Doug has answered your questions well, but I'd like to make a comment or two. I know for a fact that you volunteered last year 'cuz you helped me (thanks again) -- being a volunteer means a lot to me as a club member and I would probably vote for the person that was equally qualified but had volunteered versus one that had not. And your bio is KEY -- your background, your ability to do the job (especially one as important as Treasurer) is the most important key.

I've always hated the "clique" thing, but it is true that there are friendships & many, if not most, will vote for their friend. But those friendships have been made over years & usually through this club & the "friend" may actually be qualified as well.

More later...gotta feed the wife....

Steve B