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Consultant's Corner
Avoiding Rookie Mistakes (part2)
By Stacy D. Cole
September 15, 2004
This is the final part of the column posted a couple of weeks ago. I apologize for not getting this to RadioFree West Hartford sooner, for I was dodging a couple of hurricanes here in Florida and I was involved in a accident early in August. But, I am back to give you the tips you need to win your campaigns in Connecticut.
9. Fear of being around the candidate-A press secretary needs to be kept up to date on what is going on with the campaign. Reporters don't necessarily trust press secretaries, so its important that they are kept informed of any and all aspects of the campaign.
10. I'm going to lose-You may start the campaign with the most sincerest hopes of winning, but get discouraged along the way. If that becomes true, drop out. Why continue to carry forward if your heart is not into campaigning? When you do get discouraged, remember your reasons of you started the campaign. Hopefully, that will recharge the batteries.
11. Let's take the opponent's signs down-Without a doubt, remind your supporters, volunteers, and campaign workers to leave the opponents materials (especially yard signs) alone. It is vandalism, and, if caught, will be very embarrassing to your campaign.
12. Lie-If the candidate or a campaign staffer lies, it will be discovered. If you are the staffer, you may very well be fired, damaging any future endeavors in politics. You will be fired for lying. If you are asked to lie and refuse, you may be fired, but you will leave with your political future, and more importantly, your dignity, intact.
13. Worry about momentum too early-Don't be concerned about good poll results in May. You need to build the momentum, and keep a steady course, throughout your campaign. The early months of a campaign need to involve voter targeting, fundraising, strategizing and recruiting volunteers.
14. Drinking and driving-Seems pretty obvious, but easily overlooked. Always go to meetings with a staffer, someone who can drive you home, if the need arises. Drink 1 or 2 alcoholic beverages, at most, depending on how long you will be at the function. But, if you can, avoiding alcohol at these functions is even better. Getting caught drinking and driving is a major campaign killer.
15. Forget who is the real Boss-The voting public is the candidate's, and the officeholder's, boss. But your boss is the candidate, and it is far easier to send you, the staffer, to the unemployment line if you screw up. Make sure you take care of the candidate, without doing anything illegal or that you feel is unethical.
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