A few questions about running for public office...

[Craig3410]

If my ultimate goal is to one day run for the Senate or House of Representatives, what should I first run for?

Is it required to go to law school to run for public office, or is it just a coincidence that so many are lawyers?

[noamnety]

1. You don't have to be a lawyer

doctor or actor is also good. :)

[MissMarple]

2. I believe you have to be a citizen, and there are some age requirements

for certain positions. Other wise, I think it is pretty much open. Now as to electibility, that is the key trait you need. That is very subjective and depends on who will be voting for you.

Good luck, and develop a very tough hide.

[K-W]

3. Run for something you can win.

Guage your resources and opportunities. Run for something you can win, unless you are very wealthy or connected, thats probably a town position.

But as other posters have said the boundries for running for office are mostly political, not legal. You need to know the right people and the right pocketbooks.

If you just want to get into politics now, run for the school board or something. Start at the local level and build a career. Or you could go into politics working for campaigns and get experience and connections that way and one day swing yourself over into the politician role, or you could go to law school, or you could go to business school, get rich, and then run for the senate.

[TX-RAT]

4. Good advice

One more little piece of advice.
Be careful what you ask for. I was an elected official my last 16yrs before i retired. My phone never quit ringing, i couldn't go or do anything without someone wanting to complain or tell me a better way to do my job. All in all it was very fulfilling, i did enjoy my work.
Good Luck