They say that one of the best ways of dealing with high blood pressure is to get more exercise. I've been thinking about how this applies to the political sphere. Every time I hear some political figure say something stupid on TV my blood boils. Some people throw their shoes at the TV. That is a little bit of exercise. Others put up well thought out blog posts online. That is a bit better, though less aerobic. But, if you want a real workout that will make you feel a lot better, try this. Try running for office.
Connecticut's public funding of campaigns makes it much easier to get started, sort of like one of those discount offers that gyms have to try and get you in the door. This isn't to say that you won't have to work hard. You will. It remains a challenge to think out a strong persuasive message. It remains a challenge to get the necessary small donors to give you enough to qualify for public financing. It remains a challenge to get out and talk with as many voters as possible. I know. I did it. I did it before there was the public financing, so the fundraising was even more difficult.
I ran for the state legislature in 2004 against an entrenched, popular incumbent, who also happens to be a very nice person. I ran, knowing full well, that in all likelihood, I would lose (and lose badly). While it took less time away from my family than is the norm (my husband was my campaign manager and my daughter rode my shoulders while I knocked on doors), it was still a sacrifice. I put in hours upon hours of phone calls and walking the neighborhoods in my district. I debated my opponent several times. I showed up at football games and fairs with my walk card. I got very tired, and sometimes pretty sweaty (you try walking a suburban neighborhood with a 2 year old on your shoulders when it is 87 degrees out!).
Yet, like with any workout, there are rewards. After I ran in 2004, many people would ask me if I `won'. I would tell them that I did win. I didn't get elected, but I won. What I mean by this is that I became a better person because of the experience. Why, you ask - what good did it really do? I may not have gotten elected, but the electorate sure did get energized by my race. Hundreds of people showed up for the debates. People started talking about local issues that they care about. People got to know my opponent better, and found out how she stands on the issues. I provided reverse coat tails - in the areas in which I ran, the Congressional candidate did demonstrably better than in areas where the incumbents were unopposed. Finally, I provided the inspiration for a candidate in the next district over - who ran in 2006 and lost by just 200 votes. This year the incumbent in that district has decided to retire, and the same candidate has a very good chance at winning this seat - in a district considered unwinnable for challengers.
These next couple of weeks are very important. They are the weeks that the local political parties select their candidates. They are very important weeks to be thinking about running. Contact the members of your local town committee and start asking about what is involved in running. They will be glad to tell you. It may raise your pulse. It may be a tough workout, but it will be better for you than simply sitting at home throwing shoes at the TV.
(X-posted on www.ctlocalpolitics.net)
