My friend Andy Kopplin is running for Congress from the sixth district of Louisiana (Baton Rouge). Maybe you remember us: We're in the district that Rep. Richard Baker abandoned to become a million dollar a year lobbyist.
The primary is March 8 and the special election will be May 3. If no Democrat gets over 50% in the primary a runoff will be held in April.
So it's a short sprint through a crowded field; there are three other Democrats running.
So here's my question: with the time we have left, what are the two or three best things we can do (strategically and tactically) to maximize our chances of getting the nomination?
More on the flip...
As the Executive Director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, Andy Kopplin developed Louisiana’s strategy and built the coalition that doubled Louisiana’s federal commitments for levees (from $7 billion to $14.7 billion) and housing (from $6.2 billion to $13.4 billion). So he's capable and committed to the region.
We know it will be a challenge flipping the district to the Democratic side. In 2006 Baker had no Democratic opponent, just a Libertarian one. And in 2004, Bush won E. Baton Rouge parish with 54%. But we're committed to winning. At the very least we'll force the Republicans to spend money defending the district.
I've involved in volunteer outreach so we're focused on the traditional stuff: hosting parties, meet and greets, fund raisers, special events, neighborhood canvassing, yard signs, website, setting up the office & staff, church outreach, and so forth.
But I want to make sure we're not missing anything: So, if you are experienced in this sort of thing, what would you say are the two or three most important things for us to focus on in the short time between now and the primary on March 8?