Let me tell you a story about a candidate I once worked for – and how that candidate lost the party endorsement in a race where the party endorsement truly mattered.  I want to tell you this story so that you can learn from his mistake, because his mistake was ever so avoidable.  Here’s what Read More…

Over the past 20 years, I’ve learned lots of things about winning elections.  I’ve also learned that there’s a lot of misinformation out there… things that people believe, or are told, about campaigns that simply aren’t true. In this article, I want to dispel some of that misinformation, and give you four immutable facts about Read More…

I frequently get asked how people can find great political volunteer opportunities.  Often, the people asking the question are interested in getting involved in politics as a candidate, committeeperson, or campaign staffer down the line, and want to get some experience to help them make connections and get ahead. There are lots of different ways Read More…

Every political campaign needs to raise money to win.  Fundraising provides the money you need to spread your campaign message, raise your candidate’s name ID, and get out the vote on Election Day.  While there are many different ways to raise money for your campaign, events are a staple of campaign fundraising for a very Read More…

Your political campaign website is one of the focal points of your campaign’s communication efforts.  While most modern campaigns communicate with voters in a number of ways (including direct mail, advertising, social media, and more…), your website provides a cheap and easy way for people to learn more about your candidate and get involved with Read More…

Yard signs are one of the most common features of modern political campaigns.  Yet many candidates (even those for national office) miss the mark when it comes to designing and placing campaign signs for maximum effectiveness.  Today, I’d like to go over 3 tips for designing your campaign’s yard signs, and 3 tips for placing Read More…

Volunteers are an essential part of most political campaigns.  Yet far too many candidates get disappointed and frustrated with their volunteers, feeling as if much of the work that was promised by supporters never gets done.  This is unfortunate because, when utilized correctly, your volunteers can provide amazing benefits for your campaign. The first step Read More…

One of the best ways to raise the money you need to win a political campaign is to build a fundraising network.  A fundraising network is a group of supporters who are committed to helping your campaign raise funds.  These supporters hold events, ask friends and colleagues to donate, and introduce the candidate to people Read More…

The most underappreciated communications tactic for the average political campaign is direct mail. Ask your average donor or volunteer (and most candidates, for that matter) and they will tell you plainly: We have to get up on TV.  Now.  With lots of ads.  And stay up.  Forever.  That’s the only way we can win!  The average Read More…