New Politics Leadership Academy – calling veterans to run for office

[longknife]

This article from Military.com deals with 3 members of the military who are reflecting on running for office after attending an “Answering the call” group sessions run by the NPLA.


It is clearly a nonpartisan organization that seeks to put more veterans into public office.

New Politics has been instrumental in helping to elect veterans, including Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Massachusetts, a former Marine who is now among the crowded field running for the Democratic presidential nomination.

New Politics has also aided Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, a Navy veteran; Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisconsin, a Marine veteran; and Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, an Army veteran.

According to the article; The total number of veterans in Congress is 96 -- 30 Democrats and 66 Republicans; the total number is down by six because of older veterans retiring.


That’s only 18% compared to the 70s when two-thirds were vets.


More @ 3 Members of the Military Reflect on Whether They Want to Run for Office

 

[longknife]

Here’s a bit of personal view on veterans running for office:

One doesn’t have to run for office to make major changes in politics.

One just needs to get involved.

And that doesn’t mean donating money.

The best way is at the level closest to you – the local ward. Check your voter registration and it indicates the ward and district you are in. There are organizations at each level and it’s easy to stick your toe in the water. Attend a meeting. Volunteer to help. Become known to the regulars. Get your friends who think the same as you to also help out. It’s from these levels that delegates are selected to larger conventions. If you get known at one level, you can move up to the next.

These are where candidates are sought and financial assistance is brought into play.

If you do want to run, start small. Go for town or city councils or boards. Work you way up from there.

If you don’t believe it, give it a try.

 

[Tijn Von Ingersleben]

It is admirable, public service, ideally. In reality, it is just gross. However, somebody has to do it, I guess.