I've been drafted (to run), what should I do?

[mczerone]

So I wasn't planning on running, but the state LP held their convention this past weekend, and needed to fill a spot. I agreed, filled out the paper-work, and put my name on the ballot.

It's for a state-wide office, there's an incumbent Republican and two Democrats running in their primary. I don't see any chance to win, at all, and don't have time or money to devote to an educational campaign.

So, should I just let my name sit stagnant on the ballot? Should I reach out to anyone for money/volunteers to do the "heavy lifting"? Should I even bother putting up a website?

Should the educational message of my campaign be "If you are reading this, don't get your hopes up"?

I'm not feeling very good about it, even though there are some professional benefits (and costs) to the state-wide name recognition.

Any thoughts?

 

[CaseyJones]

Win

 

[CaseyJones]

yes you should get a website, whats the office? if you are gonna run ... run to win

 

[CaseyJones]

you do not need that much money to win really... if you have enough volunteers

 

[ClydeCoulter]

Win

Yep! ^^^

 

[mczerone]

Win

It would take multiple devastating scandals, a sea-change in the voting population's view of the LP, and a whole litany of other conditions precedent. Not saying "impossible" - but I am saying that it's easier said than done.

yes you should get a website, whats the office? if you are gonna run ... run to win

Great, do you have $200 to donate for a 6 month website run?

you do not need that much money to win really... if you have enough volunteers

And I don't need that many volunteers if I have enough money. Right now I have neither, and don't have a source for either.

 

[CaseyJones]

come on, let's shake the pillars of heaven again

 

[CaseyJones]

what's the office?
I need to know

 

[eduardo89]

Win

Obviously not what's going to happen:

So I wasn't planning on running, but the state LP held their convention this past weekend, and needed to fill a spot. I agreed, filled out the paper-work, and put my name on the ballot.

 

[CaseyJones]

Obviously not what's going to happen:

go away troll

 

[jkr]

Rule with iron fist?

 

[mczerone]

Yep! ^^^

Alright, let's focus this conversation:

1) Do you think it's worth putting ANY effort into running a state-wide LP campaign against both other parties?

2) If so, do you have suggestions on how someone can get this effort off the ground with no money and few people willing to help?

 

[eduardo89]

go away troll

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[CaseyJones]

what is the office?

 

[mczerone]

Obviously not what's going to happen: (bolded LP)

That's the dilemma. I don't want to necessarily perpetuate the stereotype of "losertarians" - but I don't see any realistic path toward legitimacy in the eyes of voters.

I'm not interested in wasting donor's time and money to increase my vote total to 4% instead of the expected 2.8%.

So what do you think, eduardo: leave my name on the ballot as a paper candidate, or actually do a little for an "education effort"?

 

[CaseyJones]

god lol ok nm

 

[eduardo89]

That's the dilemma. I don't want to necessarily perpetuate the stereotype of "losertarians" - but I don't see any realistic path toward legitimacy in the eyes of voters.

I'm not interested in wasting donor's time and money to increase my vote total to 4% instead of the expected 2.8%.

So what do you think, eduardo: leave my name on the ballot as a paper candidate, or actually do a little for an "education effort"?

I say leave your name on the ballot as a paper candidate, to at least give people the option of a protest vote.

Then leave the LP and join the GOP.

 

[ClydeCoulter]

I say leave your name on the ballot as a paper candidate, to at least give people the option of a protest vote.

Then leave the LP and join the GOP.

While that last sentence disgusts me to no end, it appears that only being on a ticket with team A or team B can one hope to win.

But, perhaps that is not how it has to be in every case, or else there would be no other teams with success.

So, my questions to @mczerone are,

• 
  * What is the statewide position?
  * how popular are the other 2 candidates?
  * what are the political demographics of voters?
  * What is the "mood" of the voters, considering IRS, NSA, etc..?

I see that you are in MI. Amash territory.

 

[CaseyJones]

While that last sentence disgusts me to no end, it appears that only being on a ticket with team A or team B can one hope to win.

But, perhaps that is not how it has to be in every case, or else there would be no other teams with success.

So, my questions to @mczerone are,

• 
  * What is the statewide position?
  * how popular are the other 2 candidates?
  * what are the political demographics of voters?
  * What is the "mood" of the voters, considering IRS, NSA, etc..?

I am looking at all this now

 

[69360]

Has the LP ever won a statewide office?

My advice to you would be if you don't think it would hurt you professionally stay on the ballot and if possible at no cost to you speak your mind where you can. Debate, editorials etc.