I just witnessed the debate for my particular county representative, Tippecanoe county Indiana (not that that matters). Man it was pathetic. Neither of them seemed to have any clue how to debate, they kept letting themselves get sidetracked and dodged questions, but not in a good way, in a way that was blatantly obvious they were dodging the question. I want to run for state legislator if this is the best we can put forward for local politics. I mean I’m not much at debate myself, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t destroy both these candidates.
Hobbes Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
State legislators aren't allocated by county in either the house or senate in Indiana.
Also, your ability to take the office is essentially unrelated to your debating ability, but essentially solely related to your connections in the community and ability to raise money (which usually follows from the former, but is important enough to list by itself). A forceful personality can compensate for the first, and a good situation can aid you (getting the backing of the incumbent's party when the incumbent isn't running again), but those are pretty much essential, and it must be a very forceful personality.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Yes, I know it's not county, but it's a lot easier to say "county" than "House district 46".
And I don't much care if I win, I just want to show these... people ... up in the debate!
Hobbes Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
How old do you have to be to run?
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
County-based or city-based representation in state legislatures is generally unconstitutional. The number of people per legislator has to be relatively equal in both houses.
I can't remember the case, but it's based on the equal protection. The Voting Rights Act gives the Justice Department authority to oversee districting in certain jurisdictions.
Today's legal snippet brought to you by the number 14.
Dagonee
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
*gets the #15 to beat up on #14 and force it to change its vote*
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
If it makes you feel any better Fugu I'm voting for the Democratics canidate in this race. The Republican canidate was pathetic, every question went instantly to her incredibly bad budget control plan. I mean *immeaditly*, and it is a stupid plan!
Besides which, she's going to be (assuming she get's elected) a freshman representitive and her entire campaign is based on getting a plan passed through the entire legistlator that puts a strangle-hold on the entire state budget? Pathetic.
Hobbes Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Alas, Noemon's question is most pertinent, not that I know the answer but I'd bet dollars to ... doorbells ( ) that I'm under the limit.
Hobbes Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
I double checked in the Indiana Constitution, to be a rep requires being 21, to be a senator requires being 25. Perhaps more pertinently, there is a requirement that you have been a resident of the state for 2 years, and of the district being run for for 1.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Le sigh.
Hobbes Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
We had an 18-year-old kid from Missoula run for the state legislature. He was actually really sharp and with it, but made the mistake of being a Republican in the one city in Montana that doesn't elect Republicans.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I knew a guy in college who was a state legislator. He described it as a great part time job. But he probably was over 21.
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