Career Trajectory - Political Desires Forum

[Anonymous User]

Need some advice. Not flame.

Background: T14 student from humble life w/ a criminal past. Offer to work with reputable regional law firm doing litigation upon graduation and an offer from DOJ EOIR OCIJ.

My ultimate desire is to become a politician (state senator --> us senator --> governor --> potus). I have Hill experience, some connections, and strong will power. I want to know what would be a better sell: public sector, DOJ experience (hopefully lateral the OCIJ clerkship into DHS attorney for a couple years before branching out to state/us senator), or private sector experience at a large regional firm in my state (where I would likely run for state senate after a few years experience). I feel like the private sector in my state would be a good "hometown hero" type story, but the public sector experience could be a similar story except that I've gone on to a federal, rather than state, level.

Any recommendations, advice, or anecdotes (and trolling, I suppose) is welcome.

[hdunlop]

This has potential. Tagging for promising trolling.

Your answer depends at least in part on what party you're in.

Governors hate being senators and unless you're from a big state where gov means something going senate to gov is gonna suck too.

[Traynor Brah]

Tag.

Also, QFP:

Need some advice. Not flame.

Background: T14 student from humble life w/ a criminal past. Offer to work with reputable regional law firm doing litigation upon graduation and an offer from DOJ EOIR OCIJ.

My ultimate desire is to become a politician (state senator --> us senator --> governor --> potus). I have Hill experience, some connections, and strong will power. I want to know what would be a better sell: public sector, DOJ experience (hopefully lateral the OCIJ clerkship into DHS attorney for a couple years before branching out to state/us senator), or private sector experience at a large regional firm in my state (where I would likely run for state senate after a few years experience). I feel like the private sector in my state would be a good "hometown hero" type story, but the public sector experience could be a similar story except that I've gone on to a federal, rather than state, level.

Any recommendations, advice, or anecdotes (and trolling, I suppose) is welcome.

[BVest]

Background: T14 student from humble life w/ a criminal past.

go on...

[TLSModBot]

Tell us more about your strong will power. How strong exactly are we talking about here?

[hangingtree]

Political aspirations are fine and, though it's early, you can begin thinking about your plans in law school. However, unless you're coming from a powerful American family, there is not a lot you can do at this point besides being great at whatever you decide to do.

The only thing it seems you must do at this point is move to your desired market immediately after graduation. The people I know who have political aspirations at various law schools are all targeting/have targeted their desired market during summers and especially after graduation. President Obama targeted Chicago; Bill Clinton, Arkansas; Ted Cruz, Texas; Rubio, Florida.

Additionally, I assume each of these folks have powerful mentors--either alumni or local connections. You're not going to find the advice you need on TLS.

[hdunlop]

Darrell Issa was indicted twice for GTA and built a fortune selling car alarms, the criminal past part of this is not the problem with the plan.

[joeycxxxx09]

Let me ask TLS how to become POTUS! I heard that's what Barack did too

[Cicero76]

Get into the real estate business. Ask your family for loan.

[sopranorleone]

Maybe instead of focusing on creating a "hometown hero-type story," you could actually try to be a hometown hero

[KMart]

Get into the real estate business. Ask your family for loan.

You just need a small loan of $1million to become a billionaire!

[rpupkin]

Let me ask TLS how to become POTUS! I heard that's what Barack did too

Indeed. Back in 2006, Barack posted here asking how to handle his relative lack of political experience during the democratic primaries. We told him to submit an addendum to the DNC explaining that his limited time of two years in the U.S. Senate was not reflective of his actual abilities. He followed our advice; the rest is history.

[Anonymous User]

Political aspirations are fine and, though it's early, you can begin thinking about your plans in law school. However, unless you're coming from a powerful American family, there is not a lot you can do at this point besides being great at whatever you decide to do.

The only thing it seems you must do at this point is move to your desired market immediately after graduation. The people I know who have political aspirations at various law schools are all targeting/have targeted their desired market during summers and especially after graduation. President Obama targeted Chicago; Bill Clinton, Arkansas; Ted Cruz, Texas; Rubio, Florida.

Additionally, I assume each of these folks have powerful mentors--either alumni or local connections. You're not going to find the advice you need on TLS.

op here.

well, I lived in my hometown my whole life, summered in my home state, and all my work experience is in my home State and DC. but, are you saying that instead of targeting DOJ, it would be a better 'sell' to stick with a (reputable) private firm in my home state? i was thinking that the Federal agency tag would be something party leaders would be interested in rather than ties and loyalty to my home state.

the necessary advice will not be found on tls, but maybe the hivemind may have some benefit. thanks.

[hangingtree]

Political aspirations are fine and, though it's early, you can begin thinking about your plans in law school. However, unless you're coming from a powerful American family, there is not a lot you can do at this point besides being great at whatever you decide to do.

The only thing it seems you must do at this point is move to your desired market immediately after graduation. The people I know who have political aspirations at various law schools are all targeting/have targeted their desired market during summers and especially after graduation. President Obama targeted Chicago; Bill Clinton, Arkansas; Ted Cruz, Texas; Rubio, Florida.

Additionally, I assume each of these folks have powerful mentors--either alumni or local connections. You're not going to find the advice you need on TLS.

op here.

well, I lived in my hometown my whole life, summered in my home state, and all my work experience is in my home State and DC. but, are you saying that instead of targeting DOJ, it would be a better 'sell' to stick with a (reputable) private firm in my home state? i was thinking that the Federal agency tag would be something party leaders would be interested in rather than ties and loyalty to my home state.

the necessary advice will not be found on tls, but maybe the hivemind may have some benefit. thanks.

Do whatever inspires you the most. You're unlikely to be successful at whatever you choose if you're just looking at it as a means to reach political goals (though that's not absolutely true, and particularly not if you are passionate about whatever you decide to do).

My intuition is that a government gig would be slightly better for your purposes, but that's a stab in the dark. But see above. Do whatever inspires you most.

Also:

Maybe instead of focusing on creating a "hometown hero-type story," you could actually try to be a hometown hero

[FrenchDonkey]

I very very rarely comment, but this post rubbed me the wrong way. The fact that you have to ask what career track is best for a career in politics is a real problem to me. Why do you want to get into politics? Do you want to make meaningful change (good luck) or are you the type that just wants the glory and power (i.e Frank Underwood)? Are you intrigued by the political gamesmanship? If so, work on someone's staff or try to become a consultant. Don't run for office. People who want to be politicians just so they can have a fancy title are one of the reasons why the public mostly despises politics.

Anyway, so my post can at least be somewhat useful to you, I'm going to reiterate what someone said earlier: go back to your home state. It would be ideal to work with a local, reputable firm and work to gain connections within the political establishment. Sit on your party's local precinct committee, get to know the county or state party officers. Volunteer for other candidates and learn from their campaigns, attend fundraisers, donate, and make yourself known with the local interest groups. You're running for the State Senate, you don't need to have an amazing resume, you just need to make yourself known in the community and have the good will of the party leaders. If you manage to distinguish yourself once in office, then you can run for something higher.

If you want to bypass years in state/local government, then government may be the better option. However, you will really have to distinguish yourself. No DOJ employee will be elected governor, US senator, or even state AG without something really impressive on their record. Nonetheless, working as a USA (if after years and years of work you are lucky enough to get appointed) or high profile prosecutor in your home state is better than working as a partner at a law firm.

I must reiterate that I hate that you're asking. I really hope you're a troll. If some electorate is able to look past your obvious desire for personal glory and elect you to a position of note, then hopefully you will take the position seriously and work to solve the district/state/nation's very real problems instead of focusing on political survival.

[bjohnsobf]

Bear in mind the Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from running for election in partisan elections

[Danger Zone]

Uh do you have other priorities aside from becoming a politician

[Glasseyes]

I'm just curious about this "DOJ with a a criminal past" thing. Is that an honors position? If so, have you gone through the clearance process yet? Say what you will about OPM, but If you actually have a criminal record, they will root that out pretty easily.

[Danger Zone]

I'm just curious about this "DOJ with a a criminal past" thing. Is that an honors position? If so, have you gone through the clearance process yet? Say what you will about OPM, but If you actually have a criminal record, they will root that out pretty easily.

It's not a auto disqualifier as long as you disclose.

[tyrant_flycatcher]

My ultimate desire is to become a politician (state senator --> us senator --> governor --> potus)

Obviously you need to become governor of a state that places well in POTUS. Some will say you can govern anywhere in the T10 (VNTONMGACT), but I would recommend aiming for the T2 (VN). I know people out there are going to say, "Why is Virginia even considered T2 anymore? Their placement numbers looked so much better 40 cycles ago then they do now." But Virginia has serious staying power, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, even if it's been 170 years since Tyler made the move. I guess you could try to lateral to New York or Virginia from a different state, but it's always harder to lateral "up" then "down."

[Anonymous User]

My ultimate desire is to become a politician (state senator --> us senator --> governor --> potus)

Obviously you need to become governor of a state that places well in POTUS. Some will say you can govern anywhere in the T10 (VNTONMGACT), but I would recommend aiming for the T2 (VN). I know people out there are going to say, "Why is Virginia even considered T2 anymore? Their placement numbers looked so much better 40 cycles ago then they do now." But Virginia has serious staying power, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, even if it's been 170 years since Tyler made the move. I guess you could try to lateral to New York or Virginia from a different state, but it's always harder to lateral "up" then "down."

This is amazing.

The only way to get into politics is to go work in politics. Unpaid, on campaigns. You work on campaigns, and you have a chance to quickly move up, especially if the candidate wins.

If it's not a re-election year for your guy/gal, try and get an internship with them. You work at your state house for a few months, then you become a terribly paid staffer for a member of your state legislature. Then you get to tell people at parties that you work in politics.

[DavidConeSplitter]

My ultimate desire is to become a politician (state senator --> us senator --> governor --> potus)

Obviously you need to become governor of a state that places well in POTUS. Some will say you can govern anywhere in the T10 (VNTONMGACT), but I would recommend aiming for the T2 (VN). I know people out there are going to say, "Why is Virginia even considered T2 anymore? Their placement numbers looked so much better 40 cycles ago then they do now." But Virginia has serious staying power, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, even if it's been 170 years since Tyler made the move. I guess you could try to lateral to New York or Virginia from a different state, but it's always harder to lateral "up" then "down."

This is amazing.

The only way to get into politics is to go work in politics. Unpaid, on campaigns. You work on campaigns, and you have a chance to quickly move up, especially if the candidate wins.

If it's not a re-election year for your guy/gal, try and get an internship with them. You work at your state house for a few months, then you become a terribly paid staffer for a member of your state legislature. Then you get to tell people at parties that you work in politics.

ETA: Accidental anon, sorry. Outing myself as DCS

[Catsinthebag]

Political aspirations are fine and, though it's early, you can begin thinking about your plans in law school. However, unless you're coming from a powerful American family, there is not a lot you can do at this point besides being great at whatever you decide to do.

The only thing it seems you must do at this point is move to your desired market immediately after graduation. The people I know who have political aspirations at various law schools are all targeting/have targeted their desired market during summers and especially after graduation. President Obama targeted Chicago; Bill Clinton, Arkansas; Ted Cruz, Texas; Rubio, Florida.

Additionally, I assume each of these folks have powerful mentors--either alumni or local connections. You're not going to find the advice you need on TLS.

op here.

well, I lived in my hometown my whole life, summered in my home state, and all my work experience is in my home State and DC. but, are you saying that instead of targeting DOJ, it would be a better 'sell' to stick with a (reputable) private firm in my home state? i was thinking that the Federal agency tag would be something party leaders would be interested in rather than ties and loyalty to my home state.

the necessary advice will not be found on tls, but maybe the hivemind may have some benefit. thanks.

Party leaders thing is the dumbest thing I've read on the Internet in a while.

[barkschool]

Political aspirations are fine and, though it's early, you can begin thinking about your plans in law school. However, unless you're coming from a powerful American family, there is not a lot you can do at this point besides being great at whatever you decide to do.

The only thing it seems you must do at this point is move to your desired market immediately after graduation. The people I know who have political aspirations at various law schools are all targeting/have targeted their desired market during summers and especially after graduation. President Obama targeted Chicago; Bill Clinton, Arkansas; Ted Cruz, Texas; Rubio, Florida.

Additionally, I assume each of these folks have powerful mentors--either alumni or local connections. You're not going to find the advice you need on TLS.

Did Obama really look at Chicago, and go, "things look good here for a potential Senate race"??

[AnonMoose]

.