Ryan Crosswell's campaign for a U.S. House seat features the hallmarks of many traditional political operations.

His website shows him in shirtsleeves talking about his military service and growing up in a coal town. His campaign video features images of the nearby Pennsylvania community of Pottsville, festooned in red, white and blue bunting. His campaign advisers circulate copies of a political advocacy group's endorsement. Crosswell talks about knocking on doors and meeting voters, one of whom Crosswell said is "struggling and may need to sell her house."

But, unlike many congressional candidates, Crosswell has no campaign experience and has never worked in politics.

He's one of several former Justice Department attorneys and officials seeking public office after resigning from an ag

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