Hypothetically if I want to run for congress, what do I do?

[hootinholler]

I'm finally pissed off enough to think about trying it. My Rep is republican. I am ignorant about how it really works, getting on the ticket, etc.

What are the steps? How do I raise funds? Build a machine?

I have 2 years and I'm sure I can piss off alot of people by talking to the real issues.

-Hoot

[mopinko]

1. go to camp wellstone

and start raising money.

[illflem]

4. Actiing school

so you can lie with a straight face would be a good first step

[Roland99]

11. Good luck getting in...at least from what I saw on their website

[prodigal_green]

2. check with Democracy for America

and with the DNC. Dean is looking to win from the bottom up, so there may be more support than in the past.

I'm going to recommend this for greatest because I think it is a question we'd all like more information about.

[Warpy]

6. Right, and the process varies with each state

so check with your state elections commission.

Usually, the process begins with a petition to get you on the ballot. Party support can make a big difference in assembling enough signatures.

Most people who run for office do so when they're approached by groups of businessmen who promise support. Back in the good old days, unions used to propose candidates, too, ensuring an occasional prolabor candidate got on the ticket.

The DFA groups might change this somewhat, offering candidates from within their group, bypassing the businessmen. I sincerely hope so.

[madfloridian]

3. Go to DFA and check out the post:

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/006062.html

They are organizing now.

[crispini]

5. You might want to think about starting smaller....

how about your state house or state senate?

First thing, talk to your local Democratic party chair. They should be able to help.

Raise funds -- ask everyone. Ask ask ask.

Build a machine -- get plugged in to your local network of activists. They are there, probably, and they'll be able to tell you what to do.

If you want to run in 06, start NOW. Oh, and read Lakoff.

[beyurslf]

7. Talk to your local party organization or state party if there is not a

county set up there. Raise money now :)

[ClassWarrior]

8. Go... go... go!!!

I agree - as a Camp Wellstone grad, I think that's an excellent first step. Also PM whoisalhedges and jef4wi - they've both made Congressional runs here in WI, and will probably be good resources. Tell 'em I sent you. And keep us posted!!

NGU.

[whistle]

9. Great, I'll support you if you run in Florida

[seventythree]

10. sounds like you have a good attitude

understand that even in a well financed campaign (20 years ago, you needed 250,000 to make a credible congressional run, so it must be closer to a million now) you have only a 1-2% chance of beating an incumbent for congress. You have to go in with the attitude that you are doing it to raise awareness -- that in itself is a gift to the district and party -- and beware of investing your soul in the mistaken belief you can win, or you will have your heart broken.
All the suggestions here are good -- start with your county party for advice -- and talk to others who have done it.
The suggestion up-thread of starting in a winnable race is a good one -- from school board to county board, etc -- you learn the mechanisms, and build your credentials for later runs.

[knight_of_the_star]

12. Who would you be running against?

Who your opponent matters a lot as to what you will have to work with.

[hootinholler]

14. Md 6th Good Ol Boy Roscoe Bartlett

That is if I think I could get on the ticket and raise some hell. I have a number of issues in mind to start with. I think he is vulnerable, but, my views are somewhat beyond classifying as conservative and liberal. I share views with both ends of the spectrum.

His official site.

-Hoot

[Lone Pawn]

13. Follow Faust's lead.

[formernaderite]

15. Are you independantly wealthy?

Do you have major backers in your state party? If not, then you need to think a bit more about tackling a local venue. School board, state house represenatation....not that running for those jobs doesn't take some funds either. The only outsiders I know that have attempted runs, were self-funded initially. I don't mean to sound so cynical, but Mr or Mrs. Smith no longer can afford to come to Washington.

[Califooyah Operative]

16. do it,

network with people, DFA and DU would both be valuable resources. talk to insiders - elected officials, staffers, local and state dems, etc.

I don't know a lot, but that's a start, i'm sure you'll get good suggestions on here, and theres probably books on it too.

[kentuck]

17. Simply file an affidavit with your Secretary of State....

You must have someone that will volunteer to be your Treasurer and file all the forms that are required - usually every quarter with the FEC in Washington.

If you don't have a lot of money, I would recommend networking through the different Party HQs in the various counties you will be running in.. Also, have volunteers to hold Parties at their homes and invite several Democrats and build from that.

Make sure you have an issues paper with your different stances on the issues. Try to get as much free media as possible...

[Zhade]

18. Become a millionaire.

NT!

[cally]

19. Raise money and quit posting

at progressive sites. Be as bland and pretty as possible. Hire some tricksters and pretend ignorance. It's an evil game and few of the good guys or gals win.

[hootinholler]

20. Kick for feedback from the evening crowd. N/T

[hootinholler]

21. kick for night shift feedback NT

[Liberty Belle]

22. Ask your local Assembly District Democratic Committee about

candidate training programs in your area. There are probably Congressional district committees, too. Or call the central Democratic Party in your town, if you don't know how to find these commitees.

Progressive Democrats of America also offers candidate training. I'm not sure about DFA, but you'd definitely want to attend a few meetings to rally support of their members.

Fundraising is extremely important, so you can afford mailings to everyone in the district. Also a website.

Good luck, and let us know if you decide to go for it!