running for U.S. congress in 2004

[liberalcapitalist]

The longtime Republican incumbent in my district is retiring in 2004, and I feel now's a good chance to jump into the race. In 2002, he faced a very independent Democrat (more of a Libertarian using the Dem banner) who got 40% of the vote. Strangely enough, both of those guys are from my home town of 500 people! The district is 662,000 strong (7th, Michigan-- thanks for the population numbers to a fellow DUer).

Since the Repub incumbent is stepping down, the Repubs and Dems are coming out of the woodwork to seek a place on the ballot. I plan on running under the Natural Law Party banner as I feel it will be easier to get on the ballot.

Again, my district is not that large. The Democratic challenger spent $50,000 last year, and I feel I can raise at least that much. I also run my own business, and set my own hours, and plan to do a lot of in-person campaigning. I will certainly go after the young vote-- myself being only twenty-five.

But as Jessica S brought up, I have not been able to find too much information on this subject. Can I run at the age of twenty-five, even? How much will the filing fee be? Is it possible the filing deadline has already passed? Those who've followed my posts here know that I espouse the same ideals as many DUers, and with the odd circumstances of my district, I could very realistically be in congress this time next year. I would appreciate the help.

[JessicaS]

1. Thanks for the second

I, too have been wondering about filing dates and fees. Is there a schedule somewhere that we can use to make sure that we get our paperwork in on time?

[patrick_harley_2004]

2. I'm trying to do the same...

..... good luck to you and me. Unlike you though, I'm in the South and I'm going to run against a really tough and well-financed incumbent.

I don't give a damn - I've got a message, I want to do it, and I'm going to give it a shot. Have a website up soon.

again, good luck.

[Bucky]

6. Give 'em hell, Patrick Harley!

Even if you don't break 50%, this country needs committed, active, vocal Democrats to bring the message home that there is a better way to run the country, a more responsible intelligent way to make the American dream work.

Please post a few updates to this board when you can. And God bless you for giving a damn.

[newyawker99]

13. Hi patrick_harley_2004!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Nazgul35]

3. For info on Michigan elections...

you can access candidate info by going here:

http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633_8721---,00.html

this will provide you with all the info you need about filing, funding discloser, and any other info you will need to run a campaign....

You can also access voter information down at the county court house....

And here's a reason to support Dean...if he has a strong presence in your area, when they are out canvassing for him, they can canvass for you as well and you can run in the Dem primary....

:evilgrin:

good luck!

[liberalcapitalist]

10. thank you very much, but simple ?: Is there an age requirement to run?

Is there an age requirement to run for U.S. congress? i.e. you must be 35 to run for President.

[goobergunch]

14. 25 (n/t)

[the ether]

4. go dems!

go

[MisterP]

5. see if you can get on under (D), if you feel you're up to it

and good luck!

[liberalcapitalist]

8. I'd rather not

The Democratic Party here is more conservative. Plus I want to take the issues directly to the people and not have them biased against me based on party affiliation. I want to be an "outsider."

[Bucky]

7. Give 'em hell, LibCap

But you might wanna distance yourself from something with such an inflammatory name as "God hates". I'm always suspicious about people who think they know what God thinks.

[liberalcapitalist]

9. godhatesbush

I don't really believe God hates anyone. It is a play on the disgusting "godhatesfags". Check out my site, if you have time.

But yeah, I will get rid of that site before taking too many further steps.

[Mattforclark]

11. Age requirement

Over 25. Good luck to you.

Article I

Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.


Section 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislature.


No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen.

[liberalcapitalist]

12. 25?? SWEET

Born April 8, 1978... I'll be 26 by the election.

Thank you for the info!!!