Never in a million years, did I ever think I would be a candidate running in an election - for any position. No way. No how. Just not my thing. I don’t like the spotlight. But I am the type that works behind the scenes. A grunt. A worker bee. An organizer.
Follow me below the orange squiggly.
Well, today, I went to the registrar of voters, turned in enough valid signatures from neighbors and friends to get qualified to run on the June 5th primary ballot for a seat on my county’s Democratic Central Committee. And voila - I am one of four (so far) running for a seat (four available) in my district. For this ISTJ, as Joe Biden might say - it’s a BFD!
I am currently an alternate member of the Central Committee and when the member I am an alternate for decided not run, I was encouraged to pull nominating papers. I really hesitated thinking that there are more qualified or better known people that would be better suited. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought - why not? I started volunteering with the county party during the 2010 election, and have been active on subcommittees since. Next week, I will help interview candidates for City Council and recommend endorsements. We have a chance to flip the pro-business majority this year.
So last week, I made my first trip to the registrar, found out only two people had taken out nominating papers. One is an incumbent. The deadline to complete everything is this Friday. I thought - “I can’t find 20 people in my district and convince them to sign a petition supporting my candidacy” Good grief! But I got out of my comfort zone and sent an email asking for help. That scored a few signatures. Then, over the weekend, I walked my neighborhood hoping for a couple of people willing to listen to my pitch. I had more than my quota in less than 3 hours. Wow!
I guess the point I want to make here is to encourage others who want to make a difference. You don’t have to have a lot of money or the “right” connections. If you are willing to roll up your sleeves, there is lot you can do to help what ever cause you are passionate about.
And to make the day even more special, this is my DKos 2nd birthday after lurking for I don’t remember how long now. I don’t write much, but I read daily and learn from so many talented and knowledgeable writers here on the Great Orange.
And, it seems, good things come in 3’s. While I was at the ROV, and waiting for them to verify my signatures, a gentleman came in to re-register. He wanted to change his party affiliation. As I was leaving the ROV, he caught up with me and asked me if I knew where the Democratic party headquarters was. He told me that he is military and he is disgusted with the Republicans, especially with their war drums beating on Iran and re-registered as a Democrat. Ha! I could not hide my utter delight. I reached for a business card I just made for my run, pointed out the local party website and gave it to him. I told him we would be opening our campaign office this summer and he was welcome to come on down. In the meantime, he will be working on his wife to convince her to change her party affiliation.
The other side has the money. We have people power.
One voter at a time.
Today is a beautiful day.