My advice to anyone wanting to have influence in the political arena is to get involved in the local club level of politics. Influence for the long haul. We often hear complaints about big money buying politics, and it does. But there are other ways to buy political influence, and that is with time and friendship. I am going to that party and getting complimentary tickets, because I have been a supporter all along.
Politicians know who just shows up when they want something.
We need to be their friends and stick by them for the long haul. Influence is something we build over time. I am advocating getting involved in the lives of the men and women seeking political office. If they know they can trust you, they will seek your advice and perspective on the issues. This has come by being found faithful and friendly to those I meet in my political activities.