Comments on: How to Run a Political Campaign for Local Office

By: Jim Weston

Jim Weston — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:49:04 +0000

Running for office is one of the manliest things you can do in my opinion. Serving your city, state, or even country politically isn’t easy, and it is a fantastic way for a man to contribute to the world that has given him so much!

By: Drew

Drew — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:33:47 +0000

I’m looking at running in a local/state level eleection. It will be my first election as a candidate (I’ve worked as a politcal staffer for a few years). What I want to know, is what kind of groups I should be joining to gain local recognition? The election is a few years off and I wanted to know what would be recommended to get more involved (in a meaningful way) in the community?

Thanks!

By: Lema

Lema — Mon, 03 May 2010 03:52:40 +0000

Great article. The tip about talking to your family is so very true, yet so often overlooked. I also love the tip about not giving up. Reminds me of a quote-- "Success is falling down seven times and getting up eight." On a random note, as I'm assuming many reading this will be running or know someone running for election. As simple as it seems, paired with the important tactics like meeting as many voters as possible, a good campaign sign that stands out from the rest and concisely tells what you're about can really help swing voters who haven't had the time to research in-depth but still want to vote. A friend of mine found great lawn signs for his campaign at campaignpros.com. Super easy to customize and reasonably priced. Hope this helps. Best of luck to all.

By: Chad

Chad — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:16:19 +0000

As a man who plans to run for political office eventually, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this article. I learned a great deal just from reading this.

By: Dano

Dano — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:14:16 +0000

“Once, gentlemen sought public office in the hopes of ensuring order and the public good, while knavish men sought the same in their lust for power. The politicians of today, meanwhile, are of neither inspiration, but rather seem all too often to have engaged upon the ‘career’ of ‘public servant’ because they lack any of the skills necessary to succeed in any real, productive employ or station.”

– Andrew Cusack

By: Paul DiMarco

Paul DiMarco — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:55:21 +0000

This is a great article. After serving on the local planning board for 5 years, I decided I would run for a seat on the Town Council in my town in New Hampshire. The time commitment can be difficult but I am very glad I did it. I also am a strong believer in term limits, and will self-impose that on myself and only serve one term.

I have one piece of advice to any potential office seekers, especially at the local level. You have to let the criticism roll off of you. No matter what decision you make, there will always be a significant number of citizens who disagree with you, and make sure they let you know. Another modern attribute of our society is the “blog”, where people can post anonymously. People who lack civility wil personally attack you without giving their name. Don’t let any of that discourage you. Follow your heart and do what you feel is right. You will not be disappointed.

By: P. M. Montgomery

P. M. Montgomery — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:44:52 +0000

This is a great article. My father held local political offices for 12 years and these are very true. My only negative comment is that partisanship can have a significant affect depending on your area. My father recently lost in the 2008 election. He raised several times as much money as the opposing candidate, received the endorsement of the local paper, and in general ran a much better campaign, yet lost as a Republican due to significant straight-ticket voting in favor of Democrats.

By: Tom Smith

Tom Smith — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:46:26 +0000

I was on a local school board for eight years. The best way to win is to go door to door and meet people and ask for their vote. Look them in the eye and give a good hand shake. It required very little money and it appears that folks were satisfied enough to not oppose me the second time. While considering a third term, a gentleman approached me and said that if I was not going to run again that he would like to serve and even asked for my help. It worked. We talked about the position and he took a similar stance on most issues and I was happy to let him have a go. I learned a lot about myself. Being watched by the public will cause you to examine yourself and be principled in your actions.

If so inclined you might just approach someone that has an elected position about 2 years before the term is to expire and talk with them.

By: Dr. Rod Berger

Dr. Rod Berger — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:23:39 +0000

Very good and practical advice for those interested in pursuing such endeavors. I wonder if John Edwards will take the advice to get his career off of life support? Thanks for the post!
Dr. Rod
check out my blog post from today that talks about the “campaign” in a different light…
http://thenormalmale.wordpress.com
Rod Berger, PsyD The Normal Male

By: Sarah Joy Albrecht

Sarah Joy Albrecht — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:42:13 +0000

What an encouraging post.

When Ron Paul was running for the Republican Primaries, I served as a precinct leader. I took all five of my children with me, pushing the youngest two in the stroller, and went door to door in my neighborhood handing out fliers. ( How exciting it was to see the children make a connection between the work they had helped to do in our neighborhood and then going to the rally in Philadelphia with thousands of other supporters. )

During nap time, I’d call down a list of Republicans in my area and ask for them to consider voting for Ron Paul.

While it wasn’t me _personally_ running for a campaign, it felt good to back someone that I firmly believed would make a difference in our lives as US citizens. If a mom with five kids (all born after 2001) can help out with a campaign, anyone can.

I still wish Ron Paul would have won…. but like you said, “sometimes you have to lose in order to win.”

Thanks again.