In most elections, incumbents have enormous advantages over challengers. Not only have they won election in the district before, and thus possess greater name ID, but they also have at their disposal all of the trappings of elected office: free mail to constituents, news coverage, patronage and increased fundraising ability. Despite all of these advantages, though, woe to any elected official who is seen as "losing touch with the district." This warning applies not only to...   [Full Article]

Five Great Tips for Recruiting Volunteers for Your Campaign

Getting volunteers for your local political campaign is hard.  People are busy.  They have PTA meetings, soccer games, and family functions, not to mention jobs to go to and homework to help with.  Today, even more than ten or twenty years ago, people often don’t have time to volunteer on political campaigns.  Even when you find someone who wants to...   [Full Article]

Why Your Campaign Needs a Fundraising Plan

Running a successful fundraising operation is like running a successful business; both require detailed planning in order to succeed.  Without a detailed fundraising plan in place, your campaign is doomed to mediocre financial success, at best, and dismal financial return, at worst.  Of course, many campaigns ask the question...   [Full Article]

Political Success on the Internet

Perhaps the most misunderstood medium in all of politics is the Internet.  Partly because it is new, and partly because it is “technical,” consultants, candidates and volunteers often overestimate the power of the Internet, and fail to see the real ways it can help their campaigns.  Despite what you may have heard, the Internet will not magically bring in...   [Full Article]

How to Get a Political Job

With Election Day over and a swell of new office holders preparing to take the reigns of government at all levels, the post-campaign ritual is about to begin.  Campaign staff, volunteers, party workers, and political types of all stripes are sending out resumes, feeling out contacts, and looking for political work.  While the Local Victory Newsletter normally focuses on how to get elected, this issue focuses on a different type of campaign...   [Full Article]
 

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Winning Elections at the Grassroots

The Big Mo - How to Win Campaigns by Building Momentum