How Much Does It Take to Run for the House of Reps?

So, I have been toying with the idea of putting some money into the mix to try and support the President and his agenda and offset the opposition. I have been thinking of investing 100-500k of my own money into something to help and make some changes I want to see.

I started thinking about if I was going to invest that kind of money indirectly into things that are important to me then maybe I should look into simply running for Congress. I am completely unqualified (MBA in Finance) and not politically correct and have no political polish, but damnit, I want to make a difference. I was wondering how much it would cost to mount a serious run at a Congressional seat?

Also, am I better off running as a Libertarian, Independent or Republican? The seat in my district hasn't gone to a Democrat in decades so it makes no sense to run as a Dem.

What are your thoughts ATS? Should I go for it? Do I even have enough cash to make a serious challenge?

Do you have other suggestions of what I can do with the money to MAGA in lieu of running?

ETA: it looks like it would take 1.75 mil to 2 mil to win. I don't know if I want to invest that much of my own money into a campaign. On the other hand if I won I would be set for healthcare for life.

How much?

Just your soul M, just your soul. And you'll be throwing in your honesty, principles, and every ounce of self respect you ever had on top of that.
Oh..I see...you thought all you needed was money.
Silly Metallicus.

originally posted by: DAVID64
How much?

Just your soul M, just your soul. And you'll be throwing in your honesty, principles, and every ounce of self respect you ever had on top of that.
Oh..I see...you thought all you needed was money.
Silly Metallicus.

I would have to go 'all in' financially and I am positive my wife would have a problem with that and you are right I don't want to have to sacrifice my integrity. However, I wouldn't be the first naive doofus who thought they could make a difference.

a reply to: Metallicus

All you have to do is sign a pact with Satan.

originally posted by: dfnj2015
a reply to: Metallicus

All you have to do is sign a pact with Satan.

I wonder if I would get 'disappeared' for being an obstinate asshole.

I'm not signing anything without my lawyer!

originally posted by: dfnj2015
a reply to: Metallicus

All you have to do is sign a pact with Satan.

Ummm...well...any pact with me is inherently frontloaded...

Just sayin...




YouSir

I assume you are talking about running at the state level, and not the national level correct?

If you're talking about running at the national level...you don't have enough money!! Not anywhere even close!!

If at the state level you might be okay, but it's going to take more than just money. You're going to need to get some recognition first, some identity to your ideas, policies and political stance. And you can't really do this through advertising alone. People try, but it's usually futile in all but the most unusual of situations.

Truth be known, I am thinking about doing something similar as well. I feel like I am not entitled to complain unless I actually try to DO something, try to effect change, myself (not just talk about it).

I think the biggest thing, at least in my mind, is you have to have a stance, an opinion, and you need to make that opinion known. Find an issue you feel strongly about and sell it. Start a petition, sit in front of the grocery store if you have to...get signatures, talk to people (face to face), do a town hall on some issue / issues. Get your opinion out there. You need momentum and recognition.

Your mindset shouldn't be how much money does it take to win, but rather how much my cause(s) matter to others, and how much traction/momentum can I get with them...and THEN, how much money will it take to out maneuver the competition. The money is 2nd...the momentum and traction with your platform is 1st. If you go at it the other way around, you'll just throw all your money away for nothing.

(reading some of your other responses)...

Whatever you do, don't become a "politician". Take a stand, and stay true to your values. NEVER sell out. This is not the same as saying never compromise. Just don't compromise your values. Compromise can be somewhat acceptable if, in the end, the greater good of your value set is served. Compromise solely for the sake of being on the winning side, regardless of your platform, is your enemy (and the enemy of those you serve).

The point is not just to get elected. The point is to guide legislation in a way which supports your causes and the causes of those who elected you.

Read the bills (all of them, cover to cover). Participate. Show up. Vote.

Remember, it's not about just winning the office...but rather it's all about what you DO once you get there!

a reply to: Metallicus

I tried to run as a libertarian in 2016 here in Pennsylvania.

I only make about 30000 a year and have no savings and work around 60 to 80 hours a week. Needless to say, I didn't have any where near the time or money to pull it off.

I am going to try to run again as a republican. My reason for this is they have an infrastructure set up to help you that you won't get with the third parties.

Now granted, if you have half a million to put up, you won't run in to the same problems I had, which maybe I will make a thread about some day.

I disagree with those saying not to run. I wish more ats members, both liberal and conservative would run. At least most of us are actually concerned with the country and are capable of having polite disagreementa, which is more than can be said of most politicians.

I would caution you on two points though.

1. You probably won't win. Politics is more about who you know than what you are about, and I am sure you will find if you try to run as a republican there will be resistance from them as you aren't in the club probably. So be prepared to lose your money you spend.

2. Don't sell your soul. Remind yourself every day why you are running. Don't ever do it to make money or gain power.

Other than that, have at it and keep us posted. I plan on making a thread detailing my attempted run in 2016 and run in 2018, and I look forward to seeing more of what you are doing.

a reply to: Metallicus

You need to become active in local politics. Run for a local position. School board, Tax collector, anything that will get your name out in the public. Be sure your dirty laundry isn't all that dirty, the higher up you go, the more of it that will be dragged out onto the lawn. Be patient. You won't be a senator next year, but if you give this a 10 year plan, you might be surprised at the bigger picture. Oh, and don't be afraid to go ask someone who is where you want to be. The ego is usually a good driver, and those who you play to in that regard will love to have theirs stroked a bit. Good luck, and never, ever sell out.

a reply to: Metallicus

Don't waste your time and money. Even if you get a seat, there is no sure bet that you will pass the plans you want to. It's literally a swamp, I'm sure if you don't play by their rules, we'd hear about you being suicided, or caught with child pornography.

Congress isn't a place for the average joe.. as you may have noticed all of the career politicians.

a reply to: Metallicus

So, I have been toying with the idea of putting some money into the mix to try and support the President and his agenda and offset the opposition. I have been thinking of investing 100-500k of my own money into something to help and make some changes I want to see.

KEEP YOUR MONEY!

Never spend money on politics.

Better served elsewhere.

Given economic conditions can change in a heart beat.

Save it for a rainy day.

a reply to: Metallicus

This might be against t&c however...

I have a storyline which deals with political issues that I need a producer for. This is a great vehicle to voice your concerns as it deals with a lot of the subject matter right here on ATS.

I hear you about wanting to make a change and put some fresh new ideas into the mix. I think the best way to do it is through art. If you're interested then drop me a line and let's talk.

originally posted by: lostbook
a reply to: Metallicus MN

This may be against t&c.

I have a storyline which deals with political issues that I need a producer for. This is a great vehicle to voice your concerns as it deals with a lot of the subject matter right here on ATS.

I hear you about wanting to make a change and put some fresh new ideas into the mix. I think the best way to do it is through art. If you're interested then drop me a line and let's talk.

a reply to: Metallicus


No. Absolutely not.

Double post.