Shannon told me to write something more light hearted this morning as we discussed blogs. I’m not always good at light hearted (or easy going). However, it is in this vein that I am officially announcing my intention to form an exploratory committee to run for Illinois’ Fifth Congressional District: The one Rahm Emmanuel is vacating to be President Elect Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff.
I’m tapping a few people who can help me in this endeavor.
Congress needs more dedicated liberal geeks. I fit the bill. Why should I bother waiting till I retire? I’m starting today.
Gleason 08!
update 1: I already have a supporter (thanks Bill!) and another member of my Committee. Let’s hear it for Outreach!

November 7th, 2008 at 9:50 am
ohmygosh.. hurry up!
November 7th, 2008 at 10:10 am
You’ve got my endorsement.
November 7th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Yes, indeed. I nominate me as your proofreader and speechwriter. Let’s get this native son of Chicago in the House.
Also, I’ll start looking for rental properties in DC.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I will help…
I’m not a liberal.
I want booze
November 7th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I should have been more clear. By lighthearted, I meant non-political.
However, this does not mean I won’t help you get petitions.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Oh.
Well, you did say “not political” but I ignored it because this idea was TOO big not to post.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Gleason, I am so there for you on one condition: we each get West Wing code names. You can be Bartlett. Shannon is Abby. And I’m Josh Lyman. Comments on my gender confusion are *not* welcome.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I will do whatever it takes to help you out, my friend. And promise not to bring any dirt I have on you to light!
Go Marty!
November 7th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
we’re starting a movement here!
November 7th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
AND MY AXE.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
You guys realize this is only the first step to becoming Emperor Bricu, First of his Name.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Huzzah. I am all over this.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I’ll help!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
[X]
November 7th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
BTW, dude, if you’re serious? I don’t care that we’re total political opposites, this is AWESOME. We need a lot more citizen legislators and a lot fewer permanent politicians in Washington, regardless of party.
November 7th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Great idea
November 8th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I think I should stop posting on your blog before our relationship can be used in attack ads against you.
“He hangs out with vegetarian, atheist mexicans with socialist tendencies. Think of the children!”
November 13th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I will mercilessly mock your opponents with satire.