Should a political novice with no experience beyond working as a volunteer challenge a much more "insider" Democratic candidate for a position as State Representative? Would it be a waste of time and money? Worse, in a district where registered Dems have only a 52-48 advantage, would it be irresponsible to start a primary fight?
Last week, the state representative for my district (Ryan McKenna-D, Missouri 102nd) decided to retire. Actually, retirement seems like an odd word, as he's quite a bit younger than me, but he's decided to forego the excitement of congress and get a job outside Jefferson City.
The Missouri congress right now is an ugly, ugly place. Republicans have not only gained an edge, they have a veto-proof margin, and they've used that margin to push through truly odious legislation. For example, even though the citizens of Missouri had twice rejected concealed carry in a statewide vote, the new Republican majority immediately passed it -- and did so over the governor's veto. They've devastated the state services and ruined the budget. Absolutely wrecked education in the state. They've handcuffed the governor on every issue. And they're proud of it.
Missouri is now the only state that spends zero dollars on the arts. Coming up in this session is a bill that outlaws the teaching of evolution -- it's expected to pass.
This group of Republicans is about as bad as you can possibly imagine. It's like seeing your whole state run by screaming dittoheads. Remaining Democrats in the state house have been marginalized, lied to, called names, and laughed at. It's not surprising that some have had enough of what passes for congress in Missouri.
I've never given much serious thought to running for office in the past, but after years of working as a volunteer, I'm developing an itch to see the other side of the game. On learning that Mckenna was vacating the seat, my inclination was to file. I've had some encouragement from friends to make the leap.
However, while discussing the subject at the Democratic county meeting last week, I learned that someone else had filed that very day. This guy has been in the party structure for years, and has severed on a number of boards. He's currently the administrator for a village in the district. I've met him twice now (we're both delegates to the state convention), and he seems like a nice fellow, though not quite the progressive candidate I would like.
Does anyone here have any experience in politics at this level? Give me a hint about the pain I'd likely experience and the level of effort required to make a serious run. Would I have to take a second mortgage on the house? Would I gain twenty pounds attending church pancake breakfasts?
What's the advice of the gathered Kossian mass?