Running for Office as an Open Carry Advocate

[Bookman]

I've been following this thread and would like to make a couple of practical suggestions:

1. Some of us don't like being a part of the hive brain and, thus, don't have a Facebook page. I'm sure plenty of the people you want to vote for you are in the same boat (no Facebook). You really should have something they can access without having to sign up for something they don't want.

2. You say you're running as an OC candidate, but no one on here knows you. You might want to make a few of the meets. We have regularly scheduled meets every month. The dates, times, etc. are posted here on the forum. We usually get a pretty decent turnout and it would be a great way to let us find out if we WANT you you to "represent" us.

 

[07Altima]

I plan to make some meets

I know at least one of you, but am reluctant to say his name on the forum as I do not have his permission I do not know his forum name either if he is even on the forum. I plan to get a real Web site but at the moment I have no money for that kind of thing, not even allowed to get contributions until next year I think. Would love to get to know you guys. I will look for when the next meet is. I have a Tea Party meeting on Friday, they want to form it into a PAC or some sort of organization, and I want to be there to put my two cents in. So that is this Friday.

May even get my step dad to join the group, he may not OC out side of when he is with a group of OC, but who knows. I cant wait to hang out with people who are like minded, many of the new PCO's in Snohomish county feel much the same way as myself, and so far that has been the only place I feel I can voice how I feel.

I think it would be nice to hang out with your group get to know you all, well those that go.

Also good news the Tax Return can be done much sooner, yes I sent way to much in but I prefer not to end up with a bill at the end of the year. I mean they fined my mother 500 dollars for her tax person making a 5 dollar mistake. So I really cant afford to lose out like that. I have no real desire to claim so few exemptions but I did so, the check is going to pay for the firearms, and get some of those bills paid off all the way to boot so I guess its a good/bad thing, but hoping to have a firearm either the end of February or beginning of March

So any way will be at the meetings to meet every one who goes.

This is both really exciting, and about as scary as hell! running for office that is.

Also got to talk with the Minority Leader, he is going to talk to Val Stevens in March to confirm if she is going to retire, if that is the case he said I will be one of the first few people he calls, he thanked me for being so upfront with him, and letting him know my intentions. If he is going to be able to run for Val Stevens seat, then I may be able to get his endorsement, and that would be very good for the Campaign.

My ideals are no matter how much you donate, every person will get equal time, I have no desire to cater to big money, or to just the individual, as both are important. One thing I know I wont do, is play the popularity games, I have an agenda to do right by the American people, and thats what I plan to do.

I will see if I can put up some pictures in my profile on here so people can see what I look like.

I so few personal details on my main FB but am apart of the machine any I use it to keep in contact with friends, and family who are all over the country. I know they are information thieves, and dirt bags but I doubt that I will be able to keep in contact with those that are so far away with out it.

Cant wait till the meet

 

[Agent 47]

I would really recomend paying close attention to your personal image. In public forums and especialy in door to door image is important. If you have an imposing figure you may work to tone it down, and carrying a hand cannon may be counter productive to this. Dress nice and keep up on aperiances to make the best possible impression on everyone you interact with. On a side note I think the cool reception from the open carry comunity is based on your enitial approach of saying you will be out campaigning while open carrying while showing a general lack of knowledge on the subject. Many of us here have worked for far to many years and far to hard to see our efforts destroyed by the someone seeking public office representing himself as a figurhead of this comunity. Many here would see your idea of carrying the largest handgun in the known universe as a "prop" in your campaign as contrary to the efforts of open carry.

 

[DEROS72]

I would really recomend paying close attention to your personal image. In public forums and especialy in door to door image is important. If you have an imposing figure you may work to tone it down, and carrying a hand cannon may be counter productive to this. Dress nice and keep up on aperiances to make the best possible impression on everyone you interact with. On a side note I think the cool reception from the open carry comunity is based on your enitial approach of saying you will be out campaigning while open carrying while showing a general lack of knowledge on the subject. Many of us here have worked for far to many years and far to hard to see our efforts destroyed by the someone seeking public office representing himself as a figurhead of this comunity. Many here would see your idea of carrying the largest handgun in the known universe as a "prop" in your campaign as contrary to the efforts of open carry.

Precisely,in reading this I saw a general lack of knowledge of the Open Carry movement and people.Many of us have been doing this a while ,have stood in front of city councils open carrying,we have open carried to the capital to protest the AWB so on and so on..We meet for coffee in Federal Way every second saturday.The list goes on.It demonstates to me you haven't gone back a ways in this forum to understand whats going on.
Unless I missed it I didn't see you at the open carry table at the Puyallup gun show this weekend.Seems to me that would have been a good time to introduce yourself.Planning to make some meets and being there are 2 different things.As agent47 stated a hand cannon does not represent who we are .Thats just in your face showing off.I have put together a few of these big meets in the past couple of years and sent some video to you in a PM.I wonder if you have even reviewed these.To understand where we have been.
We have all been riding this train for a long time now and personally I won't get behind a candidate that comes on and doesn't have a clue who we are.Heve you even checked the 2A rally thread.We had several candidates speak at last years.You haven't even shown an interest.

Thats my 2 cents!

 

[Trigger Dr]

In addition to the above comments, ...posting on an open forum, concerning your financial situation, which appears thin at best, really does not project an ability to manage personal obligations, much less those in an official capacity.

 

[DEROS72]

In addition to the above comments, ...posting on an open forum, concerning your financial situation, which appears thin at best, really does not project an ability to manage personal obligations, much less those in an official capacity.

Thanks triggerdoc that to is an excellent observation.

 

[FMCDH]

In addition to the above comments, ...posting on an open forum, concerning your financial situation, which appears thin at best, really does not project an ability to manage personal obligations, much less those in an official capacity.

+1

While the overall tone of honesty is appreciated, you may want to tone down on the "poorhouse" type talk.

 

[sudden valley gunner]

Personally I don't find anything wrong with it. Maybe he can go in with an agenda to cut taxes and the gov. out of our lives so we can afford to live better.

 

[amlevin]

In addition to the above comments, ...posting on an open forum, concerning your financial situation, which appears thin at best, really does not project an ability to manage personal obligations, much less those in an official capacity.

Even more important when considering that the State Budget at $72 Billion is a far more complex budget than a household budget.

It may seem like no big deal to over withhold for one's income tax, and then getting a refund. Magnify the ramifications of that overpayment to a budget like the States and the cost is significant. When you give the Government too much money on a monthly basis you loose the use of it, possibly having to borrow to make ends meet at times, and you also receive no interest while the government is using your money.

When voters send someone to Olympia to manage their money they deserve someone that is prepared to "nitpick" every expenditure and make sure that no money is wasted. When dealing with this amount of money there are way too many "leaks" and money has a way to just dribble away.

In a household budget you might be faced with interest expense on your Mortgage of a few thousand dollars and maybe some more on consumer loans. The State, in 2011 will be paying almost 3 Billion in "debt service".

 

[07Altima]

My finances are not messed up due to a lack of ability

When I was 18 I was unable to understand Credit. I bought a 22k dollar car, things were okay until my car was hit while uninsured. I did not understand or begin to grasp the impact of this action. I lost the car, my bank account went deep into the red. I lost my Job, and the support of my family. Even though I was not at fault as I was not even in the car, this impact would still haunt me up to this day. As it stands right now my credit is only now starting to get better nearly 10 years after my bad choice.

I did not file bankruptcy as I felt these things were my obligation a penance if you will for the things I did wrong. In 2002 I attended a school for 2 wks I decided I did not want to go, and had worked out a payment plan to pay for the 300 dollars of debt they were entitled to. After they went bankrupt I received a phone call informing me that I owed the Government nearly 6k on a student loan. I never took one out, I found out that the school was not just bankrupt but had also been charged with fraud. This was never cleared from my record, my bank account has made progress, and at this time I am almost finished paying my bank off in terms of what I owed them.

My bad credit has only led to years of agony, this is not only something I would consider a hard lesson learned but one that I still suffer with today, given these things happened because of my poor choices.

If anything I have not only learned to nitpick each expenditure as I have had no choice in the last 10 years, but I have had to learn to live within my means, buy only the things I needed, and every few years have a little money to do things for me, and my family. My tight cash flow is due to a mistake made 10 years ago. I know the cost of mistakes all too well. I have made other mistakes but none that were so grave as the first.

I believe that some one who does not have an understanding of what it is like to be on the bottom does not have the right to tell those that are there, that they understand how they feel. I have come to see this as a lesson of humbleness, I feel that I have been given an opportunity to see through the eyes of those in these situations. I could have my credit perfect right now had I filed bankruptcy but I chose to pay the debts I owe! Even if the events were partly some one else's fault I feel that I need to carry the weight of my part, and not run from my mistakes.

I will fight for lower taxes, and do my best to be a proponent against them all in general. As for not being at events I have not figured out all the forum routes, and once I do still need to coordinate with my wife on the days the events take place, and get her approval. I cherish, and value my wifes input, she has been a valuable resource of information in my life. due to some issues that have come up yet again, I will be looking at the pt845 as it was a firearm I like as well. I have no desire to appear as though I am a figurehead to the movement so I will do my best to insure that others are aware of this as I move forward in my campaign.

I have no desire to look as though I am trying to be flamboyant, my desire for that fire arm was due to a personal like not one of o hey how would that make me look. I would still gladly own one, and take it with me any where I go. Again I have no desire to make others look bad because of anything I carry. So out of the interest of all of us it will be something I strongly consider every time I go out.

As I said many times before I will be an open book for you if you want to know anything just ask, I am not here to hide anything, or run around boasting. I am sorry if it came across in either manner. I am not comfortable with talking about my personal or private life but as I said going to office is not about me, or my comfort.

What I am seeking is to be a voice for those who have either not been heard, or have not been able to be loud enough. I know that while I am running, and in office that I will represent many people, and my desire is to do that as best I can.

If I do make it into office, I will do my best to carry these crosses to the alter of Government, the burden that these crosses represent are ones brought on by the oppression of state and federal regulations that have done far more than intended. I believe that regulations not concerning firearms are good but many regulations have harmed more than they have helped, and I find that to be the source of the burdens that most Americans bare.

I care a great deal about those I will represent, and thank you for your input.

Sincerely

Aaron L. Layes

 

[FMCDH]

Aaron,

One thing I would like to hear your take on is some of the bills being introduced in the legislature this session, especially the ones in this thread here...
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?85551-2011-WA-State-Legislation-on-guns

If I were your constituent and asked your position on these issues, how would you answer for each? I figure this might be good practice.

 

[07Altima]

Regarding each bill

Regarding the Act being brought forth to allow those who are 18 to carry a pistol. I would have to say that I believe it should be enacted. The first reason for such a bill to be enacted is that there is no criminal act that can be committed with a pistol that can not equally be committed with a Rifle or shotgun. I believe that this Act would bring our state more in line with the Constitution, as well as many other states that have this statute.

Regarding the Bill on Concealed Pistol licences I feel that this law makes no sense. Felons, and Criminals are already banned from owning or carrying firearms of any kind, furthermore I feel that requiring some one to have a permit to carry concealed only gives rise to make a criminal act out of what normally would not be considered criminal. I do support the idea of people who want to carry to get some training but it should not be required!

Regarding Knives I feel that the law fails to point out the necessity for such a law, or statute, furthermore I feel that this is not inline even with the laws concerning guns, and I do not condone this law, as I see no reason to keep such weapons out of the hands of law abiding citizens.

I agree with the new Act to change the Bill on noise suppression devices. I feel that these laws were intended to do nothing but restrict law abiding people from possessing anything the original bill writers were apposed to. I see this law bringing our State more back in line with the Constitution.

I also agree with the fact that people should be allowed to carry their firearms on snowmobiles as it is lawful to carry in any other motor vehicle. I do agree that the original intent of this bill was to prevent people from hunting from the back of a moving snowmobile, I also believe that it should be unlawful to hunt from the back of a moving vehicle of any kind unless in the way of fishing or things that would require such devices to carry out the deed of hunting. I feel that there is no reason to run down animals as it requires very little skill to kill something that is cornered.

I feel that our leaders have all but lost most of their common sense catering to the super wealthy or to special interest groups.

 

[AFPVet]

Well Aaron, I think that you would be an excellent candidate! It is a shame that we do not have more good politicians in other states and the federal government.

 

[skiingislife725]

Regarding the Bill on Concealed Pistol licences I feel that this law makes no sense. Felons, and Criminals are already banned from owning or carrying firearms of any kind, furthermore I feel that requiring some one to have a permit to carry concealed only gives rise to make a criminal act out of what normally would not be considered criminal. I do support the idea of people who want to carry to get some training but it should not be required!

What bill are you referring to here?

 

[07Altima]

I believe that it was was part of HB1041

HB1041 I know that it is not a part that is being called into question at this time, however I felt it would be good to touch upon that subject as it would give a better picture of my position on all the regulations that are set forth. If I had my way, we would not restrict citizens from owning any firearm if they were not a criminal.

I believe the framers state of mind was to give us the ability to protect ourselves not only from individual threats, but also from any threat the Federal Government may levy on the people.

When the Government fears the people there is Liberty, however when the people fear their Government there is Tyranny!!!! Thomas Jefferson.

I also came up with a quote not long ago, I feel that these days it is all the more true.
this is the long version but was shortened to the first sentence later on.

If you choose to believe a Lie that Lie has become your truth. For if truth were enough proof we would all believe the same things, however the root to all belief is faith.

Weather we believe a Lie or the Truth, we will defend it as the Truth, no one would believe in anything if they knew it to be a lie.

 

[skiingislife725]

When the Government fears the people there is Liberty, however when the people fear their Government there is Tyranny!!!! Thomas Jefferson.

I completely agree with your opinion on citizens being allowed to carry the way that the Framers intended. And I love the quote about liberty and tyranny...except Thomas Jefferson didn't say it. Still a great quote though!

 

[1245A Defender]

maybe you will not hear a lot about me I guess the gentleman who holds the seat I am running for is not really well known either, but I am sure it will generate some media attn. none the less. I have no problem running for office I have already started my campaign, and so far have the backing from several substantial groups. I am going to be speaking to the Gentleman who currently holds the seat I am looking to win, he was very interested in me running the last time I spoke to him not long ago, and he happens to be the house Minority leader at this current point, he is looking at taking over another seat, so as being the only person with even an idea to run in my district, and he had no one running against him in the last election I think that my chances are better than none.

So again thanks for the Critical input that is also not constructive. I do not need to be bashed or attacked directly or indirectly, and if this is how you are going treat some one running for office I would hope that you have never done anything for this country as I would be ashamed to have been represented by such an angry individual, Furthermore as for my history, I am a Veteran of the United States Army I was a 13 fox forward observer not sure if you know what that is but I did the job, secondly I am already serving as a low level elected representative so I think I have a pretty fair history of serving my country, and until you can say that you have served anything but yourself I would like if you keep your critical comments that are not constructive to a minimum, if you have something to say that can help, or something that can be constructive then by all means speak up, but until then get lost.

If you want my real name it is Aaron Layes, I will not pretend to be perfect, I have made mistakes in my life, but be aware I have been open, and honest with my wife about all of them, and have no real desire to hide them. I am ashamed of many of my mistakes, not because they will hurt me, but because many of my mistakes have hurt others. I guess the honesty starts here. I have been a poor husband in the past, a crappy father, a douche to those who did not deserve it. I have used drugs in my past, and failed to be a good friend. I am ashamed of the way I left the Army, ashamed of much of my past issues. I live in remorse for those I have hurt physically, and emotionally. I do expect to be held accountable for all my actions, and want them out in the open to avoid any scandals, and also avoid bring shame on those I represent. I guess my platform is that I am not perfect, nor will I ever pretend to be. I can not make promises that involve others because I have no control over their choices.

I am running for office, and I am average American with problems. It makes me sick when people run around pretending to be perfect, I am not perfect that is certain, but I have a desire to be Honorable regardless of how it may look.

My heart is with the Constitution the whole reason I joined the Army, and when I failed there even if it was by a medical condition, I was, and still am ashamed that I did not fight harder. Even though I was not to blame I did not give more of myself when I could have, and that is the extent of that shame.

I do what I do for those who died to give me freedom, and for my children's future.

The Video was impromptu, did not have the cash for the tripod, and wish that it had been filmed better. I guess however that it does prove I am no run of mill regular

Also I too agree that some laws need strength, while others are downright pointless,
Some laws are even dangerous.

I can only say that when I am in office I will work hard, it is not a job for wealth, or a job for fame, it is a place for servants, and if anything I am looking for redemption. I once had a chance to give more, and chose a cowards position. However just as in the Red badge of courage I know that I will act differently if given that second chance.

My failure in the past has not only haunted me, but has ruled, and destroyed many things in my life. More or less due to my remorse for not standing up for truth, and not having the courage when it was needed.

No matter what happens I will serve the American people with the Constitution as my guide. I will question every day what I am doing. I never want to feel the self shame again that I have felt for so many years.

I made a promise to myself that I am done running away, if they want a fight, I am going to fight, but I refuse to fight like them. I have seen Government overstep its bounds, I have seen things that make me sick. I will fight them on paper until there is nothing left, I will not draw into violence except in self defense. I will hold my composure knowing I represent many people. My actions will reflect those I represent, and this will give me the strength to fight back the right way. I can not afford to make a mistake I do not wish my family or those I represent to be faced with the shame of a mistake I have made.

The main reason I am even pushing so hard forward is that when I look into the eyes of my children. I feel that I can not live with myself if I do not do everything I can to give them a future worth living.

I do not recall the founding father who said this but he said if we do not fight this war now, we will leave the war for our children to fight, because we are cowards.

When I was 18 I was unable to understand Credit. I bought a 22k dollar car, things were okay until my car was hit while uninsured. I did not understand or begin to grasp the impact of this action. I lost the car, my bank account went deep into the red. I lost my Job, and the support of my family. Even though I was not at fault as I was not even in the car, this impact would still haunt me up to this day. As it stands right now my credit is only now starting to get better nearly 10 years after my bad choice.

I did not file bankruptcy as I felt these things were my obligation a penance if you will for the things I did wrong. In 2002 I attended a school for 2 wks I decided I did not want to go, and had worked out a payment plan to pay for the 300 dollars of debt they were entitled to. After they went bankrupt I received a phone call informing me that I owed the Government nearly 6k on a student loan. I never took one out, I found out that the school was not just bankrupt but had also been charged with fraud. This was never cleared from my record, my bank account has made progress, and at this time I am almost finished paying my bank off in terms of what I owed them.

My bad credit has only led to years of agony, this is not only something I would consider a hard lesson learned but one that I still suffer with today, given these things happened because of my poor choices.

If anything I have not only learned to nitpick each expenditure as I have had no choice in the last 10 years, but I have had to learn to live within my means, buy only the things I needed, and every few years have a little money to do things for me, and my family. My tight cash flow is due to a mistake made 10 years ago. I know the cost of mistakes all too well. I have made other mistakes but none that were so grave as the first.

I believe that some one who does not have an understanding of what it is like to be on the bottom does not have the right to tell those that are there, that they understand how they feel. I have come to see this as a lesson of humbleness, I feel that I have been given an opportunity to see through the eyes of those in these situations. I could have my credit perfect right now had I filed bankruptcy but I chose to pay the debts I owe! Even if the events were partly some one else's fault I feel that I need to carry the weight of my part, and not run from my mistakes.

I will fight for lower taxes, and do my best to be a proponent against them all in general. As for not being at events I have not figured out all the forum routes, and once I do still need to coordinate with my wife on the days the events take place, and get her approval. I cherish, and value my wifes input, she has been a valuable resource of information in my life. due to some issues that have come up yet again, I will be looking at the pt845 as it was a firearm I like as well. I have no desire to appear as though I am a figurehead to the movement so I will do my best to insure that others are aware of this as I move forward in my campaign.

I have no desire to look as though I am trying to be flamboyant, my desire for that fire arm was due to a personal like not one of o hey how would that make me look. I would still gladly own one, and take it with me any where I go. Again I have no desire to make others look bad because of anything I carry. So out of the interest of all of us it will be something I strongly consider every time I go out.

As I said many times before I will be an open book for you if you want to know anything just ask, I am not here to hide anything, or run around boasting. I am sorry if it came across in either manner. I am not comfortable with talking about my personal or private life but as I said going to office is not about me, or my comfort.

What I am seeking is to be a voice for those who have either not been heard, or have not been able to be loud enough. I know that while I am running, and in office that I will represent many people, and my desire is to do that as best I can.

If I do make it into office, I will do my best to carry these crosses to the alter of Government, the burden that these crosses represent are ones brought on by the oppression of state and federal regulations that have done far more than intended. I believe that regulations not concerning firearms are good but many regulations have harmed more than they have helped, and I find that to be the source of the burdens that most Americans bare.

I care a great deal about those I will represent, and thank you for your input.

Sincerely

Aaron L. Layes

qft

 

[golddigger14s]

What does "qft" mean, I couldn't even find it on google.

 

[Freedom First]

What does "qft" mean, I couldn't even find it on google.

+1

 

[VW_Factor]

Quoted For Truth