So I'd Like to Volunteer

In the past I have volunteered my time with a few different organizations. A couple of them did background checks but not too in depth. Quite frankly if "Ansley" had been found out, it would not have mattered.

I would like to get involved with a presidential campaign. I really don't know much about what goes on when a person volunteers to do campaign work. Would it even be wise for an escort to try and be involved. Or should I stick to just sporting his bumper sticker on my car?

Opinions please.

You could hit a golfball from Bones' parking lot and break a window at Newt's National HQ...so that would be nice... but I doubt that if that is who you are referring to...

My experience is they (meaning the campaign) really doesn't care what you do/what your past is/etc. They may run a cursory background check to make sure you aren't a child molester, rapist, etc but they aren't goinng to dig. It isn't like going to a normal job interview where an escort might have to explain a "gap" in her resume.

They want warm bodies that will show up at events and even better stop by the office and do work. If you show up a lot you might get noticed and an actual staffer might ask you to do more or invite you to more interesting stuff (fundraisers, etc. where the rest of the crowd is paying to be there)

Bottomline I think you would be welcomed with open arms.

I've never been involved in a significant way with a Presidential Campaign. I think it would be cool if you started early & the guy actually won the nomination.

You could hit a golfball from Bones' parking lot and break a window at Newt's National HQ...so that would be nice... Originally Posted by atlcomedy

Now there's a good excuse to have lunch.

My experience is they (meaning the campaign) really doesn't care what you do/what your past is/etc. They may run a cursory background check to make sure you aren't a child molester, rapist, etc but they aren't goinng to dig. It isn't like going to a normal job interview where an escort might have to explain a "gap" in her resume.

. Originally Posted by atlcomedy

If you need/want a cover story, "unemployed" seems in vogue these days with the economy the way it is. I recall reading a number of stories about unemployed folks volunteering for all kinds of campaigns (issues, which come across as less partisan, and candidates) in the '10 cycle. They said it was a great way to stay busy, demonstate to potential employers they weren't just sittin on the couch all day long, and network.

I’ll start by saying – I wish more people would get involved in politics.

Second – I agree with altcomedy.

I don’t think you have much to worry about. Granted, you are talking about a Presidential candidate…, but a long time ago a good friend of mine was approached to run for political office. My friend was taken by surprise, but thought they would go along. After many discussions, the political party held a dinner for my friend and their closest friends. At the start of the dinner, the person in charge of the election asked us – basically what dirt did we know about our friend – because if we knew it – the opposition would know it. Well, we all burst out laughing… The opposition never found out what we knew and my friend was elected…several times. Granted, my friend was not running for President…but you’d be helping – not being the one overly scrutinized.

Of course that is only my opinion.

Best of luck!

Monsieur Cat

This is a topic that I can speak on knowledgeably. The short answer is "it depends". And it depends on how involved your volunteering becomes and how close to the candidate it gets.

If you're just going down to the local headquarters to help pass out brochures, going to canvas, make phone calls, etc. then very little will be asked in most campaigns. There may be a background check in the most organized campaigns, but all they're looking for is a criminal record. Assuming your record is clear (or at least has no violent convictions), you'll be fine. And frankly, most will never even check that.

However, if you're wanting to go to the candidate's national headquarters and volunteer to become a full time staffer, you may well get some screening. One of my kids does this fairly regularly and has gradually moved from volunteer to paid staffer on campaigns (though she'll still probably be volunteer on a Presidential campaign this year), but the closer you get to the candidate, to headquarters, or to a real position of authority, the more likely it is that you're going to be screened. But again, they're looking at criminal records more than unexplained sources of money.

Campaigns run, in part, on trust fund babies, folks who live frugally and then spend months at a time donating to causes for ideological reasons, etc. Just tell them an eccentric old aunt left you a small sum and you're finally getting to live your dream, even if only in a small way and the odds are you'll be asked no more.

Or should I stick to just sporting his bumper sticker on my car? Opinions please. Originally Posted by Ansley

Or her bumper sticker on your car.

So who is the lucky candidate?

So who is the lucky candidate? Originally Posted by pjorourke

If you haven't figured how Ansley leans yet.... then you are just having delusions that she'll still swing your way, PJ.

Ansley, I have no idea what your skills are but they are looking to expand their digital team right now. And accepting applications for other field staff. Also, there is such a thing as unpaid interns. Best plan on hanging up your escorting panties for the duration of the campaign.

PM me if you really want to know more.

And depending on how discreet you've been (criminal record?) I don't see why screening should be a problem. They may go as far as interviewing your friends and coworkers if you need to have any Secret Service clearance. You'd be surprised how much of it was just a 'vouch' from a campaign staffer to get past the Secret Service here or there.

If you were here, I'm sure the perfect volunteer job for you would*be to assign you to recruiting more volunteers

Hey Sweet Ansley! My experience with political volunteerism has been all positive, and I never felt overly scrutinized. Of course, I never got into an inner circle, either LOL. If you can smile that lovely smile and speak on the phone in those dulcet tones of yours, you will be an invaluable asset and no one is going to question you anytime soon. Have FUN, Luv!

Or her bumper sticker on your car. Originally Posted by SR Only

Nope, he's without question a he.

So who is the lucky candidate? Originally Posted by pjorourke

I guess you will know when I ask for a campaign contribution.
Thanks for all the advice and knowledge that has been shared. Keep it coming.

Nope, he's without question a he. Originally Posted by Ansley

Ansley, are you getting on-board with our hometown guy Herman Cain? Excellent!!

Ansley, are you getting on-board with our hometown guy Herman Cain? Excellent!! Originally Posted by Chica Chaser

I'm not telling. It looks like I already have a couple of PM boxes that I will be filling with spam.

Ansley, are you getting on-board with our hometown guy Herman Cain? Excellent!! Originally Posted by Chica Chaser

I would love to see the Repub's nominate him....if they won't RP.

That would be one funny election cycle!

I would love to see the Repub's nominate him....if they won't RP.

That would be one funny election cycle! Originally Posted by WTF

What do you mean? What are you implying?