Prof Lessig-
    I have rumors that you are considering a run for the 12th CD congressional seat recently vacated by Tom Lantos. As a fellow resident of the 12th CD, I urge you *not* to run for this seat, both because I think you can be more effective in other roles, and because I believe Jackie Speier will win and will be an even more effective representative. 
     I believe I share many of the same values with you, judging by your past and current political and other advocacy positions. In 2003, I actively supported Ro Khanna in his primary challenege to Tom Lantos (in addition to supporting the Howard Dean candidacy). In fact, I attended a fundraiser at your house for Ro. More recently, I have been actively supporting Obama - another candidate you have been vocal in supporting. I am also an active supporter of Creative Commons and all the work you've done over the last 10 years - I first heard your name while at Boalt in the mid-90s, and you've clearly inspired a whole generation to focus on legal and policy issues unlike others before. 
      I am enthusiastic about your recent change in focus towards political corruption and the influence of money - while I've been a huge supporter of Creative Commons and IP reform in general, I believe your attempt to tackle systemic corruption is even more important. However, I believe you can be more effective in this role as an independent voice, not as a member of Congress. Even a position for you in an Obama administration (lets hope!) would be more conducive to your message, I would think.
       In closing, let me also make a pitch for Jackie Speier. She has deep roots in northern San Mateo county and southwest San Francisco. She's shown her ability to be an effective legislator and has a record of leadership on privacy and consumer protection legislation. I would hope that you could build a relationship with her to pursue your goals rather than trying to challenge her in the primaries. If you aren't in communication with her, I'm sure should would be more than excited to talk with you directly - I'd be happy to help facilitate that in any way I could.
       Let me be clear - I understand the enthusiasm that many have for the possibility of being able to say "Representative Lessig". It gives me goose pimples too! But the realist in me believes that you would be more effective in other roles, unencumbered by the day-to-day sausage-making that is the House of Representatives. 
       Thanks for listening, and I look forward to hearing more from you on this topic soon!