Running for Public Office - Is it really worth it?

It’s election time again, and hopefully voters are not sick of hearing about it yet.  There are only 77 more days until the General Election on November 6, 2012.

For myself and other candidates for public office, however, there is a lot of preparation that goes into Election Day. Depending on the office sought, “running for office” can start anywhere from 18 months to 2 weeks before the actual day.

It is somewhat challenging trying to talk to voters months before the election is on their minds, yet there are thousands of people to reach and a seemingly short time in which to contact everyone. 

Not to mention the money in politics. One postcard per voter is simply not enough to grab someone’s attention. Think of how many postcards you get on a daily basis. How many of them do you read thoroughly before you toss them in the recycling bin? So unfortunately, money is typically needed for as many mailings as it takes to make a good (or bad) impression.

So being a candidate means that you select a consistent message, form an opinion on dozens of different issues, try to talk to as many people as you can, and hope no one tells lies about you. Because let’s face it, it is easier to remember something bad you heard about someone than something good. Negative campaigns, while most people do not care for them, stick in your mind.

So why serve, when the schedule of phone calls, knocking on voter doors, endless meetings, negative information about you, and less time with your family, all leads up to the stress that is Election Day?

I often compare running for office to being pregnant. You are tired all the time, it’s expensive, your feet hurt and you think that after Election Day, life will be much easier. As every parent knows, after the big day, the hard work has just begun.

This is why I run for public office. I like working hard to achieve the common good. I work harder for the common good than I could ever work just for myself. I am drawn to problem-solving.  I guess that is what public service is all about.  So yes, for me, it is worth it.  There are more problems to solve than there are doors to knock.

Please vote November 6, 2012. We are all counting on you.