I've not been on the campaign trail long, but I've learned a lot already. First lesson learned, even small campaigns for a state representative district can get very complex, very quickly. I've learned that grassroots really is the answer. I've learned not all political consultants are bad at what they do. I've learned that its usually right to go with your instincts and what you know, because your experience is shared by those around you. I've learned that people really are sick of business as usual. (come on keep reading. It gets better I swear.
I decided to run in February. It was going to be as a primary challenge against the incumbent who felt it more important to impeach justices of the Supreme Judicial Court for their gay marriage decision than to address the 25% poverty rate for children in his own hometown. He felt overturning the decision on gay marriage required full attention while the schools were failing state requirements in the district. Then right before I was set to announce, he announced retirement for a job in the private sector.
What once was going to be a battle against an incumbent, with no challenger in the general election, turned out to be a crowded primary fight on both tickets. Anyway, back to what I learned. I was naive enough, although I prefer idealistic enough, to believe that endorsements could be won by being strong on issues, well versed in policy, and passionate. I learned that all of those are great, but do not matter unless you are a prolific fundraiser.
The idea took a while to actually take hold. Was I really just told that unless I can raise $20,000 in a month for a state representative seat in small town central Massachusetts I was not "viable." I was disheartened. I am young, 26. I am graduating from Boston College Law School in May, and I was ready to throw down several thousand dollars I had saved up working as a server while in school to make this happen. However, from this I learned something else people are ready to help bring change. I am holding a fundraiser and selling tickets for ten dollars. More than once when approaching fellow servers at work to purchase tickets, people were offering to help in anyway they could, from canvassing to hundred dollar donations. People were excited at the idea that I "would actually have a say, and maybe could change things." One friend even arranged a future fundraiser for me because he felt passionate more gays were needed in the legislature to protect homosexual rights. People who never once discussed politics were scrounging up their last dollars to help as much as they could because they believed in change. They needed help, and hoped I could bring it. One person responded to my thanks after he gave me a hundred dollars by saying "I see it as an investment. I bet you'll help to make my life better than any hundred dollars could."
I'm sure I will learn a lot more as the campaign continues it is after all only April. However, I feel this first lesson was critical. While astounded how much a seat costs to win and put off at the idea that money means more than policies and positions, I have found a new perspective on money in politics. It makes it easier to call family and friends and ask them for contributions when you can view it as an investment in a better future than the cost of politics.
I would like to also throw out an idea and see what you all think about it. Both parties, but particularly the Democratic Party often talks about younger voters and the are arguments both ways about whether or not you can ever motivate them or connect with them. As a young, motivated, politically active person, I will say the daunting costs to run for anything are not appealing, and not many people in their mid twneties can self fund. It might be easier to excite younger people if some younger people held office and could feasibly run for office. Is there a way to make political office more feasible for younger, less connected, or poorer people if money is the name of the game?
Maybe I am just cranky from making phonecalls on Marathon Monday in Massachusetts.
Back to the phones!
Back to the phones to ask for more investors!