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So You Want to Run for Office?

June 6, 2003

David Howard andDeAnn Kerr

1. Is the race competitive?

2. Will you be a good candidate?

3. Will you have good campaign management?

4. Will you have adequate finances?

5. Do you have a winning strategy complete with motivational

issues?

Five questions to ask yourself:

Will Vote For

You

Definitely Will Not Vote For

You

Undecided

• Is there an incumbent?

• Partisan vs. non-partisan?

• High turn-out vs. low turn-out?

• What is the universe of voters?

• Who are the high frequency voters and how did they vote over the last three cycles?

• How will you identify swing voters?

• Does your position on issues fit the electorate?

Is the Race Competitive?

• Do you have the time and energy for a race?

• Do you have access to the financial resources (your own or others) needed to win?

• Can you motivate others?• Do you know the issues?• Do you know local politics?• Have you served in other elective or

appointed offices?• Have you done anything really stupid in

your past?

Will You Be a Good Candidate?

Will You Have Good Campaign Management?

• Will you have professional management?

• Will you have professional fundraising?

• How big is your rolodex?

• Can you develop an effective grassroots campaign?

• Can you recruit quality volunteers?

• Will you prepare a written campaign plan?

• Will you do survey research and opposition assessment?

Will You Have Adequate Finances?

• Will you use a professional fundraiser?

• How big is your rolodex?

• Who “owes” you from the business or personal world?

• Can you self fund all or part of the campaign?

• Will you prepare a written fundraising plan?

Do You Have a Winning Strategy Complete With Motivational Issues?

• How would you campaign against you?• How will you campaign against your

opponent(s)?• What issues resonate with the voters in

your race?• What are the contrasts in your race?• Do you have access to or can you buy

survey research and opposition research?• Can you develop a coherent, consistent

campaign message?• Can you maintain “message discipline”?• Can you build and maintain coalitions?

Closing Thoughts

• Do a hard nosed personal vulnerability analysis.

• Do the survey research to determine your base vote and issues that could be key messages for targeted groups of high propensity voters.

• Develop a campaign plan with a detailed finance section.

• Stick to your time lines and budget.• Develop a research based message and

maintain your discipline.

• WIN!WIN!