. JMACH 1 ran for a representive seat down here in Florida.......

He was a politcal novice, and virtually unheard of. He lost, but from what I understand he scared the shit out of the republican incumbent! You might see if anyone can tell you how to get in touch with him for some tips. He was also able to wrangle up some money and backing from the party. Crewleader would be another good source, she has many connections in the party. Give her a shout, I think she assisted JMACH 1. Go for it, it will be a long hard slog, you do have to have passion and conviction. Good luck!

:kick:

[Renew Deal]

43. Thanks for the info.

[stevedeshazer]

58. Other DUers have run, too

PBinOregon won the Democratic nomination in 2002. He lost in the general but his district is solidly Repub.

god_bush_n_cheney is running for Secretary of State in Washington.

And don't forget AWD fronm Ohio, he's running for Congress.

Take your passion and do something! And good luck.

[Renew Deal]

60. I plan to do something.

I am not sure what yet. I will be involved with some projrct this fall. I might try to organize the poll watching countty wide or something else if I don't do this. We shall see.

[IkeWarnedUs]

76. Link to MaineMary's thread about her campaigning

How I became a State Representative

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=3654&forum=DCForumID22


A couple of suggestions from my experience with the campaign staff for Larry Quick who ran against Dennis Hastert in 2002.

Just like you describe, Larry ran because the Democratic party hadn't bothered to find anyone else to do it. They wrote off the race, saying that Hastert was too strong. I got involved because, although I live in Danny Davis' district, my husband's family is in Hastert's and folks there were pretty fed up with their home boy who got too big for them (a quote I heard many times). Everywhere we went I heard how much people wanted an alternative. When they did get to hear about Larry and what he stood for, people loved him.

A couple of problems though. First, while Larry is a very intelligent and creative person, he wasn't dynamic enough to stir up a crowd and he didn't think well on his feet. He got better as the campaign went on, but there were too many missed opportunities by then. I suggest you start practicing speaking in front of people and practice responding to difficult questions. Don't underestimate how tough it will be. Practice, practice, practice - especially if you don't have much money for print and radio/tv ads.

That brings us to money. I would start by going back to the people from that local Democratic club and ask how much money they are willing to commit to your campaign. Tell them you will do it if they will raise at least $______ each. You can determine the actual number by doing a little research on advertising costs in your area. As a candidate you will be entitled to the lowest rate charged to any advertiser by each outlet. For example, in the 14th Illinois District (Aurora area) we got 30 second air time for less than $10 each because that's what they offered huge national advertisers. I'm sure it will be more in the Long Island area, but a few phone calls will give you an idea what to shoot for. Same thing with yard signs and flyers. Find out where other Dem campaigns are getting their stuff from (make sure it's a union shop) and get cost on that too.

It is never too soon to start putting together your campaign staff. Start with the folks who are pushing you to do this. Again, make them commit to working _______ hours a week themselves and recruiting ______ number of other volunteers. You CANNOT do this alone and can't be shy about asking people to help.

Don't count on ANY help from your state Dem party or the DCCC. You might want to contact incumbent Democrats in your state. They can donate to your campaign from their own war chests. But don't expect any help from DLC members (http://www.ndol.org/new_dem_dir_action.cfm?viewAll=1) That's not a commentary on the DLC, it is from experience. If you're interested, I have The 2002 DCCC Campaign Planning Workbook on my pc as a Word document and would be happy to e-mail it to you.

Talk this over with your family, especially your wife (or girlfriend, you don't say if you are married). Not only will the campaign affect their lives, but if you win you will spend a lot of time in DC as well. Make sure they are behind you on this, it will make your life a lot easier as things proceed.

Finally - don't be discouraged if it looks like you can't win. Read MaineMary's story in the link above. It took her three tries to beat the 10 term incumbent, but she did. Lots of things can happen. Peter King may be involved in a scandal or get sick and have to drop out for example. If nothing else, you will learn a LOT about how our political system really works.

[countmyvote4real]

14. Go for it, Bleachers7.

Liberalboy just gave a great start to your "My name is Wes Clark" intro.

And there are cross-over issues like the deficit, unemployment and out-sourcing of jobs that could resonate with all your CD constituents.

It's never easy to run against an incumbent. Study Mr. King's record and see if you can beat it. As far as your record goes (or lack there of), that could be to your advantage.

Keep us posted.

[Renew Deal]

45. Someone else said the record could be to my advantage.

And I think you are right.

[cally]

15. I think you should run

I agree with others that noone expects you will win. You will make your name in Democratic circles. Improve your ability to make your opinions heard and get to know the activists in your districts. You have a great ability and maybe this is a stepping stone to bigger things. Only do it if you want to spend every weekend and most week nights hitting the sidewalk and precinct walking. Good luck.

[JasonBerry]

17. Agreed

That's absolutely right. A race is sometimes nothing more than laying foundation for a future race for the same, or another, elective office. I hope he doesn't base a decision on whether it is electable. It may not be this time - but it very well might be the next time.

[Renew Deal]

63. Electability is a small part of it.

I need to work to pay bills. And campaigning takes a lot of time. It's 24/7. I would probably have to drop my classes. I would not want to run unless I could talk to every voter in my district. That would be hard to do.

[Renew Deal]

61. I do want to serve someday.

I just never imagined it would be this early. Then again, Harold Ford has gone to the house at around my age. I don't know.

[HEyHEY]

16. You too!? Weird.

;-)

[HootieMcBoob]

18. Good Luck

We need more people like you in NY. :toast:

[Eric J in MN]

21. Do it and gain experience.

Even if the district is too Republican to win in 2004, you'll learn about campaigning and you can win another race.

[Renew Deal]

65. That's one side of it.

I can also wait a few more years and better position myself for a run.

[Eric J in MN]

67. If you don't run now, you may not get a chance later. (nt)

nt

[Renew Deal]

71. That's true.

I really want to challenge this old guard tool of special interests.

[NewJerseyDem]

27. I think you should run

King is the most annoying person to ever serve in the House of Representatives. The district really isn't that republican. It voted for Gore by giving him 53% of the vote. Because King is moderate on some issues, mostly labor policy, I believe, he can win in the district but it really isn't very republican anymore so hopefully we can take him down. There should be a democratic opponent. Why the people of Long Island vote for him, is shocking to me.

This is his description from politicsny.com. He has decided against running for Senate.
http://www.politicsny.com/archives/2003/february/congressionalratings.shtml

PETER KING (R-Seaford)

There isn’t a political observer in the Empire State who doesn’t want King, the most obnoxious member of the congressional delegation, to vacate his House seat and run for U.S. Senate against Chuck Schumer next year. No one (except King) thinks the Nassau County congressman could beat Schumer. King, an author of books that sell poorly, is no Stephen King. Pete’s fairly frequent announcements that he is thinking about running for statewide office usually coincide with the release with one of his mediocre books. Memo to Congressman King: Please don’t let us down this time. Run against Chuck Schumer for U.S. Senate next year. Then maybe the good citizens of Nassau and Suffolk County can find a good representative to replace you in Congress.

[Renew Deal]

66. That's very interesting

And I think I can use something like that to my advantage.

[puerco-bellies]

28. God's speed with a suggestion..

What in your soon-to-be district needs attention? What nuts-n-bolts issue you can master? Remember the adage that all politics is local.
P.S. Invite your DU buddies to D.C. for your victory party!!

[Nebraska_Liberal]

30. GO FOR IT!

Hey man, go for it. It is worth a try. If I was asked to run for ANY seat in my state, Hell, I would even run for the third congressional seat, and that is basically unwinnable. It is held by three time national champion football coach Tom Osbourne! Who is gonna beat Osbourne in Nebraska? It would be a long shot, but I would try, and call him a right wing enabler in the process!

Ned

[Renew Deal]

69. I would do it if I can plan my life the right way.

[Renew Deal]

68. Hmm

Local taxes, Jobs, Benefits for seniors. I have to find out more and I would do that. I would invite everyone if I pulled it off.

[VolcanoJen]

29. Bleachers, you gotta answer the call.

Just like your candidate. It's your time. And I've admired you for so long, for always sticking to your guns.

GO FOR IT!!!!!

[Renew Deal]

70. Thanks

I would have to really lay some issues out for myself. I have ideas and values now. I am also can argue both sides of issues with my self. I would have to take a stand on a lot.

[Stephanie]

31. Conversation tonight with my friend:

Picture yourself in 20 years - will you kick yourself for doing or not doing this? What do you want to look back on yourself 20 years from now and see?

[Renew Deal]

73. You know?

I wonder the same thing. What if? What if I can do it? What if I can win? I will never know if I don't. But I tell you this, the odds are huge against me.

[Lexingtonian]

32. hey, look into it

There seems to be quite some talk that King intends to retire or run for governor (iirc) in 2006. NY-3 is thought to be a likely Democratic pickup when he does. But he is so much of an 'entrenched' incumbent (read: the old people are so used to him that they vote for him thoughtlessly and dismiss criticism out of hand) that no Democratic career politician of stature is willing to put that career on the line.

Democrats have recently taken over the governments of Nassau and Suffolk Counties from the degenerating Long Island Republican machine. So they're still somewhat fresh and have a decent amount of advice and help to give. But they're still New York politicians, and chances are that some of them have designs on the House seat, so what they have to offer may well have...limitations.

Maybe a way of looking at it is this: if you truly have the time, it's an excellent opportunity for learning/testing management skills. The initial job is to get Democratic grassroots work done and to get the tone and style and needs and power/wealth composition and population composition of the district worked out. That leads to the campaign strategy (issues), tactics (towns to target, registration drives), and base (donors, canvassers, activists). Finally, there is a PR/active campaigning plan and its execution.

Chances are that there will be too much to overcome. Nonetheless, the idea might be to grasp what personal opportunity presents itself in the process (contacts, learning, new skills, potential outright job offers) and impersonally to be content to lay groundwork for a successful Democratic candidate in 2006 or 2008.

[Renew Deal]

74. I think I have some advatages that I could play.

Including some of what you mentioned.

[clyrc]

33. Do It!

Two years ago my husband decided to run for state office because a republican was running unopposed. I was his campaign manager, and we got very little support from the state party, but it was still one of the most incredible experiences of my life. There were quite a few other first timers with little party support running, too, because they loved Democracy and hated what republicans were doing to the state. The night we (and the other first timers) lost was horrible, but I was sustained by knowing I had done my part for Democracy.

Do it and know that it will be wonderful, awful, and that it will engross you more than you could think possible. Whatever the outcome, it will be worth it.

[Renew Deal]

75. Thanks

I also do worry about what happens if I lose. I mean, I probably have to stop working to do this.

[Vernunft II]

34. Some of these are not necessarily drawbacks

I have no elected or serious political experience.
I have no formal positions other than what's on DU.
I have no serious experience with the party.
I have liberal arts and technology degrees.

At least those four would rather work in your advantage. I´d go for it. There´s nothing to loose and you´d get to speak your mind in public.

[Serenity-NOW]

35. No doubt here in California we've had a couple of doozies

Arnold and Reagan. Arnold wasn't even voting and Reagan... well bedtime for Bonzo 4 guys from General Electric tapped Reagan and we all know of Arnolds pals at Enron. Find out where the power brokers are and tell them you want to run. I'd love to run for local office, supe or school board but we're all Dems so It just makes no sense and might actually split a vote and allow a you know what to win. But I'm staying in touch with my district supe and making ready when he decides he's had it. My only qualifications are a degree and as a business owner.

[German-Lefty]

36. Hmm, you seem "real" enough, maybe I can be the first campaign contributer

If you put up a nice bio and outline your political platform. I'm guessing I'd support you and give you some money. The question is will others do the same. I want to see regular people you can trust in congress.

Is this the right place to fight the Republicans?

You're going to need help. I hope our crappy party gives you some contacts who know a thing or two about elections and doesn't just set you up as a placeholder on a ballot.

[trogdor]

53. I'll do your website design.

Check out either of the links at the bottom of the screen. Find an ISP that allows Perl CGI (mine is http://www.ipowerweb.com), and I'll set up your page gratis.

Edit: The page you see is a script that pulls in text files, formats them, and arranges them nicely on the page, provides anchored links in a seperate column, and a space for external links (like your PayPal link for people to contribute to your campaign) below that. There is also a set of scripts I use to generate and manage the content. It's about as easy as posting to DU.

I did a site like this for the Democratic candidate for mayor of Utica last year, and had it up and running in less than an hour.

[JNelson6563]

37. Many local Dem parties are hard pressed

for candidates. They see someone with some fight they think "winner".

I know how it is because it is the same here. I think your only disadvantage is your age but it can be overcome. You'll have to strive to come off as level-headed but determined. Passionate but not hot-headed. It's a balancing act.

I recommend you look into it thoroughly as the race would become your life for months.

Julie

[revcarol]

44. Get the senior citizens on your side.

They are enraged now because Medicare is being jacked around and their grandchildren are going to be paying for Bush's war machine for years!!

Turn your age into an asset!!You are one of those grandchildren!!

[maddezmom]

39. GO FOR IT!!!

[Ganja Ninja]

40. Hell Yes! Go fo it!

If a shaved monkey can be president than why can't you be in Congress? Look at Rick Santorum.
And if you get there think of the bennifits the perks and the chicks.

[Killarney]

41. If it were me...

I'd go for it.

You've gotten a lot of great suggestions here.

It's very exciting! :)

[nostamj]

46. i'm in NYC and could help

at the very least you'd have free graphic design!

seriously, the repub shouldn't do unopposed. it's an opportunity to put issues out there.

[styersc]

47. RUN!!!

Run an underground, guerilla campaign. Lots of door to door canvassing and speak at any public gathering available from Kiwanis Club to the Girl Scout Jamboree. A heavy Repub District means that there are lot of frustrated Dems dying for someone to vote for.

And your description of "no experience" mans that you are as qulaified as Dean, only four years behnd Edwards, as qualified as Lincoln as when he first ran locally and you have no ugly record to air (Kerry's problem now).

[GoldenOldie]

48. GO FOR IT!!!

You already took a stand when you said you were ready to kick ass.
Your passion to make a change and your willingness to get off the couch and go to a meeting is the beginings. Apparently the attendees of this meeting see something in you that you are not yet aware of.
You will discover how fast you will learn and how much knowledge you will acquire to become somewhat an expert in the political field. Don't ever cut your liberal/technical education short....Hastert, High school football coach, Tim Russert and his cronies with legal degrees, posing as journalists (attorneys are trained to defend one-side), Tom DeLay....bug killer, etc., etc., etc.

Good Luck

[LeahMira]

49. Why not?

I think you need to ask your family if they are ready for this, maybe take a serious look at your finances and your current job duties, and if things look promising and you think you have the sincere interest to give the time to the effort, then go for it. Whether you win or not, at least some good ideas will be "out there" for people to think about. We need as many honest people as we can get in public office.

I've found that sometimes the best things come along without warning. Young as you are, you probably don't have a bunch of other responsibilities on you just yet, and the opportunity may not come along again.

I told myself a while ago that I could be 60 with a masters degree or I could just be 60. Being 60 was not up for a choice. That would come whatever I did. But I did have the choice about the degree. So, this December coming, I'll be 60 and I'll have a degree. You are going to be 30 anyhow. Up to you who you are then, OK?

[LeahMira]

50. Why not?

I think you need to ask your family if they are ready for this, maybe take a serious
look at your finances and your current job duties, and if things look promising and
you think you have the sincere interest to give the time to the effort, then go for it.
Whether you win or not, at least some good ideas will be "out there" for people to
think about. We need as many honest people as we can get in public office.

I've found that sometimes the best things come along without warning. Young as
you are, you probably don't have a bunch of other responsibilities on you just yet,
and the opportunity may not come along again.

I told myself a while ago that I could be 60 with a masters degree or I could just
be 60. Being 60 was not up for a choice. That would come whatever I did. But I did
have the choice about the degree. So, this December coming, I'll be 60 and I'll
have a degree. You are going to be 30 anyhow. Up to you who you are then, OK?

[trogdor]

51. I say, why the hell not?

If truly nobody wants to take Rep. King on, I say why not? Tell you what. Go to my website (see below non-Dean link), and click the "Old Stuff" link on the left-hand side. Search my archives for the articles I wrote about running for Congress in the equally-Repuke Upstate (24th CD). It's mostly blather, but there might just be a few nuggets of inspiration in there.

Articles of interest include:
The Case for Electing Democrats
Just a few notes about rural and small-town House candidates and campaign finance

I still like my suggestion that a candidate with no money might channel the ghost of Sen. Wellstone by refurbishing an old minivan and using it to get people's attention. I bet your Congresscritter hasn't had to campaign in ages, either.

[adamrsilva]

52. I say do it

as long as wouldn't hurt familial or job duties, etc.

No Republican should run unopposed. I bet plenty of people there don't vote simply because they think this is guy is a sure win. You should run like you're running for President, knocking on doors, building up a strong base of volunteers. I say go for it.

[mac2]

54. Run for Congress?

For many states the time for registering to run is over.

Help another Democrat run for office to see who you can do it.

[SanchoPanza]

56. Pete isn't Invulnerable

Large parts of Nassau County are no longer the Republican strongholds that they were five or ten years ago, and so I think a competent and well-run campaign can give Rep. King a run for his money. Steve Israel did very well in the towns along the 2nd and 3rd District borders back in 2000, and ended up taking over Rick Lazio's seat when the popular congressman left for his failed bid to keep Hillary Clinton out of the Senate.

[Eurobabe]

59. i just saw that numbnuts on CNN with Wolf

and Ford. It's a no brainer. Go for it!

[mdguss]

72. Only Run If--

If you run--and if you want to win and/or keep the doors open to other elective office--you have to raise enough money to print some signs, buy stamps, employ a small staff (probably 2), you have to have a large group of people who'd be willing to volunteer for you (generally this is family friends), you have to be in a position where you could spend 16 hours a day 7 days a week running.

Against a well-funded opponent, you'll never match them on tv ads. But you'll have to buy some to get your side of the story aired.

You have to be willing to knock on thousands of doors, attend countless meetings of different groups, and generally try to patch together diffuse interests.

Is it possible? Sure.

But if you're not in a position where you can raise $125,000 (and that is the bare minimum), and spend that long campaigning, don't do it.

Also, only run if you want to be a Congressperson: they generally have to spend 3-4 days a week in Washington attending various committee meetings, calling various agencies on the behalf of constituents, and crossing the street to raise enough money for the next election. They go through this grueling campaign every two years. If you win, you'll be in a vulunerable seat, and you'll have two or maybe three more hotly contested elections.

But if you can do all those things, go ahead, run. You might not win, but you can probably make a difference.