I've only run for elected office twice in my lifetime. The first was in 8th grade when I beat Marty Borenstien to become student council treasurer at the Epstein Hebrew Academy.
It wasn't all that great a victory - I think Marty lost because he had the unfortunate nickname of "Barney," which didn't convey fiscal acumen. Plus, I conveniently broke my wrist playing basketball three days before the election. This dramatically increased the mercy-vote factor.
My second political experience was ...