What is it that Keeps Many from Running for a Local, State or National Office in the US?

[Gawain 0]

This is a rhetorical question, but some of my observations are as follows:

- Some don't want to give up their current job to be Congressman for two years
- Some don't want to go through crazy scrutiny to be a Senator for six years
- Some don't want to get so dirty to pursue such a career
- Some think the system won't let them in
- ad infinitum....

These thoughts can apply to nearly any level of political service, state governorship, or state legislator, even though most states only have part time legislatures anyway.

So, let's ponder this: I don't think this is a matter of "people don't want to serve in these capacities".
I think it's a matter of "people will not serve out of disgust of what these jobs now represent and the company they keep".

People can poo-poo governors and Presidents all they want, there's a reason why legislatures and their members have significantly lower numbers in approval or esteem. The selfishness and incestuous greed means they, the lawmakers, would ever pass something like term limits against themselves.

Is there an alternative?

Yes.

Let's discuss this, and I'll strike the match in another thread later.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[BikerBabe 0]

well, i can only speak for myself, though the reasons might apply to others.

First, I have too many things from my past that, a) I don't want dragged into the media frenzy and b) if those things were revealed they would ensure my sound defeat, anyway.



Second, and probably more damning, is that i have an extremely low tolerance for stupidity and a blunt directness that is very much at odds with any sort of diplomatic or political type of negotiation. It's not a temper, just an overactive mouth that seems to get me in trouble a lot as it is...good god, i can't imagine what would happen if i was campaigning.

Those things aside, i actually would run, not for glory, but because deep down i'm still a starry-eyed idealist who would hope to go in and change things. I am disgusted with the people in the offices, not those things which they represent.

Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!

[lawrocket 3]

A big reason is that I don't view myself as a decent candidate because I am uncomfortable in selling myself. On the other hand, I have done a pretty awesome job in the past selling others.

I'm more of a person who likes to work behind the scenes to get things done and let the other person take the accolades. In military perspective, I'm the ace S-3.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Amazon 7]

My primary reason for never wanting to run for any elected office are fairly important to me.

1.) There are far to many people in the electorate that EXPECT to be told what they want to hear. I am very bad at doing this. I tend to tell people what I think and that is usually divergent from what they expect or want to hear.

2.) I do not crave adulation or require personal worship. You may worship me if you like of course, but you will derive no benefit from it.

3.) I like a simple life of work and fun in an appropriate work/life balance. I have never seen a politician yet that has very much time to themselves.

4.) I like my privacy and there is currently no need to search through my weekly garbage to find out anything about me. ( I never allow any kind of personal papers out of my files and if they do they are reduced to ashes in the wood stove anyway.) Anyone running for office should need to worry about such things and require a staff to do that worrying for them.