I'm sure that many of you all have heard the news about the California special election where some, probably small, number of people will turn out to vote on whether to remove the Governor or not and if removed, with whom to replace him. Today I learned that it only costs $3,500 to get a name on the ballot. If there are a large number of names on the ballot, we could see a new Governor elected with a record few number of votes. In that climate, it's not unrealistic to think that a dark-horse candidate could steal the show.
So what do you all think? Should I run for Governor?
update: In addition to raising $3,500, I'd have to gather 65 signatures of registered California voters. The signature bit doesn't seem too difficult. I'll be contacting the county registrar's office tomorrow morning to see what paperwork is required.
more: The calendar of events seems to suggest that I have only two days to raise the money, gather signatures and file a declaration of candidacy. Am I reading this right? That seems like a painfully small window of time to raise $3,500.
Posted by asa at August 6, 2003 10:34 PMI recently turned 18, and heck, I'll vote for u!!! (Like all impressional young adult, I'm looking for someone to attach to.)
--
Vote Asa, he's no ass!
Asa Dot Vote Not
You got my vote =)
Posted by: Jasmeet on August 6, 2003 11:49 PMVote ASAP Asa
Posted by: Henrik Gemal on August 7, 2003 12:24 AMThe reason that you only have a cople days to raise the money is because you started rather late in the game. Most candidates started planning their candidacy months ago. However, if you are a serious candidate then even one day should be plenty of time to raise $3,500.
Posted by: Mark Bitterling on August 7, 2003 01:31 AMI have no idea what your qualifications or platform would be (beyond championing mozilla), so I have no opinion on the matter (i'm also no resident of CA).
What I do know is that I don't want you to use money from the mozilla foundation for such "adventures".
Happy campaigning. :-)
Posted by: Peter Lairo on August 7, 2003 01:42 AMyou're not helping anyone by running. you're hurting serious candidates by adding to the hundrends of candidates confusing people
AND ONLY ABOUT 12 WOULD VOTE FOR YOU
Posted by: :<( on August 7, 2003 06:59 AMI wish I were a CA resident so I could vote for Mozilla - I mean Asa... Good Luck!
Posted by: pete on August 7, 2003 09:56 AMWould you make IE illegal if you won?
Posted by: Peter Hewitt on August 7, 2003 09:59 AMhow about raising for mozillafoundation.org and donate
Posted by: Joe on August 7, 2003 10:09 AMAsa, you are correct. You have until Saturday to complete all of the paperwork and do your filing. This will get your name printed in the ballot, and grant you inclusion in the Voter Information Guide, which will be mailed out to CA voters prior to the Special Election.
Between August 11, 2003 and September 23, 2003, if you were unable to complete regular filing, you can still file a Statement of Write-in Candidacy along with your nomination papers to qualify you as a write-in candidate.
The reason for the small window of time is:
Cruz Bustamante had to set the special election date at a time not fewer than 60 days after the proclamation, and no more than 80 days. Recall language is to blame for the window, as this is an extremely small amount of time to start a campaign. In this case it is 77 days.
It also looks like everyone else got another couple weeks of a head start on you, as well, since you seem to be entering the race late!
Posted by: Matthew Welty on August 7, 2003 10:19 AMPeter, Somehow I doubt that Asa would misuse MozillaFoundation funds for such an endeavor. The implication is kind of unfair. I personally don't see the problem with Asa running but can't really see the point other than the experience gained from the effort. But if it's something you really want to do go for it. I'm not a cali resident but I'd support in other ways if I can.
Posted by: flatrabbit on August 7, 2003 10:52 AMDon't be too narrow in focus. Not a "pro-mozilla" governor, but a governor who understands technology and the issues surrounding it. Better yet, run as "pro-geek". :)
"The only candidate to run Linux."
Combined with weblogging power, you'd actually have a shot at winning.
Don't get into politics, it will disgust you. ;-)
Posted by: Brian 'netdragon' Bober on August 7, 2003 01:37 PMSince I don't live in California I can't vote for you for Governor. However, after your tenure as Governor is done, I would be glad to help vote in the first Open Source President.
Posted by: Radiowriter on August 7, 2003 01:47 PMYou'll have no chance against "The Terminator." make a Mozilla movie first or something. ;)
Posted by: nosebleed on August 7, 2003 02:11 PMNo! Don't make a Mozilla movie. The ppl that own the rights to GodZilla might sue!
Posted by: DJGM on August 7, 2003 05:07 PMIf the election were two months and a few days later, I'd vote for you in a heartbeat. I'm really hoping Davis will get that delay he's pulling for.
I'd still vote "no" on the first question, but that's nothing against you, nor is it anything pro-Davis. It's just anti-recall.
Out of curiosity, what would you be running as?
Posted by: Hooded One on August 7, 2003 09:47 PM