Run For Office and win with little money
Picking a party:
(1) Which Party is predominate
Whether we like it or not our country is controlled by a two Party
system at the present time. To be truly effective one must face that
truth and choose one of the two major Parties to be involved with. In
every political race you will find that the Republican or Democrat
candidate will be successful.
There are a few notable exceptions but you will find that those who win
in such instances are already a household name through other venues,
most notably through the entertainment fields. It is therefore
incumbent upon us to choose one of the two Parties to have a real
chance for election on our first attempt. If you go with the Party that
is predominate in your district your chances are increased
(2) Which best mirrors your values
No one Party exemplifies all your expectations. It is very hard to
identify with either of the two major Parties as they both seek the
same thing, re-election, except from different groups. Republicans seek
support from corporations and wealthy individuals. To gain these votes
they promise to take care of their needs through tax breaks and
subsidies.
Democrats seek to garner votes from the less fortunate by promising
them government benefits paid for by the more successful citizens. Both
Parties are at fault for this type handout but neither will ever change
without strong objection from the average citizen. That objection
apparently is left to bikers.
(3) Get involved
To wage a successful campaign you must have name recognition within the
Party of your choice. To achieve this you must work your way inside the
system. This is best achieved through the Delegate process of your
chosen Party. Each state has their own system to accomplish this.
Generally Delegates are chosen during the Primary election process.
Once inside along with others of your same persuasion you have an
opportunity to build coalitions. The better your skills at bringing
others to your way of thinking the quicker you will rise in the ranks
of the Party. Being accepted as a builder gives you an exceptional
opportunity to get the support from the Party for your campaign.
Without that support you will find it very tough to move forward with
your plans.
Which office fits
(1) how much time do you have to give
Each elective office requires different amounts of time. Local offices
such as City Council, School Board and County Commissioner will
generally require at most two scheduled meetings. However you will find
much of your time being spent dealing with issues for your
constituents. These will not generally interfere with your regular job.
State offices such as Senator, Representative or Judge are full time
jobs with reasonable salary in some states. A few states still believe
in citizen legislators and pay minimal salary. Even when the state
legislature is not in session there are committee meetings to attend
and local functions in your district that require your attendance. It
is important that you stay before the public to enhance your chance for
re-election.
(2) Personal financial condition.
Local offices generally will not interfere with your personal finances.
However in some instances you will find it necessary to lose time from
work. It is possible you may at times find yourself paying for a meal
or a motel room while attending certain functions. This money can come
from any campaign contributions if you are there to discuss political
issues.
State offices require much more time and even if you are getting a fair
salary it will not be what the average politician could be making in
private practice. However for many bikers the salary would be livable
without an outside job. However those states that pay minimal salary
would need another source of income. That was the original intent, that
someone serve a couple of terms and go home. We all know that is not
happening.
Choosing the time
(1) No incumbent
You will have a better chance of success if there is no incumbent.
Don't choose an office just because there is no incumbent. Determine
the office you would want to hold and start planning ahead to get set
up for a run. Let it be known you are interested in that office when
speaking with your friends and Party leaders. Being seen as someone
with a goal can quickly line up supporters and those who may be
supporters when your campaign is formally announced.
(2) Specific issue
Another leading factor in deciding to run for a particular office is
when a specific issue is drawing lots of publicity and you feel your
views more closely resemble that of the majority voters. Do your
homework well in advance of any announcement. Get out and learn how the
majority really feels and be certain truthfully match your view.
Utilize your friends in this endeavor and be as thorough as possible.
Your success depends on this step.
Build a team & file:
(1) Name the necessary staff ***
You need to name a campaign manager and a treasurer to get ready to
file for public office. Some states may have different requirements but
generally speaking these are the basic staff needed to head your staff.
(2) File for office ***
There are two ways to file for office and get on the ballot. You can
pay a filing fee or turn in a petition with the necessary number of
registered voter's signatures. Theses fees and/or number of signatures
are set by the state and vary for the office being sought. This is
where you start saving money and determine if your campaign has the
necessary support. Forget the filing fee and go with the petition. The
number of signatures necessary to qualify to be on the ballot is small.
If you can't get the signatures to make the ballot you have no chance
of winning. Walk away and make plans for another time.
The campaign
(1) Phone banks
With the popularity of cell phones the standard phone banks are no
longer necessary. With proper coordination small groups of friends can
meet on alternate days and make all the necessary phone contacts. This
eliminates the cost of phone banks set up in local offices. In fact
with the methods outlined here your campaign headquarters can be one
room in your home with garage space for necessary signs and literature.
(2) Using the media
If there is no incumbent it is easier to gain recognition from the
media. Whether there is an incumbent or not the best use of the media
is through "Letters To The Editor". This feature is the most read
section of the newspaper, especially by the politically active. Have
friends and supporters write letters to the editor of each local
newspaper in your district telling them of your activities and why you
are the best candidate for the office. Repeated often enough it becomes
true and the media pays closer attention to your campaign and what you
have to say and it becomes news.
The internet is another innovative media for reaching the voting
public. Websites and Email are also a fine way for spreading the word
about you candidacy. Many of your friends will have websites and
personal address books. As they pass the word along their friends in
turn can continue the thread.
A third media that could be helpful is your Biker Magazines. Start
early doing interviews with the editor or writing articles for the
magazine. We here in Texas are fortunate in that we have four such
magazines and Sputnik writes monthly articles for each one with no set
guidelines for the articles. Again all of these media uses are free.
(3) Walk and Talk
Get out and meet the public. Walk and talk to the public any time it is
possible. Meer people in restaurants, shopping malls or anywhere
possible and talk about the issues. Especially the issue that drove you
to enter the race. Be specific about your goals if elected. Have your
friends pass out handbills and place them on doorknobs and anywhere
else that it is legal. Have signs made up and placed in yards around
the district. Bumper stickers are more important than signs as the move
around and are seen by more people.
The small outlay for theses three items will not break you or you
simply don't have the financial ability to hold an office. It comes
down to your friends to do all the work a candidate normally pays to
have done. Your home is your campaign headquarters, your cell phone
crews are your phone banks. The Internet and Letters to the Editor will
bring you media coverage. Your campaign coordinator will make sure
everything stays on track and you are on your way to success.