Life as a first time candidate
Now that I have "officially" been a candidate for public office for a couple of months, I have been thinking about the highs and lows of the experience so far. First of all, the low point (so I can finish on a high note!):
Trying to break into politics, especially being 32 years old, is extremely difficult. I knew this would be the case, however I didn't realize how taxing it would be on my psyche. When you are applying for a job and you get turned down, it is a very private thing. However, running for public office is just that - public. What if I don't raise enough money? What if I think I have an outstanding base of support, but it doesn't materialize? You begin to question different aspects of what you have gotten yourself into. Fortunately, over the course of the last month or so, things have really begun to pick up steam...
Now, the high point of the past few months:
I have been through some exciting moments in my life, however I have now experienced a different kind of excitement. This excitement, or source of renewed energy, is when a stranger or someone you don't really know that well, steps up to the plate with unconditional support for your campaign. I know it seems strange, but every time I get a contribution or volunteer commitment from someone I don't really know, I get such a boost of energy that is indescribable. And when I say contribution, I don't just mean the big ones, I am talking the every day person giving you what they can to try to make a difference. I am talking about the volunteer that tells you they will do anything you ask of them, just to see you succeed. Things like this make it all worth it.
I thought I would share a few aspect of my experience so far. I will continue to add updates throughout the campaign.
Trying to break into politics, especially being 32 years old, is extremely difficult. I knew this would be the case, however I didn't realize how taxing it would be on my psyche. When you are applying for a job and you get turned down, it is a very private thing. However, running for public office is just that - public. What if I don't raise enough money? What if I think I have an outstanding base of support, but it doesn't materialize? You begin to question different aspects of what you have gotten yourself into. Fortunately, over the course of the last month or so, things have really begun to pick up steam...
Now, the high point of the past few months:
I have been through some exciting moments in my life, however I have now experienced a different kind of excitement. This excitement, or source of renewed energy, is when a stranger or someone you don't really know that well, steps up to the plate with unconditional support for your campaign. I know it seems strange, but every time I get a contribution or volunteer commitment from someone I don't really know, I get such a boost of energy that is indescribable. And when I say contribution, I don't just mean the big ones, I am talking the every day person giving you what they can to try to make a difference. I am talking about the volunteer that tells you they will do anything you ask of them, just to see you succeed. Things like this make it all worth it.
I thought I would share a few aspect of my experience so far. I will continue to add updates throughout the campaign.
posted by Mike Rude at 5:31 PM
2 Comments:
Mike, I understand your feelings completely. But you have the experience to represent the citizens of your district well. What sets you apart is you willingness to be open. When I read your web page or blog, you don't seem to be spinning to what people want to hear. Instead, I get the sense of a real live human being who sincerely cares for his community. With the debt the county has locked itsself into, we need someone who has a feel for strategic planning.
Of course, this is the opinion of someone who was "crushed" by his opponent first time out :)
I think you will find my "campaign updates" including more positives than anything else in the future. I am constantly amazed at the number of people who are becoming energized by this campaign. Memphis and Shelby County are both ready for the new generation of leaders to emerge. Also, I believe they are ready for fresh faces ready to make a difference. I am hoping in the near future I will be able to go public with some really exciting endorsements from HIGH profile community leaders that have privately given me support.
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