First, let me say this is a "please help with your advice" diary.
My mother-in-law, Jean Knight (the link to the http://www.oldhamera.com will come out tomorrow), just filed to run as a write in candidate for mayor of La Grange, KY.
La Grange, by her description, used to be Democrat and now is Republican, although I'm not sure that matters in a local race in such a small town.
more below...
Elsie Carter, the current mayor, was running unopposed. Jean, who has been a councilwoman for four years gave up this year's bid for council in order to run as a write in candidate, because, as she says, "people deserve a choice."
Of course, the run for mayor is an uphill battle, but I've always been a fan of the underdog, as well as, my mother-in-law. Therefore, I've promised to put all my efforts into her campaign. Now, I just need a little direction.
My first question is, should she downplay her Democratic party status in such a small, republican town? I doubt that old Elsie has many ties to Bush, other than an ideology, perhaps. My thinking is that she should say she's a Democrat, but she's a citizen and promoter of La Grange first and foremost.
My second question is, what kind of advertising will she need as a write in candidate? This kind of ties in with the first question, because I would think that a write in candidate would have to get out the vote in order to have a shot. A Democrat running against an incumbant Republican (I'm just assuming that she's Republican, by the way -- I'll fact check, as soon as I can) mayor would have to excite the base a little bit, wouldn't it?
Regardless of whether she focuses on the party line, she'll need some advertising. I'm planning on setting up a quick, simple web site and arranging for yard signs, as well as, looking into some radio spots. I have a feeling, though, that I'm leaving something big out. Oh, yeah, fundraising! How does one do that? Also, what about organizing a ground force to go door-to-door? Does direct mail work?
Seriously, I'm a pretty seasoned advertiser, but political organization is above and beyond my level. Any help would be really, really, really appreciated.
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