Taking the Next Step: Getting into Politics - a Basic Guide

[5711-Marine]

Right I should have specified that this is an electronic copy with the voter history for the previous 10 election cycles. The electronic copy is worth the $20 for me.

2011 is a year when there are no federal or statewide offices on the ballot so targeting the voters who are more likely to vote on this "off year" election cycle will save me more in the long run...

[Dannytheman]

Good luck to both of you! I was a township commissioner for 9 years. (Commisioners are in townships of the 1st class in PA) My job moved and so did I, so I resigned in my 3rd term. I always loved the election process.

I also used to walk the township and leave a BIO of me in each door. (Do not use mailboxes) Make up a nice sheet and take it to Kinkos and get a couple hundred. It's cheap!

Be careful what you list on the BIO.

Try, if you can, to get to know your Republican AND Democratic Party leader for your town. When I forst ran I got endorsed by both!!

It is a very rewarding thing to give back to the town you live in! I wish it was mandatory for everyone to serve.

[PureRockFury]

+1, great post with very useful info.

[Mr. Rodgers]

Nice! you can also use this online search for free. If you gave to a party your on there.

http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/n...&search=Search

[edstephan]

I'm thinking of running for Judge of Election or Constable in Burrell Township, Armstrong County

Ed

[Mr. Rodgers]

Originally Posted by edstephan

I'm thinking of running for Judge of Election or Constable in Burrell Township, Armstrong County

Ed

Go for it! That would be great!

[Nomad]

Paradigm,

Great information! And you guys have a good State Rep. up there. Rep. Stevenson has introduced HB 66 to allow a LTCF to act as an exception to the redundant PICS check for firearm purchases (discussed on another thread). Grove City is a wonderful town - I spent four great years in college there. Keep up the good work!

[Paradigm]

Thanks! I've lived in the GC area pretty much all of my life and I love it.

Stevenson is a great legislator. He was a great county commissioner and borough councilman before that. He's super to work with and he truly cares for the community, the state, and the Constitutions of PA and the US.

Plus he just lives down the street. He still lives in a modest home in our borough...no McMansion in an affluent suburb. He's a real guy...



Back on topic: I hope there are others who are considering running for office! A strong coalition of grassroots 2A supporters keep stupid laws from being written in the first place!

[87th PVI]

Thank you for posting this thread.
Two seats will be opening up on the York City Council this year.
How much financial investment is normally needed to run for a council seat in a city the size of York?

[Paradigm]

York is a city, so I don't know what the financial limits are. I know that boroughs have a limit of $250 before you need to start filling out campaign finance forms. Your county will have that information.

As far as the upper end, well...there isn't one. You can spend as much as you think it's worth. You can form a "Friends of Joe Sixpack" committee and collect money from anyone (within campaign finance laws, of course).

Name recognition is huge and worth a lot of "money." Same with being visable. The best way to be visable is to get out and meet people. Knock on doors, talk to business leaders, talk to police and fire personnel. If you impress them, they'll tell their friends. If you're not impressive (or if you are a political threat) then they'll work like crazy against you, requiring you to spend more money.

The short end of it - and the political reality - is that people who have wanted one of those seats have been planning for at least the last year. You are likely way behind, unless you have loads of money or fabulous name recognition and networking skills.

If you run, you should craft a press release and get it to every possible media outlet. Don't forget the bloggers in your area, as they now have considerable power. You could even try calling a press conference where you can outline your plan.

The good thing is that if you run, you'll get coverage. If you lose, there will be thousands upon thousands of people who will know your name for the next time.

Let me know if you need any help.