I did actually run for Congress a few years ago (http://www.politicsandtechnology.com/2005/10/scott_chacon_fo.html http://www.politicsandtechnology.com/2005/10/

I did actually run for Congress a few years ago (http://www.politicsandtechnology.com/2005/10/scott_chacon_fo.html http://www.politicsandtechnology.com/2005/10/scott_chacon_fo...), so I can tell you as a developer and having been a political candidate, that being a developer is much, much easier. I'm a relatively outgoing person for being a software developer - I do a lot of public speaking and so forth, but putting yourself up as a political candidate is incredibly stressful. You have to be an expert in everything - tech issues, yes, but also farm issues, banking issues, environmental issues, taxes, poverty, unemployment, zoning, etc. It involves walking door to door and telling people face to face that they should trust you and give you their vote and hopefully money and time. You have to ask people for money - all the time. You are asking for a job representing everyone around you, so it's hard to relax - you feel like you're slacking when you should be asking for votes or money or studying the issues. It's also helpful to be very, very partisan. If you're moderate, the people that volunteer for causes like yours will seem extreme for you and saying that people on the other side are not horrible people can lose you volunteers. You have to juggle that. If you think office politics or developer cliques are bad or distasteful, wait until you see what the political circles are like. Everyone has an opinion (including people like us) and knows how everything should be run. When you don't do what they suggest, they might leave. I love the idea - obviously I invested a lot of my time in it. I think technology can seriously improve our governance for the better and having tech aware legislators would be a good thing. However, before you do it, know what you're getting into. People think politicians are corrupt and stupid, but in general I think they're mostly smart, hard working and want to honestly help. Running for office is complex, stressful and trying. Before you throw your hat into the ring, contact someone you like, volunteer your time, help them understand these issues, build them these tools and convince them they are worth it. You might be surprised how approachable many of them are. Then, if you still feel the need to replace them, go for it. And let me know, I'd love to hear about it.