Elected Position

[Lancealot]

There is a political position coming open next year. I am considering running for.

I was curious if any of the mebers here have ever run for an elected position and if so what was your experience.

 

[Paisley]

I was president of a couple of different clubs. The hardest part was getting people to contribute any time or effort to the clubs' activities. They expected a few people to do absolutely everything for them. No more for me, thanks.

 

[warbird]

There is a political position coming open next year. I am considering running for.

I was curious if any of the mebers here have ever run for an elected position and if so what was your experience.

Are you speaking of elected public office?

 

[Big Man]

I have been a Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor for the past 20 years. This is a county-wide elected position in local/state government. There is no pay involved with the position other than the satisfaction of doing one's part to try to improve water quality and prevent soil erosion. The Board of Supervisors oversees two full-time employees who implement the District's program, as well as oversees administration of the NC Cost Share Program (as it applies to residents within our county).

Over the past 20 years I have been privileged to participate in several major projects that, I believe, have contributed significantly to preserving the quality of our natural environment. I have enjoyed my time as a District Supervisor, and will be up for re-election in two years.

I would encourage people to become involved in government. If you feel you have something positive to offer, then by all means seek elected office.

 

[scotrace]

Remember

Big Man - you know this well:

Sometime when you are driving your car, remember that the road is there because somebody went to all the meetings.

Lancealot - make sure you know what you are getting into in terms of what the job entails. If, after careful consideration, you think you have something to bring to the table that can make a difference, then I think you have to take the opportunity to improve your community. People who run for office for the right reasons and with clear goals are usually successful.

 

[Pilgrim]

I have been president of a homeowner's association for the past three years, and am entering a year as president of a university alumni association. These aren't quite public elected office, but they have taught me a couple of things from the personal end, not from the angle of how to get elected.

Scotrace captured a very important point: KNOW what you're getting into. What it appears may not be what it seems. Talk to previous occupants of the position. Find out what you can about the hidden bear traps, and try to get a feel for who your allies and opponents may be if you get the position.

You may find that it's what you want to do, or you may find that you want to turn and run like the wind!

But if you DO get elected, one piece of advice: TELL THE TRUTH. When you tell people the truth, you don't have to remember what story you told a year ago - you just have to tell the truth again. You don't always have to spill all the details, but stick to the truth. People respect that. If they don't respect it, then they have their own problems to worry about.

 

[Atticus Finch]

Hi Lancealot,

I am a Senior Assistant District Attorney. While my name is not on the ballot, I serve at the pleasure of the elected District Attorney. Were he to be defeated in an election, I would be expected to pack my bags and leave office with him.

Because I am almost as visible to the public as is the District Attorney, I remain keenly aware of the local political environment and act as if every day was election day. I attend political fundraisers, I speak at local clubs and schools when invited, I refrain from being seen (too often) in local bars, I am a member of several local civic organizations---and actually work on their projects when asked. I contribute to every cause under the sun. I never say no to a bake sale, a raffle ticket or a charitable solicitation.

Now, are you sure that you want to run for office?

Atticus

 

[Lancealot]

Are you speaking of elected public office?

Yes I am.

 

[Tomasso]

I was curious if any of the members here have ever run for an elected position and if so what was your experience.

Not my cup of tea. I've never run for office but a few family members have had relatively successful political careers on a statewide level (Governor, U.S./State Rep., party chairman, a few judges), so I've had a glimpse behind the curtain and found it to be a dirty business. Mind you, Illinois politics is notoriously rough and tumble.

 

[Lancealot]

Hi Lancealot,

I am a Senior Assistant District Attorney. While my name is not on the ballot, I serve at the pleasure of the elected District Attorney. Were he to be defeated in an election, I would be expected to pack my bags and leave office with him.

Because I am almost as visible to the public as is the District Attorney, I remain keenly aware of the local political environment and act as if every day was election day. I attend political fundraisers, I speak at local clubs and schools when invited, I refrain from being seen (too often) in local bars, I am a member of several local civic organizations---and actually work on their projects when asked. I contribute to every cause under the sun. I never say no to a bake sale, a raffle ticket or a charitable solicitation.

Now, are you sure that you want to run for office?

Atticus

What your describing was about what I was expecting. I still need to do some more research and speak with some folks who have served in the same postion. However right now I am very interested in serving. There are some things I'd like to see changed and I'd like the chance to make a difference.

 

[jamespowers]

ran for partisan and non-partisan office quite a few times. :eusa_doh: Served 8 years in partisan office that paid nothing but it sure gave you an idea of what goes on behind the scenes.
It is a dirty business and if you are running for a state wide or even city wide office you are going to have to raise money---unless you are a Rockerfeller. That is the most unseemly part of it all. :eusa_doh: Figure out what you are going to spend and double it. Only accept money from sources that you truly agree with because they will expect performance on their behalf.
Be constantly aware of your image because it is what the press and your opponent will play on. Political consultants help here if the office is high enough. They are professionals and politics is a business like no other.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Politics dirty? Bite your tongue

 

[Dagwood]

In the 1990's, I worked at the U.S. Senate for a certain U.S. Senator. Based on my experience, all of the Senators were very smart and seemed to work well together. However, it was the staff that was overly partisan and pushed the Senators a certain way. I can't tell you how many times I heard someone say that he or she personally liked the legislation but couldn't support it because it came from the wrong side of the political aisle.

That being said, I still think politics is a noble profession and would encourage your participation.

 

[Parallel Guy]

Have been involved in helping others run for office several times. It's only as dirty as you want it to be. Too many good people avoid running because it can get dirty and as a result we get what we fear. Personally, I have a deep respect for those who are willing to put their money where their mouth is, even those who I consider to be political opponents.

 

[warbird]

First decide if you really want to run. Are you willing to do these things.
1) Ask for money
2) Spend a lot of time knocking on doors and shaking hands.

I'd say I normally try to talk people out of running for office. It's hard work and can be painful. Only those who really want to do it usually go forward after my advice.

I'll give you this much advice for free. Treat running like a business, a short term business. Meaning know that you must have a plan and you have to provide income for your business to come to fruition.

You still want to run here's how to get started. By the by, a rule of thumb, most people make up their minds 2 weeks out, one week out and on the day of the election. Keep that in mind when spending your money

1) Make a list of everyone you know including business contacts, vendors you deal with in business and such. These are your first investors. You have to be willing to ask for money. If you aren't willing to believe in yourself enough for 1, forget about it and keep watching from the sidelines.

2) Make a list of 4 or 5 things you would really like to change, issues you believe in and use these as a launching pad for your platform. Whittle down your philosophy to a 2 or 3 sentence synopsis of your main theme. Anything more than that and you lose attention. Likewise make a list of 4 or 5 issues you are willing you compromise on and that's it. If you can't win in that area w/o compromising more of your principles don't run. Stick to your issues and don't allow others to sway you from them, always go back to your issues an plan on every question. Bill Clinton was good at it, George Wallace was the best I've ever seen.

3) Get a list of the most recent elections contribution income and expenditures from the local election commission or sec of state for that race and see how much it took to win. If it was uncontested find a close district that was contested and see their expenditures. Now you know how much the minimum is likely to be that you will have to raise to win. Make your plan from that.

4) Get a list of registered voters, ones who have voted in the last 2 elections, in that district and a list of primary voters as surely you have a party who you see more in line with than another. Start knocking on doors focusing first on those two groups of people. Those who never vote, **** 'em. You can always get a list later of those who are newly registered.

5) Seek the aid of volunteers and especially a volunteer campaign manager who will do a lot of leg work from the party you are most closely affiliated with even if this is a non-partisan race. Meet with that parties activists.

6) Seek money and help from an issue group that will see in line with one of your theme issues, in that local area.

That's enough to get going.

 

[jamespowers]

Politics dirty? Bite your tongue

lol lol lol
It is the most dirty and back stabbing thing I have ever been involved with. That's why I left it behind. I couldn't bite my tongue any longer. :eusa_doh:
Warbird has given some great advice. Take that as a definite guide to getting involved.

Regards,

J

 

[Lincsong]

First of all find out who you cannot trust and then keep them very close to you. Knowing and understanding your enemy is the first order of a political campaign.

 

[jamespowers]

First of all find out who you cannot trust and then keep them very close to you. Knowing and understanding your enemy is the first order of a political campaign.

Mr. Machiavelli lives.

 

[Lincsong]

and be careful of chain smoking octogenarian females and octo's who wear glue gunned decorated sweatshirts.

 

[SpitfireXIV]

having had a family member as an elected official, let me offer the following advice:

be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to this position. either reviewing documents and letters, or e-mails from concerned citizens, or public events where as an elected official, it would be proper to be there in support of local commerce, or the community.

also, stand by your convictions. you may not be popular with the masses, but if you at the end of the day, can live with yourself for standing up for what you believe to be right, that is all that matters. sometimes i think it's all just a grown-up version of a "popularity contest."