AACFAMILY & FRIENDS Campaigns
you consider to be an attack piece in light of what voters want: fair, truthful and relevant information. Ask yourself: •
Is the subject of the attack relevant to your ability to hold the office for which you are running? Ten do what you can to get the message out on why the attack is untruthful, irrelevant and unfair. But whatever you do, resist the urge to respond in kind with a counterattack of your own. You run the risk that the counterattack will backfire and leave the original attack unanswered on the merits. Only use the truth to defend yourself and never mention the name of your opponent.
• • •
We have talked about running a clean campaign, but how do
you win a local election? Of course, running the clean cam- paign goes a long way, but let me give you a list of some other things that it takes to win an election. Tey include, but are not limited to: • Develop a network of friends, family and community leaders that will support you in your campaign. Even a local campaign takes financial support, emotional sup- port and public support.
• Create a platform that you believe best serves you and your county. Be able to articulate why you are the person for the job. Tat requires knowing in detail what the of- fice’s responsibilities are. Ten create your “stump” speech — the speech that defines why you are good candidate, how you intend to improve the office or how you have improved it, and most importantly, ask for their support.
• A successful local campaign most often has a massive door-to-door component that allows the candidate to meet more of the county, and engage them to find what they feel needs improvement. It also allows the candidate to ask for permission to place a yard sign supporting his or her candidacy. People really appreciate seeing the candidate in person, and feel good that you personally asked for their vote. Especially when they visit the polls on Election Day.
• Create “creative and catchy” pamphlets, banners, buttons, signs or other campaign paraphernalia to disperse door to door and at community events. Anywhere there are people you and your volunteers should not be far behind. And most importantly consider a targeted mailing. A mass mailing of your campaign literature to frequent vot- ers is an excellent idea.
• Use positive local media advertising. Depending on your county that could be newspaper, radio or television — or maybe all three. Television is not widely used in Arkan- sas county political races, except in the more populated areas. And, of course, don’t forget social media. Just be
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Is it fair? Is this an example of a half-truth that leaves a false impression? Is the timing suspect, leaving little or no time for you to meaningfully respond?
Is it truthful? What documentation do you have to show that it is not truthful?
Is the negative attack twisting facts to create a false im- pression? If so, get the whole truth before the voters.
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Continued From Page 23 <<< sure to use social media in a positive way.
• A website is an essential tool for a candidate today — even at the county level. Voters may or may not be mo- tivated enough to visit a website, but it still serves other functions. Simply having a web address at the bottom of a campaign card gives the impression that you are savvy and professional. Also, supporters can be energized by reading about the progress of a candidate on a regularly updated website.
Tere is no easy, sure fire way to win any political office, but if
you follow this limited advice you increase your chances of win- ning. You may have noticed that the recommendations made no mention of opposition, because as a candidate, the only candi- dacy you should be concerned with is your own. Do not waste your time discussing your opponent. Tat time could be better used to prove you are the best candidate. In local county elections the most important factor is personal contact with voters. Tere are lots of people today that will have you believe that you need to craft a persona, or spend lots of money to impress potential voters. I say they are wrong — or at least not necessarily correct. Time and time again, the candidate who walks the most miles, shakes the most hands, rings the most doorbells and concisely articulates their message almost always wins. In a local election, you make your race about the people, and you do your best to meet every frequent voter in the county. You must be willing to commit to the cause. A great and successful county campaign means many 14- to 16-hour days. As I wrap this up, beware of falling into the trap of “ends-
versus-means thinking” when it comes to campaigning: doing whatever it takes to win, rationalizing that once you have won [the ends], the means won’t matter. Take it from a 36-year public servant — public service involves countless temptations to take what seems to be the expedient but often unethical path. Although it seems somewhat trite, in a democratic form of government dependent upon the trust and confidence of the governed, the means are a very big part of the ends. Remember the two little old Greek guys Aesop and Plato?
Yeah, they’re ancient, but I want you to disprove them. Ae- sop, the Greek slave and author of fables said, “We hang petty thieves and appoint the great thieves to public office.” Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher said, “Tose who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.” Prove them wrong. When you are running for election or re-election remember to tell the electorate “What You Want, I Got.” But don’t mention the names of those old guys. Tey sound like the opposition to me.
Conducting a clean campaign should not be an apparition, an accident or an anomaly. It should be the norm. County officials of Arkansas, run a “clean campaign!” Grover Cleveland, the only president to serve two nonconsecutive terms, said, “What is the use of being elected or re-elected, unless you stand for some- thing?” So, stand for the right things, get elected and continue to stand for the right things. Arkansas county government will be the better for it.
COUNTY LINES, SUMMER 2016
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