A gyrocopter sits on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with members of the U.S. Capitol Police nearby. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

When Douglas Hughes crashed his gyrocopter on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in April, he wanted to call attention to “the influence of big money in politics.”

Now he’s considering another, more cliche way of getting his message out there—running for office.

According to a motion for modification of release conditions, Hughes is considering throwing his hat in the ring for a seat in Congress. There’s just one problem: the terms of his release. Right now he can’t leave Hillsborough County in Florida, and he wants to be able to travel throughout the state.

Mr. Hughes is seeking this change in his release conditions because he plans to run for a seat in the United States Congress in a district in Florida which is outside of Hillsborough County. In order to do the variety of activities one needs to do when seeking office (e.g. meet with potential voters, make campaign speeches, seek support from organizations, and give interviews), Mr. Hughes will need to travel throughout the entire state of Florida. Running for political office will allow Mr. Hughes an opportunity to work, in a lawful manner, toward the type of political reform he desires. If his campaign is successful, holding office will also transform Mr. Hughes from an unemployed person to a person with meaningful employment.

Did you hear that, U.S. District Court for D.C.? A modification to Hughes’ release conditions could essentially be a jobs program!

Hughes pleaded guilty in November to one felony count of operating as an airman without an airman’s certificate. He will be sentenced on April 13. While felons can technically run for office, they cannot vote in Florida.

Hat tip to Zoe Tillman.