The strongest way to implement change is through direct involvement in the governing process. That is why numerous Liberty Leaders such as Allen Skillecorn (trustee for East Dundee) and David Pfeifer (Waukegan School District #60) have made successful bids to elective office.
But getting to an elected office is not easy.
One of our Liberty Leaders, Drew Veeneman, has developed a series called Political Mechanics to help candidates running for political office.
For example here’s a video on learning about the legislative district you are running for.
The series of videos included give step by step instructions in mounting a successful campaign. The series currently include the following videos:
- Yard Signs – In local races, one of the most crucial tools of any campaign is the use of yard signs. In this video, Drew explains what should be done and avoided when creating a yard sign.
- Political Perspective – Drew explains to prospective office seekers that the campaign should be messaged from the perspective of the average voter.
- Learning Your District – Not every district or town has similar characteristics. That is why strategies from district to district vary. In this video, candidates learn what they can do to learn the most about their districts.
- Deciding to Run for Office – Campaigns are difficult not only on the candidate, but family members as well. In order to run for office, every candidate should have a sincere interest in being an office holder.
- Basic Stages of a Campaign – A campaign is not continuously the same. Depending on what stage of an election cycle a candidate is in, campaign strategies can be completely different.
- Political Party Structure – Before running for office, understand how your political party works from the state level all the way down to the local level.
- Campaign Context – Any successful candidate must understand the political climate. Many times, the most successful campaigners are those that best comprehend those factors that they do not have direct control over.
- Name Identification and Favorability Ratings - In this video, Drew teaches prospective candidates about the difference between soft and hard name identification. He goes on to explain how favorability ratings work.
- An Introduction to Targeting – Since resources and time are finite, successful candidates need to focus on maximize their limited resources. That is why Drew explains to viewers the importance of targeting.
- What is a Voter Profile? – Learning about the voting history of registered voters in a given district will enable candidates to figure out how to allocate their resources appropriately.