OK. I’m 21, and eventually I am (-note surety here) going to be President of the U.S. (You have to have confidence, positive thinking isn’t all crap and few people have realized their ambition by thinking elsewise) It’s a crappy job, I know, but someone needs to do it. But I’m realistic, being rather poor and coming from outside the realm of the political aristocracy, I’m going to need to take some small steps first. First planned one, running for either California State or National assemblyman.
The question is, how do I go about doing this? Who do I need to contact to make it official? Also, and especially for any Straight Dopers out their who have “been there, done that”, what are some good first steps to a good campaign? Should I start with the state or go straight to the national level? Things like money raising when you have very little, advertising, etc…?
I know this is probably best put into a few questions, but this should start the proverbial ball rolling.
As far as the actual mechanics of signing up to run, I have no idea. But for general leadership, I’ve got some experience in the business world that is probably relevant.
Here’s the first thing about leadership: you need to have something that you want to accomplish. You can’t just be a leader in name, you have to have a platform. People won’t support you just for your handsome face, they need to believe you’re going to make their life better.
I’d suggest you look around your community for something that needs changing. Perhaps your local libraries need to be updated to modern technology. Or some sort of local tax is too high. Or there are drug transactions in your section of town. Find a problem to solve.
Here’s the second thing about leadership: It’s ultimately a consensus game. It’s a rare occasion where you get to say “do this!” and it’s done for you. Maybe in the military, but not in business, and certainly not in politics. So, start counting your friends, and accumulating more of them. Find a way to meet people in political circles. That includes politicians (obviously), high ranking folks in the fire and police communities, civic leaders, religious leaders and business leaders. Your campaign begins today, even if the election isn’t for a year. Start finding a way to meet people every day, especially people in positions of influence.
And again, note my first point above. When you meet them, don’t just have your smiling face to offer them; have in mind something about you that makes their lives (and the lives of their constituents or group or followers) better. Have something to sell them, and sell, sell sell. Get their contact info, and start up a database. As election time gets closer, contact them again and ask for their support.
The support of a political party is invaluable - especially if you are setting your sights on national office.
Therefore, your best bet is to decide now if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. Then seek out the local party chairman and talk with him for a few moments. Tell him you’re interested in seeking local office He will explain to you how to seek the nomination of the party.
Without that - running as an independent - you’ll have to collect signatures to get on a local ballot.
In most states, you have to gather signatures to run for office even if you belong to a party. But it’s only a nominal amount.
I took out papers to run for the Rent Control Board in Berkeley. I wasn’t going to run, but I was sent in to get the papers for someone else to throw off the opposition. I think I was allied with the Way Left faction which was opposed by the Way Way Left faction. I’m not sure. I moved away before the election.
But there have been cases where members of Congress didn’t meet the age requirement, but served anyway. Most notably, Henry Clay served in the Senate before he was 30.
The thing was, nobody thought to ask, so nobody cared. There was also a representative who was younger than 25.
That said, somebody would ask now. A few years back the frontrunner in the St. Louis mayoral race was disqualified when it was discovered that he was 2 years too young.
In California, you only have to be 18 to hold a state office.
If your real goal is to eventually become President, I wouldn’t run for Congress – instead, run for your state legislature, and then state Governor. Virtually all modern-era Presidents are either former state governors or former VPs. I’m guessing this is because a Governor is like a state-level president, and is more relevant experience for the President’s job than being in Congress is.
I know I am too young to seriously run right now- I ask the question to know what to work towards. Still, it is rather interesting to know exceptions are made, because it seems the requirements are very basic. Amazing, really. And that Clay served so young- I always placed him as older before he entered politics. Better go study up on my history!
Clay was elected Speaker in his first term in the House. He filled in the remainder of a term in the Senate first and then ran for the House on his own and was such a dynamic figure, he was chosen Speaker.
How far back are we calling “modern-era”? Dubya, Clinton, Reagan and Carter were governors. Bush was VP but he was also in Congress (among other posts in various administrations). Nixon was a VP but he was also a Senator. Ford was a VP but he was also in the House. Eisenhower wasn’t any of the above.