Tuesday, February 23, was the first day of filing season for hopeful county, state and federal political candidates. The record turnout is a very clear indication of the increased involvement by Missourians.
According to the Associated Press:
All told, 417 people filed candidacy papers Tuesday for Congress, the state Legislature, state auditor and various judgeships. That easily exceeded the opening-day record of 386 candidates set in 2002, when Missouri’s legislative term limits law barred the first large wave of incumbents from seeking re-election. Many of those freshmen from eight years ago now are being term-limited themselves.
Missouri’s candidacy filing period runs through March 30. But more than half the candidates typically file on the first day – some because of tradition, others in hopes of drawing a good lottery number that places them first on the list of names for their races.
The party primaries will be held Aug. 3, with the winners facing off in the Nov. 2 general election.
The Tea Party movement has prompted common citizens from all over the country to engage themselves in the political process. For them, voting is no longer enough. Perhaps more than ever before, Jefferson City was filled with individuals who never dreamed they would be running for political office. Their only political ambition is to see the United States restored to its former greatness by a return to the founding principles of our Constitution.
For them, the real work begins now. Their schedules will quickly fill up with door-knocking, phone-calling, meet and greets, fundraisers and candidate forums.
Although the rest of us may not be filing for office, we should feel no less obligation to involve ourselves in the process. If we have not already vetted these candidates, that is the first step. Most, if not all, candidates would love nothing more than to receive a phone call from someone in their district inviting them to a meet and greet at that person’s home.
So let’s get busy. Meet the candidates and find the one who best represents your principles and values. Once that has been determined, then do all that you can to get that candidate elected. It is not too early to get started. If you are unsure of how you can assist your candidate, don’t hesitate to ask. Aspiring officials have no shortage of ways for volunteers to be involved in their campaigns.
