How do I run for congress?

[hillbilly123069]

This is ugly,I am sure but ,it could get a whole lot uglier if we don't act now. What other options do we have for firing these boneheads? As for educated people, I agree with in the idea that applies to senate and the presidency.However, congress was meant to be ordinary citizens. These are positions of duty,not ambition or idealism.

Would I be correct in assuming the biggest responsibilty is supposed to be(Not to be confused with what "they" tell us),when voting for a bill,etc.,ask is this what the people(not corporate america) want,does this violate the Constitution in any way, does this hurt anyone, how much will it help people? This is my interpretation of what I have read. You don't need to be a rocket scientist, just have some good common sense and an open ear to the our voices!
Thanks for the excellent links and for the most part, fruitful advice.

 

[Primbs]

Many think there is no need for advanced education in politics when running for office. Quite the contrary. If you were to do law, CPA, medicine you would want some advanced education.

Same with politics. You can learn a lot by being involved in other campaigns, going to non profit fundraisers, networking with other people and getting involved with the interest groups you seek to represent.

If you are pro 2nd amendment get involved with every group on that issue and they will teach many things you need to know.

There is an art and science to campaigning.

Reading these forums is also a great place to start.

 

[FindLiberty]

Join the JBS for a lot of education in the whole process of running for office.

Be warned though, running can be a bit like picking a fight with someone who has many tricks and bully friends to unleash upon you. You may run into the political machine that has it's own "big gov" pork agenda. This may get you (and/or your family) threats, offers (if you keep quiet), and maybe even violence from thugs, reporters, and gov goons as they investigate YOU if they perceive you as a real threat to them. i.e., too honest, have lots of popular support and a real chance of winning the election, especially if you are so "clean" that they can find no dirt in your past that they can use as leverage against you, etc.

I think it's rather ugly - who would want to get involved with the ugly process of making laws to restrict freedoms on this or that (like making sausage). The need is there for a few GOOD people, but the job attracts monsters in general. The whole system (including the MSM) protect the machine from good people most of the time. The insider wanting more money and power usually gets into office instead.

It's been said that the very best of people can eventually go to the dark side when exposed to the full power of government coercion at their fingertips after a few years in the system. The exposure to various "deals" and trades starts with a precinct captain, "let this slime ball go unchallenged and we won't stop so and so's campaign in return for this favor", etc.

That said, it's a lot of fun, but get that advice 1st. It may put a strain on family life, but look at Ron Paul for an example of long term success.

 

[nate895]

Many think there is no need for advanced education in politics when running for office. Quite the contrary. If you were to do law, CPA, medicine you would want some advanced education.

Same with politics. You can learn a lot by being involved in other campaigns, going to non profit fundraisers, networking with other people and getting involved with the interest groups you seek to represent.

If you are pro 2nd amendment get involved with every group on that issue and they will teach many things you need to know.

There is an art and science to campaigning.

Reading these forums is also a great place to start.

Think experience (that of actually running) for school office will help. My record is 5-1 (three of those were unopposed, however).

 

[newyearsrevolution08]

Not trying to be rude with this link so please dont take it the wrong way but "congress for dummies" might be a great start.

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/Dum...ies.productCd-0764554212,subcat-POLITICS.html

I myself have asked the same type of questions many times before. There are so many of us who would love to ACT and stand up and take office BUT have no clue what is in store for us OR what we would actually be doing.

Does anyone else know of great books online or offline that could help someone really get the hang of running a campaign, local on up and also what the jobs themselves entail.

 

[Primbs]

Books are good, but there are so many unwritten rules, you want to hang out with other politicians, elected officials, activists, media types to learn what they have to offer.

You can learn as much from losing campaigns as you can from winning campaigns.

Usually the long term political activists will be the most helpful.

I would go to citizens lobbying groups to learn about which politicians are good and which ones are not so good.

 

[notcarljung]

How? It's quite simple. Just go to your state GOP's website and look for the necessary info. Your secretary of state's website might have information as well.

Access to the primary ballot generally involves paying various fees. If you're running on a 3rd party ticket, you might need to collect petitions.

Remember to keep excellent track of your campaign finances. Because you've got to report all that stuff... somehow. lol.

How do you get elected to congress? I dunno, ask a politican.

 

[raystone]

http://www.rlc.org/?p=FAQ


20 questions:

What seat are you running for and where?
Why are you running?
What are your qualifications?
What campaign training programs have you attended?
How many votes do you need to win?
What’s wrong with your opponent?
Are you willing to tell the voters what’s wrong with your opponent?
Generally describe the political & demographic make-up of your district?
What’s your “game plan” for winning?
What are you going to do differently from others who have run for this seat and lost?
How much will your campaign cost?
What will you spend the money on?
How much have you raised so far?
How much of your own money have you put into your campaign?
How do you expect to raise the balance?
Who is working on your campaign (manager, consultants, advisers, etc.)?
Who is supporting your campaign (endorsements)?
Are you going to campaign full time?
What are your top THREE issues?
What is your campaign’s web site address ... and can you accept online contributions?

 

[FrankRep]

http://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Local...bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205157606&sr=1-1


..

Also, join the John Birch Society. They are a wealth of information and support.

http://www.JBS.org/


...

 

[Primbs]

Try to get elected to a lower position first. It will give you training and credibility.

Getting elected to Congress for a first time campaign is rare and difficult. You will be up against people who have been making contacts for years and know how to run a campaign.

Bill Clinton lost his first race for congress and he is a natural.

Obama lost his first race for congress.

George W. Bush lost his first race for congress. You want to have an election win or two under your belt before you run for congress.

However, some first timers have done it. But usually they have led a citizens lobby group, which requires similar skills as running for congress and they have been watching and learning for a few years.