Why can't a regular person run for public office?

Question

I would like to run for public office. I am not a Democrate or Republican. Why is it so hard for an average American to run for office when crooked people get in so easy? I'm not a politician and I think this very reason would make me a good canidate. I come from the low to middle income bracket so I feel like I would be more intouch with the real world. Any thoughts?

Actually I know more about politics than most HOWEVER that is not why I'm asking this question. People will talk bad about a person in office without wanting to do something about it. I was wanting ideas so I may not be thought of as a mouth runner. I'm not here running for an office only tring to get some ideas on how to start.

Answer 1

If you can find someone to back you, more power to you. It would be a good idea to start local, like city council. If you are serious, the best place to start would be to go to all the town meetings and get to know what's going on and get to know the people. You need to get to know your community since they will be the ones who will vote you in. If people find they can relate to you and you find you have a lot of support, your next step is to go to city hall and file your intentions. There will probably be a 200-500 dollar fee to file to run, the cost depends on your community. Your next step will be to appoint a campaign manager and start approaching people for money to support your campaign.

There's not too many books out there, most of your information will come from experience and getting your hands dirty.

Good luck! I've been on my city council for 3 years now and am up for re-election in 2008. It's been a tough road, and many times a thankless job. But I feel great knowing that I'm helping my community, and you will too.

Answer 2

I'm assuming you're an American. Anyone can run for any type of political office as long as you meet the requirements for the position you are running for. However to be effective in running say for the White House you need loads and loads of money to pay for advertisements, transportation, staff, pr aka spin doctors so that you are able to travel all over the country. That's why John McCain is having problems he can't raise the money and he was touted the front runner for a long time.

Unfortunately the average Joe can't really afford to run anymore, unless it's local politics.

Answer 3

The regular person, or average person doesn't have the cash flow, or the exposure, even in his own community.
I believe a lot of us regular guys have thought what you are thinking and pretty much the same reasons. Low to middle income, more in touch with real world problems and tired of being screwed around.
Sorry, but the people don't want an average guy running. They want an exceptional guy. There are lots of those running around, but few who have moral standards, don't lie, are truly concerned about the people, and don't have a hidden agenda.

Answer 4

I have no idea why you proclaim yourself to be an "average" or "regular" person. I have no knowledge of what you are like whatsoever and so I have no reason to think that you are somehow, someway something that is more "average" or "regular" than, to use a couple of examles, the Maryland Republican Congressman who used to be a housepainter and substitute teacher before he got elected to the House of Representatives. Or the California Democrat who used to be on welfare.

And you claim that you are NOT a politician. Well, even if you do not currently hold an office, if you were to run for office and won, then you WOULD be a politician!

Answer 5

So, why can't you run? I would suggest running as part of one party or the other, however. The election laws are stacked against independents. However, there's no rule preventing you from just joining a party and going up against whoever is running in the primary. You don't need to be a party insider. Even though that would make things easier, there's no restriction. Just go down to the Supervisor of Elections office, and tell them you want to run. They'll give you the rules.

I'll tell you that it's a lot of work, and you might benefit to finding a candidate who is running that you like and working for his campaign instead, because until you've worked a good campaign, you won't know much of what you need to do to win. But I think this might be a good year for an "outsider" like yourself to run. People are pretty fed up with the insider candidates this year.

Answer 6

First, a "regular person" can run for public office. As a regular person, I've served16 years on a local school board, run for County office . . . and lost . . . and run for the U.S. Congress . . . and lost. The PROBLEM is not so much why can't we run, but why can't we WIN! And there it comes down to money, name recognition, etc. If you're smart, have a catchy name and can raise some money, you have a chance, even as a regular person, especially if you're running for an "open" seat, one in which the incumbent isn't seeking re-election. My advice is start small -- local or county office and if it goes well, when an opportunity . . . open seat . . . comes up for a higher office, go for it!

Answer 7

You can run for office...depending on what it is you pretty much just need to fill out a bunch of paperwork to officially run. I'm sure you need to pay some fees and whatnot too.

But as they say, running is one thing, winning an election is another. People don't vote for people they don't know...It costs money to get the word out to people. You need to tell they you'll get something done that they actually care about. getting people to vote for anyone at all is a big challenge.

I hope this helps a little.. i don't want to write a novel or anything.

Answer 8

The question is what office...for if you want to run for President you can if you are a like Bloomberg in NY and have billions of dollars. Most people can't do that one. If you want to run for the US Senate you will need tens of millions; but most people can run for Congress with just a million or two. Sorry to be so pessimistic and all - but I once ran for City Council for $475 and won. So it all depends on where you start.

Answer 9

Abe Lincoln

Harry Truman

Richard Nixon

Gerald Ford

Ronald Reagan

Bill Clinton
My list of the best examples of starting at the bottom!!! Pres. Truman most likely the closest to you. Started in local government if I remember correct.

Answer 10

Most "regular" people start by running for local office. I've held office at the county level, and it doesn't require very much money ... just lots of work. Run for school board or city council. As you become more well known, you can run for higher offices.