It’s another Saturday, so for those who tune in, welcome to a diary discussing the Nuts & Bolts of a Democratic Campaign. If you’ve missed out, you can catch up anytime: Just visit our group or follow Nuts & Bolts Guide. Every week I tackle issues I’ve been asked about, and with the help of other campaign workers and notes, we discuss how to improve and build better campaigns.
Running for office can give you a lot of sound-bites. Supporters and voters can connect to them. They can also see through them and recognize candidates who are talking from a real foundation in governance. Candidates who take the time to learn the issues and understand how they would govern are far more prepared to enter into longer conversations with voters, more comfortable talking about policy with media members, and will make for better elected officials.
Campaigns can take a lot of time—but taking time to understand governance should you win—can keep you in office.
Attend meetings
As a candidate, you can spend a lot of time in meetings with constituents. You can talk about what you want to accomplish and what you want to fix. One meeting many candidates never make is to take time to attend a meeting of the elected body they wish to join. Running for city council? Go, attend one. Running for school board? Go. Attend. Running for state House? Hopefully, you’ve been to the actual statehouse at least once in the last year.
Many elected bodies do not elect every member in every election. If you are running for one of those offices, take time to meet with members who are not up for election in the current cycle. This time can give you guidance on what governance will look like, and sometimes it can change your outlook on issues.
Frank talks with outside organizations
Talking to elected officials is important in understanding what governance will look like. Talking to the individuals hired to be lobbyists and activist organizations may seem unseemly, but they often have better information than even elected officials about the policies and procedures of the elected body.
Legislators, city council members, school board members, and any elected office tends to come with activists, followers, or paid lobbyists who can be deeply interested in the outcome of policy proposals. This includes unpaid single-issue advocates who represent a cause or a paid interest that can represent the local or state business community.
These individuals who attend every single meeting or advance policy can give you real information on what your role should be if you are elected. You do not have to agree with their positions, but their understanding of how things work can help you understand the potholes along the way to completing tasks you promote to voters or find allies in advocating for those same issues.
Once you are elected, pay attention
State governments vary in the information provided to legislators, but most legislators are provided breakdowns of bills by their caucus as well as a summary from legislative services. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions.
If you are elected for a local office, it is more likely you receive a meeting agenda, a discussion packet, or summaries in the days or weeks before your meeting. Take this time to read what you are provided. Asking questions is never a bad thing if you do not know the answer, it is the only way to learn. This can be important when you later want to explain your vote to constituents.
You may have questions for other elected officials or individuals and organizations advancing proposals. Take time to get answers that can help you understand the intricacies of policies you are considering so you can better explain your votes to the people you represent.
In the end ... research, research, research
When you are campaigning, taking some time to make sure you have an understanding of the issues you face makes you a better candidate, but more importantly, it will make you a better elected official after Election Day.
Next week: How early is too early?