CAUTION Candidate Forum Offers Words of Wisdom
By Sharon Hudson
At their Monday, February 6 meeting at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille in Charlotte, Common Americans United to Inspire OUR Nation (CAUTION) held its first Prospective Candidate Forum for anyone thinking of running for elected office.
The goal, according to CAUTION President Dennis Peterson, was to engage people considering a run for office with people who have been through the process before. “It can be a daunting task to make the decision to run, so if we can help demystify the process and set the expectations game, I think it will be a help to all those involved…including volunteers and others who aren’t running, but who play a real role in the campaign process,” he said.
The panel of experts included Charlotte City Council member Warren Cooksey, Mecklenburg County Republican Party Recruitment Chair Mike Walker, recent GOP candidates Ed Toney, Dennis Peterson, and Jay Privette; and recent Libertarian candidates Alex Vuchnich and Travis Wheat.
As the microphone traveled back and forth, an attentive audience listened to snippets of wisdom:
Why are you running?
Know why you’re running. It needs to be a hunger, something you are called to do. Be ready to answer that question when someone asks – because that’s always the first question. If you’re considering running because other people have suggested it, forget it. That’s not good enough. It has to be a passion inside you.
What do you need to know?
Educate yourself – learn about the office. Serve on panels, committees, and boards. Go to the meetings of the office you’re running for. Running for office is a job application. Research it, want it, know what it takes to get it. Become an expert on the issues of the day.
How do you get started?
Work on other campaigns. There are groups like the N.C. Institute of Political Leadership who have programs that will train you to run political campaigns. Go to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections and get instructions from them. A campaign plan is like a business plan. The earlier you decide to run, the better. Have fun with it. Most people who run have good intentions.
How do I raise money?
You are required to have a certified treasurer.
You can complete the Board of Election’s on-line course in about three hours. If you self-finance part of your campaign, make sure to set it up as a loan, not a contribution. When the campaign is over, you can repay yourself a loan. If you are expecting financial help from The Party, you’re in for a disappointment.
If you can’t ask people for money, you shouldn’t run for office. Remember, you’re not asking for yourself, but for the cause. Start by asking friends and family for donations. If your friends and family won’t give you money, you probably shouldn’t run.
To win an election you must have name recognition. Money buys that. Big signs are good. The first time someone gives you a check, it’s the most humbling experience. You never forget those people who put their faith in you.
Use the time before the primary to raise money. As for PAC money – they will contribute to candidates who represent the same philosophy they do and who they think can win. They want to be able to tell their members that they backed a winner.
Neighborhood groups turn out votes. Realtors and developers give money.
The campaign itself
Lots of volunteers are great, but be prepared to do most of the work yourselves. Get out and meet people. Shake hands. Once you get a vote, don’t lose it. Know when to shut up. Use phone lists and mailers. Use the time after the primary to build name recognition. If you’re a Republican, put it on your literature. People want to know.
There are consultants who can help you identify and target likely voters. Spend your time and your resources wisely. If someone is in your own party, contact them once, then later as a reminder. Spend most of your energy on undecided voters.
Be willing to speak to all groups, even if they are not likely to vote for you. It’s good experience, but don’t spend money in those areas. When you win you will be representing them as well. That’s the best time to talk with those groups.
Name recognition, name recognition, name recognition. Did I mention name recognition?
The bottom line
The election is about tactics. How you serve after you are elected is strategy. Running for office is an amazing experience. It empowers you politically. Win or lose, don’t disappear. Stay engaged in the community. Continue to spread the message. Eventually we will win Mecklenburg County.
CAUTION
meets every Monday night from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Dilworth
Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead Street, Suite 200, Charlotte NC
28204. Find out more at www.proceedwithcaution.us.
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