In 2012, candidates needed either one percent or 500 signatures (whichever was lower) from Democrats in each of the state's 50-plus congressional districts. They had two months to do so -- which, particularly if you're hoping to keep expenses under $5,000, is a time crunch. Other states work similarly; some don't.
A contemporary definition of rank-and-file is prevalent in labor union vernacular when referring to general membership and not union leaders. Rank-and-file generally means the employee doesn't occupy a high-level position within the organization.
Personnel File Definition: An employer's folder of employee records collected in regards to qualifications, promotion, transfer, compensation or disciplinary action. In Copley Press, Justice Tom Lytton of the Appellate Court of Illinois considered whether the contents of a personnel file was in or outside the scope of a freedom of information statute.