[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > In a message dated 12/30/2003 11:22:12 PM Pacific Standard Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > << > But could they run for re-election? > >> > > I kind of doubt it. >
I think it would depend on state law and what you mean by 'run'. If you could be on the ballot without electioneering, and if by being on the ballot you are said to be 'running', then I see no reason why it could not happen. But I don't know whether that is possible or not. In any case, you would not, as I understand it, be permitted under Baha'i law to campaign or allow others to campaign for you. Between the two restrictions, I think it is very unlikely that a person could be elected to a very high office and remain a Baha'i in good standing. However on the local level, it is eminently possible to be elected to a government office. It happens nearly every year in the U.S. For instance, two years ago a notice in the paper said that there were not as many candidates for Neighborhood Councilman in my area as there were openings. I went down on the last day and registered as a candidate. This meant signing a paper stating I was eligible to serve and would serve if elected. I did nothing more towards being elected. As it turned out, there was a 'contest", but I was well enough known to be elected. I did the same thing this year and was re-elcted. I've been the secretary for the last two years, probably will be again. The job and all its power and prestige <ha-ha> are probably mine so long as I chose to serve unless I manage to so alienate someone that they decide to campaign against me. As to why a sitting elected official would not have to resign if they became a Baha'i, I think part of it is because there is an implicit contract to srve once elected. As a signatory to that contract, one is obligated to fulfill it. Another example is that if one has a contract to provide services, that takes precedence over suspending work on a Holy Day. Don C -- - - - - - He who believes himself spiritual proves he is not. ---------- You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://list.jccc.net/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=bahai-st news://list.jccc.net/bahai-st http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist (public) http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] (public)
