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Read Examiner.com's national conservative examiner Ken Kaplan here:
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-national/ken-kaplan
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Prospective candidates frequently approach us and ask how they should get started. We typically
don't get involved with a campaign until a candidate has already filed, but here is some general
guidance to help someone become a candidate.
1) Contact the chairman of your local Republican Party. Introduce yourself and let him or her know
of your interest in becoming a candidate. Your local Party's reason for existence is to elect
Republicans to office, so they are an excellent resource for any prospective candidate. Usually,
they can provide you with a good overview of the local political climate, can help you make the
ultimate decision about what office to seek or whether to run at all and can provide grassroots
resources to help further your eventual campaign.
2) Evaluate your profile in the community in which you are considering running for office. In
addition to your business or personal accomplishments, what have you done in your community
that helps to position you as a viable candidate and to raise your visibility? Have you served on
local commissions, held an elected office, championed a specific cause? If you have no previous
civic involvement, you should consider acquiring some before running for elected office. What
organizations count you as a member? Can you count on these groups to help promote your
candidacy?
3) Do some research. The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) is the place to start if you are
planning to run for Congress. For state level offices, visit the website of your state's Secretary of
State. For county or local level offices, start with your county clerk's office or elections office.
4) Can you raise money? Face it, all campaigns cost money. If you are not comfortable asking
supporters to help further your campaign by writing a check, you should seriously reconsider
whether you are prepared to run for office. Few candidates, at any level are financially able to fund
their entire campaign, so the ability to inspire people to contribute is a key asset of successful
candidates. Candidates for the US House or Senate do not need to register with the FEC until they
have raised or spent over $5,000 (check with state or local authorities for limits for other offices).
So, starting with your closest family and friends, tell them about your aspirations to run for office
and ask them to make a contribution, say, $100 or $200 each. If this goes well, that is, you are
comfortable with the conversation and successful (!), you are likely to be a good fundraiser. But, if
this experience isn't one that you want to repeat, you are probably not meant to be a candidate.
5) Reach for the stars, but be realistic. It's great to aspire to US Congress or the Senate, but if you
have never held any elected office, are not prominent in your community or as a high profile
business executive, there is probably little chance for you to succeed right out of the gate. Instead,
plan a strategy that improves your chance for success. Identify a local office, maybe city council or
school board that you can start with. You will gain experience, visibility and build your reputation to
prepare for higher office. Alternatively, seek an appointment to a local board or commission. There
is plenty of opportunity to contribute to your community in a way that will position you for higher
elected office.
Diane is President of Red State New Media, http://www.redstatenewmedia.com. Since 2003, Red
State New Media has combined marketing expertise with technology to help Republican
candidates and organizations raise money, attract volunteers, communicate their message and
win elections. Prior to co-founding Red State New Media, Diane built a 20+ year career as a
marketing and sales executive for high tech companies such as Intel, Sun Microsystems and
Borland. Additionally, she founded an independent marketing and sales company that built new
revenue sources for a variety of technology companies, both large and small. Diane holds a BA in
Political Science and a BA in Economics, both from the University of California, Santa Barbara and
an MBA from Santa Clara University.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Thompson
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Read Examiner.com's national conservative examiner Ken Kaplan here:
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-national/ken-kaplan
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