Need some input

[BayCityProgressive]

I am 20 years old and currently enrolled in college and majoring in political science. I am very active with liberal groups in my state ( I live in Michigan). I live in the mid-Michigan area and I helped form a progressive group called Mid-Michigan Progressive Alliance, I work with TCAP (Tri-City Action For Peace) a large anti-war group, and I have helped people run for city council in the surrounding area before. My cousin is the purchaser for the city i live in, and my family has a long history of being in politics and being on city council. My cousin is in good with our governor. I would really like to pursue a place in politics but I am openly gay. I don't go around screaming that I am gay but if someone asks I tell them. I am involved in a relationship as well. I can't help but think this kills any chance I have at running for city council or school board or any other political position in my town. Any Michigan Duers with input that could help me or any other gay Duers who have run for office? Is it usually even brought up at the local level or is this kind of slime technique avoided? In my experiences with others local campaigns personal attacks have been very minimal. I live in a very Democratic area, a big union town but also heavily catholic.

[nostamj]

1. well, God_bush_n_cheney is running

for secretary of state in Washington...

you might PM him.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. With school and work

and being in the middle of moving out of my house..I wouldn't run this year but in the very near future. I just don't want to run if it would create a controversy that would bring the whole party down.

[LeahMira]

3. When you're ready... go for it!

I think that if your ideas are good on issues that are important to your city most people won't care what is going on in your personal life. You obviously have some solid credentials and good contacts.

Since you are young, include your mom and dad, brothers and sisters, and friends of your own age group in your campaigning.

Should anyone be so crass as to ask you if you're gay, answer that question with the same nonchalance as you would answer a question about whether you like basketball or where you went to high school.

[5thGenDemocrat]

4. BCP

Your former mayor, TS, is gay and (I believe) out (the "I believe" is why I don't just spell his name out -- I could be wrong). It didn't seem to hurt him any. Bay City is pretty progressive town.
When I worked at the Times (1991-94), we didn't much care one way or the other over the mayor's orientation as it had nothing to do with his job performance. You might have to worry about smears from low-life opposition, but I'm sure the Times would be cool about it.
John
You might want to give Mike Hanley here in Saginaw a call. He's not gay, but he was both a city councilman and, later, Minority Leader of the MI House. He's in the book, and could probably give you some valuable input on how local elections work and who to protect your back from.

[Festivito]

5. Get your name out there.

Voters will recognize it on the second ballot where you run. That's what I've seen down here in Detroit.

It'll give you some blood in your teeth. That will get you noticed by other runners. Worst case scenario, you'll end up appointed to something.

For a first run win, go door to door. Get fellow student help. Be ready to lose a year of college and maybe never finish.

Enjoy the race.

Just an educated guess.

[CalebHayes]

6. Well, I would just push your polices and then when someone askes...

You will make them choose... gay and right on the issues... or... straight and a right wing freak.