Why shouldn't I run for political office?

[Wetzelbill]

I can't think of a reason for not doing so, other than just being a chicken. Currently, I'm a Creative Writing/Political Science Double Major at the University of Arizona. I will be done in about two years, and plan to go back to my home state of Montana for grad school. I have a Video Production Degree, coauthored a book and spent a few years as a High School wrestling coach years ago. I have done some policy work for a lady who ran for Arizona Corporation Commission and used to be an opinions columnist for the Arizona Daily Wildcat. Right now, I am 30 - started college a little late - and I live, eat, sleep and breathe politics.

I would like to run in 2008 or 2010, and both the State Senate and State Reps in my district back home -Glacier County, MT - will be opening up due to term limits in the next few years. The bulk of the voters are solidly Dems, from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and both seats are pretty safe for Democrats. I am a Blackfeet Indian, Btw, and a pretty well liked person back home. The district is small, -12,000 people, maybe a thousand turn out to vote - and I'm thinking I could easily raise some money from DU, relatives and friends. It wouldn't take much to win, at least financially. I would think a core group of 10-20 supporters who are willing to put in some time for me would go a long way to helping me win. A few weeks ago, my Great Uncle, a former BIA Area Director and lifelong educator, told me I should go back home to do so. He used to be a good friend of Paul Wellstone, and he's encouraged me to take on the same issues that Senator Wellstone has. I think I'll be ready, but I am nervous. I'm sort of a private person, but I love policy. I just love the idea of doing some great things and fighting for regular people. I hate the damage being done to our country. I'd much rather vote or work for somebody who has my same ideals, but I'm beginning to think that if you want something done right you should just go and do it yourself. It's easy to be disappointed in elected officials, so I think activists should remedy that by getting into office themselves. Maybe I should practice what I preach. I'd be interested in your comments, as I respect my well informed and passionate fellow DUers.

[The Traveler]

1. I see no reason you should not run

You've heard the call. Why not answer? This is not time for good people to pretend they are deaf.

[snowbear]

2. Go for it !!

I live in Anchorage, but I have a cabin down in Bigfork (do you know where that's at? :) ) How far is that from where you'll be?

If you decide to run, make sure you create a website so everyone here can keep track of your campaign.. And of course, make sure you post the info in the Montana section too! :hug:

[Wetzelbill]

5. I wrestled a guy from Big Fork :)

I would be about two hours north of where you are at. Just East of Glacier National Park.

[snowbear]

6. Oh cool... Go for it !!

When you run, I'll make sure I'm in Bigfork so I can help out with your campaign!

:patriot:

[Wetzelbill]

11. Now I'll take you up on that....

[Maple]

3. One line leapt out....

"I'm sort of a private person, but I love policy."

Politics requires glad-handing, baby-kissing, speechifying, remembering people's names...and their kid's names, dealing with mikes shoved in your face, the rubber chicken circuit with bbq's and endless church basement dinners...schmoozing in other words.

If you think you can do that, as well as be a policy wonk...then you'll be okay. More power to ya. :D

[Wetzelbill]

7. I can handle it, just wouldn't like doing it day in and day out

I like crowds. But, I'm pretty much a homebody at the end of the day. I can play that stuff, glad handing etc. It's just not my favorite thing. I think being a public figure, requires a Jeckyll and Hide type personality. I couldn't carry that public persona with me 24/7 thought. It just wouldn't be me.

[Maple]

9. Well it was the

most difficult part for me...being 'on' all the time, as I'm a very private person as well, but as long as you're prepared for it, which I wasn't, and have a place to go for some 'downtime' it should work.

[Wetzelbill]

13. Downtime would be essential

I'm fortunate that it's such a small area that the campaign wouldn't be a really hectic thing. Not like if I had to reach a few hundred thousand voters or anything. Small town, small country. Almost everyone knows each other, in some way shape or form.

[LuPeRcALiO]

4. Why not? The worst that could happen is you'd lose.

But you'd learn a hell of a lot about politics. And if you liked it, you could run again and win the second, like many good politicians (Clinton, Kerry).

Or you might win the first time!

[SouthernDem2004]

8. Even if you lose atleast you will have an interesting story to tell the

grand kids one day.

You should run. Atleast try to make a difference.

[LuPeRcALiO]

10. p.s. if you can befriend the political reporter

of your local paper you can save yourself a lot of :wtf: surprises!!

Unless he or she is a total asshole it would be worth the trouble.

[FrenchieCat]

12. Run, Wetzelbill, Run!

All you need is a clear set of beliefs, a plan, and some passion.

If you win, just never forget why you ran in the first place!

I think you should do it.

Good luck! :hi:

[Senior citizen]

14. Do it!

Sounds to me like you'd win and be able to do a lot of good.

The only reasons I know of for not running is if you're not a citizen or not old enough to legally hold office. That's not you.

I ran for a local office once. I lost but it was the thrill of a lifetime to finally see a name on the ballot of someone I could trust: me!

Plus I made so many three-minute speeches before different groups that now I can say almost anything in three minutes or less if I need to. It is a handy skill to have.

Don't be nervous in the least. If there was someone in your district better qualified than you, you'd probably already be supporting them, or at least urging them to run. I hope you get the State Senate gig--it is a good stepping stone towards Congress. But State Rep is also good because it will give everyone a chance to get to know you and see how well you handle things. The world needs more Wellstones, particularly if they can wrestle and have other survival skills.

[Wetzelbill]

15. That's it, to finally see someone that you can trust, namely yourself

I just get sick of having to vote for the person who sucks less than the other candidate who sucks.

[Senior citizen]

18. LTKFC

Laughing To Keep From Crying.

That's exactly how I felt.

Big money always finances the campaigns of the bottomsuckers they can buy, while those who can't be bought often have to run for office without even the support of their own party. But if you check the list of those who signed John Conyers' petition, you'll see that quite a few make it anyway. I'm sure you will.

[cornermouse]

16. Go for it.

I think this is in the category of not having regrets about the things that you might have wanted to try but didn't. If you think that its something you want to do, go for it.

If you lose, you'll know that you at least tried. If you win, you can try to do something to turn the country around or at least be in place to help when things do start changing.

It might be exactly what you're looking for, but if you find you don't like it, you can always stop.

[kentuck]

17. Go for it!

What's the worst that can happen?? You're a winner either way.

[stevedeshazer]

19. You should, I supported you before

You should be Montana's Lieutenant Governor, but Schweitzer ignored my letter. :hi:

[LiberalFighter]

20. Advice: Get to know the precinct people and the local party chairs in area

Attend other policital functions so that they get to know you better.
Make sure the state party know who you are so they can provide you with resources.

Transfer your opinions columnist bit from the college to the local newspapers.

Know the issues in the area that you intend to serve both locally and statewide.