My campaign has hit a snag

[bugslsu9]

I spoke with my boss about running, and he has informed me that I will be out of a job if I run. Before you do the research, I will let you all know that it is legal for him to fire me in Wisconsin. Never mind the fact that he is family (yes, I work for family) so that rules out any potential legal action.

Now, I need a solution, not griping. Believe me, I have already yelled and cursed enough for everyone here on DU. If any of you can think of a solution, a job, one that I would most certainly want to keep, if unsuccessful, or any other ideas, please let me know.

FYI, I do plan on being at the state convention regardless. My number 1 priority is getting Democrats elected, and if it is not me, than so be it.

I know I can count on the good people of DU to help. If I do not run, thank you all for your kind words. If I do run, can I get some money????????????????????

[undeterred]

1. I think this is probably a common stage of running for office

but I have never run so I don't know.

I am sure that there must be people on DU who have either run for office themselves or worked on campaigns and had to figure out the financial end of it as they went along. Why not post in General Discussion and maybe you can connect with some other people who have been there?

[hfojvt]

2. are you running in a primary? and for what office?

My brother works in that area as far as I know. So I can ask him about the job market. He does have the ability to hire in sorta low paying hotel jobs, for whatever that is worth.

[ewagner]

3. I faced the same situation

In my case the desire to run was sooooo strong that I decided to take the risk (after consulting with my wife, of course) I was reminded of the conquerer (I don't remember which one) who invaded an enemy island and ordered HIS ships burned, telling his troops that they would go home IN THEIR ENEMY'S SHIPS. How's that for pressure?

If you run, you've got to have that kind of commitment.

[bugslsu9]

4. I have one question

What was the outcome? Did you win?

The main problem is, my wife and I cannot survive without 2 paychecks.

[ewagner]

5. Yes, I did

72% of the vote.......

there's nothing like the fear of starvation to motivate a person, I'll guarantee that.....

I knew I had a realistic chance of winning but it was going to be tough...and it was....the opponent had his operatives stationed outside my house to photograph anybody who came to visit me and also to follow me around. They planted stories (false) in the press and spread lies, rumors and ridicule whereever they went. It was ugly.

[Serial Mom]

6. that is one reason why so many politicians are wealthy

they don't need a regular job ...

[bugslsu9]

7. But I am not

And I still have just as much right to run for office as the person who has 10 million in the bank, do I not?

[Serial Mom]

8. Of course you do!

But that is why good, regular people don't get elected often.

It is such a hard decision! Even if you collected enough money to run, you still need to have some income (from a job that would allow you to either work at home or on the road remotely) or have enough money to survive a campaign (without a job) but taking the chance of no job at the end.

I wish I knew of people who would "sponsor" candidates! And I wish you luck, here is Wisconsin the other side is trying deperately trying to change the blue Milwaukee area into red, with all the cries of "voter fraud".

[bugslsu9]

9. The FEC Changed the rules

to allow candidates to draw a salary from their campaign fund to offset lost wages equal to the previous year's salary. Unfortunately, I do not have that option yet. It also is more designed for the spring through the election, rather than the year before.

[undeterred]

10. I am thinking asking for sponsors would be a good idea

If you can get a large number of people to make even a small financial commitment per month, that could offset the loss of salary. I also think that anyone who was supporting you in that way would become part of a base for you that could help in all sorts of ways for your campaign.

[bugslsu9]

11. Those would be contributions to the campaign

All of those monies would have to be noted as donations. I could only take as much as I received from my job in either calendar year 2004 or 2005, depending on when I stopped working.

[undeterred]

12. So the problem is what to do between now and next spring?

[bugslsu9]

13. Basically yes

If I begin to take a salary from the campaign fund too early, it will look bad to potential donors. I cannot have that, as I will need as much money as possible if I am to run, to beat Paul Ryan.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

14. Rock and a hard place, I'm afraid

My friend who ran in the first Congressional District in Ohio quit his job in order to run. He waited until the last possible moment to do so, but when the time came he jumped. Didn't win, and then had to find a new job. Another friend ran for County Commissioner and sold her medical practice in order to devote time to the campaign. She didn't win, either. But she found a new job at a medical services company.

It's a huge leap of faith, but that doesn't mean you do it without a net. Ask your family if they would agree to a leave of absense from your current job -- with the option to return in you don't win. Keep working until June 1, 2006 and then try to get by for five months on only one paycheck. In the meantime, you can be a non-candidate by meeting with Democrats throughout your district and laying the groundwork for a grassroots campaign.

[safi0]

16. I think Jeff's right

This is one of the few areas you would benefit from Wisconsin's late primary. I'm assuming you have a 5 day 40 hr. workweek, if this is the case you should keep your day job for another 14 months or so, and campaign on weekends and whenever else you can find time. After that you try to get by on one paycheck.

[bugslsu9]

17. I agree with you, but

I will lose my job if I run. Lose it before Christmas, and that is not workable.

[undeterred]

15. Don't give up!

There's gotta be a way. :patriot: