This is my second post on campaign blogging -- the first asked what you want to see in a campaign blog.
The second question has to do with the types of blog ads you like to see most. The Byron for Congress campaign has been placing ads on various major liberal blogs, including Atrios and Daily Kos.
Most of our ads have been "negative" -- attacking the incumbent congressman against whom Dr. Byron is running, Darrell Issa. Anti-Issa sentiment is bankable these days, due to his national infamy as the financial backer of the Republican coup recall that ousted Democratic governor Gray Davis in California. There are a lot of Democrats out there who would like to help us "make Darrell Cry."
However, we also need to present a clear view of what Dr. Byron stands for, apart from being Not Darrell Issa. And so we're adding in ads which emphasize his stands on military family and veterans, two neglected groups within our supposedly pro-military district of southern California which includes Camp Pendleton.
Right now, our campaign is trying to make up for a huge monetary gap between millionaire Issa -- one of the richest people in Congress -- and our grass-roots efforts to replace the shady businessman with a college professor specializing in political science. To do this, we need to concentrate on raising funds from like-minded individuals.
Here's my question for the community: Do you prefer ads which attack the Republicans or ads which highlight the positives of the Democrats? Which is most likely to get you to donate? Should an ad be funny, or educational, or just plain mean in order to encourage you to give? Is animation good or bad? Which blog ads have gotten your attention in the past?
Your thoughts and comments are invited. Thanks!
--Kynn Bartlett
Online Campaign Manager
Byron for Congress