Considering running for office toward decade's end - where to start?

I am undergoing many life changes and likely will be over the next couple years. But in 2008 or 2009 I plan to make my first foray into politics. I'll be in my twenties toward the end of the decade, when I plan to run for one of these offices. Primarily because of my lack of experience, I don't want

I live in a suburb w/ roughly 50,000 people. Two city Commission (a.k.a. City Council) races are up for election in 2009, as is the Mayor, City Clerk and Treasurer. These races are non-partisan.

I don't want to jump in the Mayor's race because I'm not experienced. But the other ones - especially for Treasurer - intrigue me. I can't remember a contested race for City Treasurer or Clerk, but about 2,000 people voted in the 2001 election, when a race for Commissioner-At-Large was competitive.

County Commissioners nd State representatives are up for election in every even-numbered year. Both positions are partisan. My State Rep will be term-limited in 2008. About 40-50 thousand people typically vote in these elections, depending on whether it's a presidential or midterm year. County commission races draw about 8-10 thousand votes. Republicans won the 2004 races for both seats by 2-1 margins.

The County Clerk, Treasurer, Drain Commissioner, Prosecutor, and Sheriff run for election every four years, when US Presidents are (supposed to be) elected. About 250,000 people vote in this county in a presidential year. Of these, the only one in which I'm interested is that of the treasurer, should he retire in 2008. Republicans usually win in this county by roughly a 3-2 margin.

This is the best place to start for a novice.

Be aware that clerk and treasurer posts are usually won by people who are tested members of the dominant party. If you're not well-known, you probably don't stand a chance.

The treasurers position can turn into a nightmare of legal crap if you aren't familiar with city financial accounting....

Best thing to do....

Go to every open forum in the city and start participating...

See if there is a local democratic party active...

Contact them and look to see who is active in your area...

If you've got an accounting background, go for Treasurer. If you've got a legal background, consider Prosecutor (but that's usually a tough one to get if you're not in public law, already). Commissioners generally get into office first, and then consider things like City Clerk or even Mayor.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Money's my thing. that's why I'm interested in being some sort of treasurer.

I am a former city councilperson.

Please go to www.wellstone.org and sign up for Camp Wellstone. It is the best political training I have ever been lucky enough to receive. You may need to fly to a Camp Wellstone if there isn't one in your area. It's well worth it, and you will meet people that will help you with your plans to run for political office.

You will need to study the issues of your community, and start NOW. It's also a good idea to contact your local Democratic Party and talk with them about fundraising and party support.

Mostly, good luck, and remember: We are the ones we've been waiting for.

Julie

So we can offer you support and be here to cheer you on when you win!! :hug:

Sounds exciting and I hope you go for it!!

;-)

I would say something local or possibly Congress.

Like I said, I'm looking at something in city or county government.