Many conservatives at every level of government face no opposition at all when they run for reelection. Many U.S. House, state legislature, city council, and school board seats are uncontested every election cycle. The best way to challenge the regressives directly is to actually run against right-wing officeholders at all levels of government. Unfortunately, many who could run for office have no idea how. And those that attempt to run are given little guidance about how to run an agressive, effective campaign.
Earlier this year, I did a survey of every state Democratic Party website. Not a single state party site had information for those interested in running for office. This is unconscionable and I have a feeling that this will not change. If they will not help progressives who wish to run for office and change their city, county, state, and country then we will. I am convinced that progressive activists need to build a website and a community that will provide prospective and current candidates with information about how to run for office.
Here are some ideas about what the website should include:
-FAQ's about running for office
-A step by step guide for those who are thinking about running for office
-Information about communicating an agressive, effective, and dynamic message to voters.
-Information about raising money.
-Information about finding and using volunteers.
-Information and examples about how to produce yard signs, pamphlets, and other basic items.
-A community where prospective, current, and former candidates can communicate with each other. Others should be able to participate as well.
-An archive of reports from former candidates about their campaigns.
-A way to tap into the Kos community's fundraising power. This community raised hundreds of thousands of dollars this year, but in city, and some county council and state legislature campaigns only $100 could make huge difference!
Hopefully we can help candidates who are running for offices at every level of government from city school board to the U.S. Senate. Maybe we can also provide information about running for county Democratic Party positions. There are currently few (if any) places for prospective candidates to go. I am well aware that every state, county, and city has its own election laws, but we can at least start by providing basic information that candidates need.
I am convinced helping progressive run for all levels of office is one of the best ways for us to fight the regressives and take our country back. Even losing candidates in solid red districts do us a service by communicating our message. They also send an important message to conservatives: No matter how safe you think you are, we will fight you.
The only problem is I have an old computer and few if any technological skills. All I have is an idea. I think this is a job for the entire Kos community, not one person alone. But whoever does this, I believe this must be done and must be done now.
Your thoughts are welcome...
