Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2011
Abstract
Considering a candidacy for public office involves pondering the courageous step of going before an electorate and facing potential examination, scrutiny, and rejection. Anyone who contemplates running for office, therefore, must answer a series of questions. Is the time right to inject my family into the political arena? Where am I in terms of my professional goals? Do I know enough about the issues and the political system to run for office? Am I in sync with my potential constituents on the issues that matter most? Have electoral gatekeepers indicated support for my foray into politics? Do I really want to take part in a political process that is so often associated with self-interest, corruption, and cynicism? In short, a variety of personal, professional, and political circumstances-circumstances that often change over time-undoubtedly affect the extent to which someone considers entering the electoral arena.
Original Publication Citation
Fox, Richard L., and Jennifer L. Lawless. 2011. "Gaining and Losing Interest in Running for Public Office: The Concept of Dynamic Political Ambition." Journal of Politics 73(2):443-462.
Publisher Statement
Copyright 2011 Southern Political Science Association. Available on publisher's site at http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8274550
Digital Commons @ LMU & LLS Citation
Fox, Richard L. and Lawless, Jennifer L., "Gaining and Losing Interest in Running for Public Office: The Concept of Dynamic Political Ambition" (2011). Political Science and International Relations Faculty Works. 14.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/poli_fac/14
