Why would anyone volunteer to run a political campaign for free, especially when they could get paid a ton of money for it?
Our goal isn’t to enrich ourselves, it’s to enrich our state.
The US is at a fragile moment, democratically speaking. Both major parties are currently fractured and the division in politics is likely to get worse, not better. The pandemic created a high level of dissatisfaction in communities nationwide and many people have lost faith in public institutions.
We believe in public institutions and feel obligated to ensure these institutions remain strong for our children and fellow community members. The best way to do this is by offering representative candidates an opportunity to enter politics with no strings attached, especially considering the number of open seats during the upcoming cycle.
Does my political affiliation matter?
No. Our group of volunteers have different political affiliations. We will consider supporting candidates from any political party, as well as nonpartisans.
Will Beyond Bread and Circuses consider supporting multiple candidates in a single race?
No. Once we find a candidate in a race, we will focus solely on getting them elected. If an initial candidate is selected for a race and decides not to file, we may reach out to pre-determined alternates at that time.
Why is Beyond Bread and Circuses requiring candidates to refuse money from PACs?
The number of PACs registered to special interests and current elected officials is both depressing and alarming. The public deserves full transparency when it comes to campaign spending. After learning it’s legal for a legitimate business to form multiple shell companies for the sole purpose of donating multiple times to their preferred political candidates, Beyond Bread and Circuses wanted to see if providing the most costly aspects of running a political campaign for free is a viable remedy to level the playing field.
Will Beyond Bread and Circuses support candidates for seats currently filled by elected officials seeking re-election?
Yes. We’re open to considering alternative representation on a case by case basis.
Are there specific elected officials Beyond Bread and Circuses want to unseat?
No. We currently have no way to predict how many candidates will take us up on this offer and which district interested parties live in. This action is not personally directed towards any individual elected official or any specific political party. Our goal is to give individuals an opportunity to represent their communities without being beholden to special interests.
Will Beyond Bread and Circuses consider federal or local races?
No. Our focus is currently limited to assembly and senate races.
Once we apply, what happens next?
Our group of volunteers will review applications and screen out candidates with serious red flags, like committing a serious crime or attending an insurrection. Applicants will be notified if they were removed from the pool of potential candidates at this time. Following this, another screening will occur, which will allow candidates to more fully articulate their political ideologies. Candidates and alternates will be selected from this pool.
If we are selected, what is the time commitment involved in campaigning?
Campaigning can be very time consuming. The group will help you with the more tedious work, but a successful campaign requires you to attend frequent in person events or canvass neighborhoods in your district. The group will meet virtually several times. Once campaigning has begun, most of the group’s communication will be electronic.
We will make it as easy as possible, but you should be aware that serving in politics is a huge time commitment. If you struggle with the time commitment required to campaign, you will likely struggle to fairly represent your community if elected.
Is this support being offered to current elected officials who are up for re-election?
We will consider supporting current elected officials who have a positive legislative track record and are not currently running their own PACs and are not accepting large sums of money from special interests. In order to qualify, they would need to adhere to the same ethical standards as other applicants.