If candidates decide to start running now, for elections in 2 years, they might consider a weekly press release.
The weekly press release could highlight what the Candidate would have done differently, that week, if they were in office, such as:
- I would have/have not voted for_________ because_________.
- I would (and have) supported the local________ in their drive for_______.
- Unlike _____, I have written _____ and asked them to_______.
- Unlike __, I attended a meeting of _ and heard efforts to ___ at _.
Weekly Press Benefits:
- By the time the active campaign rolls around the MSM can never say your election would not make a difference. In fact, candidates can say: Here are 50 things I would have done differently in the last year, week-by-week. A documented difference in the last year/term.
Weekly Press Benefits con't:
- Candidates develop real press lists and what issues produce responses.
- Develops issues to run on.
- Provides Web Page and Candidate Content and depth.
- Is developed one a week so the mountain not high to start.
- Keep candidate focus on the incumbent.
- Press will use when news is slow, or if relaease really good every week. Remember, in the media controversy and differences are prized. Facts must always be true and never exaggerated.
- Suggests, subtly, that the candidate is ready for the job and has the experience to handle the decisions the job requires.
Weekly Press Issues/Problems:
- If Candidates take stands on issues, those stands can be used against the candidate.
- Candidates saying how they would vote on a bill can backfire (if there is junk is in the bill and you haven’t seen it) – suggest candidates use final bills in final form only to highlight differences.
- Costs, could cost $100 a week to print and mail (mail suggested) 150 press releases.
Other Permanent Campaign ideas include:
- getting 13 volunteers to commit to work on "things" for the "new" two year campaign period
- ask the DNC/CCC to send them pictures of incumbents with Bush, votes with Bush, votes against district needs, etc.
- Commit to one press release a week to all: a) TV, radio, print press, b) community groups, c) others (as locally applicable).
- identify key community leaders and deciders
- build 2 page resume
- get good campaign pictures
- draft video monitoring team on incumbent
- joint events, with current elected officials, if candidate does not currently hold office
- start web page development
I know there are more ideas missing than listed.
Let's not wait, get the other side to implode and panic. The birth of this diary comes from the developing government in exile in Mexico.