I'd Like to Run for Election in 06... Comments/Suggestions/Advice?

[GiovanniC]

I'm thinking of running for either school board of the school I went to my whole life, or township board. All things being equal, I'd like to run for state representative, but as a newcomer to politics I'd doubt my chances. The state senator for my district is a democrat and a damn fine one, so even if I had a chance there, which I don't at this time, I wouldn't run against him. Someday I'd like to go after US Rep and/or US Senate. But that's a ways off.

My main problems are these:

(1) Lack of experience. I've never run for elected office since I was a member of student council in junior high.

(2) Lack of a huge resume. I'm fairly young (I'll be 27 in 2006). I've been volunteering in the community for a couple of years, so by '06 I'll have several years of volunteer service in the community. But some of my likely opponents are older and have more impressive resumes as a result.

(3) I'm a Democrat in a Republican area. That could pose some problems, but I think most people around here are "Republican" in name only, but will vote Republican unless they have a reason not to. In other words, I think a lot of people here identify themselves as Republicans but have no idea what the Republican party stands for (or doesn't).

The position I want the most is a city council position, but I don't live in that district. The guy there is a real Republican jackass, and I think I could crucify him in an election, but it's not really worth moving there just to do so.

Any tips? Advice? Suggestions?

Thanks!

[meegbear]

1. I say do it!

If you have the drive and the heart to make the lives of yourself and others better, then by gum, do it.

[surfermaw]

2. Get you name out there

Find out what they are looking for, and want, then go from there, it is to get your name out there, go to ball games, and have someone or either you, give out your little cards and also to other events, if you were born and went to school in the area you should be know fairly well, it might take working a long time to get recognition...but that is what it is all about. I remember in the really old days, my dad would go to the little stores and talk for a while all over the county, or district. he was taking polls, and then back to the people who want to know what the people were thinking, it still works that way today, just more modern ways to get the i information, probably was much more accurate in those days of Roosevelt. If you don't give it a try how will you know, you need to gather people with influence around you, I would say one from each area you will gleam votes from.

[chookie]

3. You can be trained in what you must know

Contact Camp Wellstone
http://www.wellstone.org/camp/index.aspx

I just went through a grueling 3 day workshop that taught us how to run a campaign from the bottom up -- how to make the decision to run, building an organization, building your base, making yourself visible, etc

It is tough, but unbeatable when it comes to training people how to successfully run a campaign.

Our country needs good people -- so if you've got the right stuff, by all means, go for it. Camp Wellstone can help.

[GiovanniC]

5. Wow, Perfect Timing

There's a Camp Wellstone in Detroit in a month. I live in Michigan, so that's perfect.

I just registered for it. That was extremely helpful -- I'd never heard of Camp Wellstone, although I am an admirer of Paul Wellstone. Thank you very much!

[eyesroll]

4. Go for it!

Remember, most school board and township elections are non-partisan, so that automatic "Oh, I like him, but he's a Democrat" reflex won't be there.

And don't let age or inexperience bother you -- a paralegal in Milwaukee was recently elected a county supervisor. She, too, had no political experience. She's 22 -- and she has a difficult-to-pronounce last name, too, which can mess you up during campaigning. The first thing Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) ran for was Congress (and he won). The first thing Sen. John Edwards ran for was the Senate (and he won). Many people get their start at the level you're interested in.

I'd say start attending meetings of the body you'd like to run for -- establish a presence, perhaps become friendly with other board members (the ones you wouldn't be running against). Also, get in contact with your local Democratic Party officials -- even if the race is non-partisan, they can at least put you in touch with the right people. Maybe get on a citizen committee or two (recycling, landmarks, that sort of thing). Establish your resume through non-elected positions.

Good luck.

[GiovanniC]

6. That's True Re: Non-Partisan Election

I'm pretty outspoken with Letters to the Editor and Op/Ed pieces in the local newspaper, so hopefully that doesn't drag me down. My best bet is probably to run for the school board. I still live in the school district where I was born, raised, and attended school from grades K thru 12. I've been a mentor/tutor for another school where my young cousins attended, but I think I'm going to start mentoring over at my old school. I'm also going to start attending the school board meetings. I think school board is my most likely shot, frankly.

I also know a guy who used to serve on the school board, or maybe still does. I've sent him an email and hopefully we can have some kind of conversation and I can learn the ins & outs of running and serving (and maybe get some intel on who I can replace).

[Renew Deal]

7. Go to Camp Wellstone

You will learn a lot.

http://wellstone.org/camp/index.aspx

[GiovanniC]

8. I Just Registered

Thanks!

[GiovanniC]

9. Kick... Anyone Else?

:kick:

[Killarney]

10. Some tips

I ran for a town board this year and won.

A couple tips:
1) go to your state's democratic party website (or call them) and see who is the chair of your town's Democratic Town Committee. Some towns' DTC's are more active than others. But, get in touch with that person and tell them your intentions... they will help you out! All politics is local and town boards are a perfect place to start. Start going to local DTC meetings to get to know people.

2) Volunteer for any other local campaigns for elections this November. State senator, congressperson, whatever is coming up. You will get to know other volunteers and party-active people in your town.

3) Attend any and all town meetings. Just to get an idea about what the townspeople want/don't want because you'll have to create your own platform and know what you're running on when you go for it.

4) Volunteer for things in town... volunteer to help with July 4th, earth day, anything your town does just to get to know more people that are actively involved.

I ran for a town board and won. It was fun and I learned a lot. I have a 3 year term right now and after that I may run for state congress (we have an R in congress now).

Good luck!

[GiovanniC]

11. Thanks Killarney

Where I live right now, I'm outside the limits of town, so I can't run for City Council. So it's school board, county commissioner, or township board. I've only lived in my township for two years, but it's in the same school district I grew up in. I went to the same school district all the way K thru 12, and still live in that district, as do many family members. I don't have any children currently, but if I ever did they would likely go to that school district, too.

All this leads me to the conclusion that my best chance is the school board for my first election. How do you think that a school board election would be different and similar to running for town board, as you did successfully?

Anything you wish you knew then that you know now?

Thanks!

[Killarney]

12. More

I think it will REALLY help that you went to school there. Usually, in town elections there is some uneasiness (sometimes even contempt) for "outsiders" who come in and try to run things. Since you grew up there and went to school there, that helps so much.

This is how the elections went here:
the town elections included board of selectmen, school committee, planning board, housing board, library board, etc. Some were contested, some were not. Obviously the contested elections received the most attention. I ran in one of the contested elections.

The local papers did some interviews and that really helps to get your message out. If the local paper doesn't offer you time, call them and ask if you could send them a 400 word candidate statement.

Also, we actually had a town "debate" where each candidate gave a 3 minute speech and answered questions. That was fun and I think that was the night that really won it for me because I do well in public speaking and a couple of the other candidates did not do well.

Also, I befriended a popular candidate that was running for a different board. We made a little deal. Anytime I spoke with someone about my candidacy, I always threw out there... and while you're voting for me, vote for XXXX for XXX board! And she did the same for me. I think that really helped me as well because she was a very popular candidate in her race.

:toast: :)

[GiovanniC]

13. Thank You, That's Very Helpful

Did you use the Internet in your campaign, and if so, to what extent and to what effect?

Thanks again!

[Killarney]

18. Hi

I did not use the Internet in my campaign. However, my friend that ran for the other board did create a website for herself. She included the web address in an ad she took out in the local paper. She used the site to talk in detail about her relevant experience and how she feels on the issues at hand.

I don't know if it really helps or not at a town level.

[GiovanniC]

14. Shameless Kick

:kick:

[MAlibdem]

15. I School Committe a partisan position?

Not in my town...

[GiovanniC]

16. I Doubt It

Although I'm a partisan person. :)

And since it wouldn't be a partisan position per se, I know there would be some differences in how the election is run (I wouldn't have a Democratic "base" necessarily, for example). So any help or comments that anyone can provide will be helpful. I'm soaking up as much information as possible and Democratic Underground has a lot of great, politically active people.

Another thing I'd like to know from everyone's perspective as just a voter -- what do you look for in a school board candidate? What qualities are important to you when you vote for school board? I realize a lot of people don't even vote or pay attention to what they consider an inconsequential race -- how many of you guys (and gals) do?

[Killarney]

19. It depends on the town

and the year.

Right now, we're having crazy budget problems and the school's budget is the reason for our high property tax rates so seniors and people with no children want someone who will cut the budget. Parents always want more and better. I think to win the vote you have to go somewhere in between. Come up with innovative ideas on how to save money, trim the budget, yet not have to hurt the system (teacher layoffs, etc). Also, paying for health insurance for teachers is a huge expense in our town so any innovative ideas on that is always good.

It seems like every town's school committee has a hot button issue... over-crowding, new construction, budgets, layoffs, etc.

[TheDonkey]

17. Good Luck!! Thank You!!

I love to hear people trying to get into the system (definetly us Democrats). You are our future and I thank you. :)

[UrbScotty]

20. From one Michigander to another

Get to know the people. They will determine whether or not you get hired. As mentioned, get involved in city activities. Get involved, maybe, at church, if you go to one (though judging by your sig line I assume you don't). Get involved at your bisiness, if you have a job.

Go to the schools in your district. Every so often, I like to go back to my alma maters. Hopefully, there will still be at least a few of your former teachers there. Visit with them. ("Hey, Mrs. Jones, remember me, Kyle?") Tell them how you're doing, ask them how they're doing, let them know about your plans (they'd be overjoyed to know what you're doing!) and ask them what issues the school is facing. Perhaps you could go in-depths to what they're dealing with? What is it like for the kids? Remember: The kids are what is important. That's why we have schools. That may seem so simplistic, but it's easy to lose sight of that.

Come election time, offer a clear plan for your district. Also, Remind people of the importance of voting in the school election. School boards get about 5% turnout in most elections around my area. The more people you can get to turn out, and the more of whom turn out in your favor, the better.

One more thing: Have fun at Camp Wellstone!

GOOD LUCK!

[GiovanniC]

21. Actually...

I do have a church that I attend (and it's just down the road from the high school, in fact), though maybe I don't attend as often as I should. The sig line still stands, however. :)

Also... :kick: for the evening crowd.