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January 08, 2006
How To Run A Campaign, Democrat Style
The Hamilton County Democratic Party held a campaign seminar Saturday at the Ironworkers Local 704. Energetic partisans are so fun on a Saturday morning that I couldn't think of not going, so I went.
The crowd chatted over coffee and doughnuts before Party Chair Stuart James started the proceedings. I was surprised at the number of non-candidates in attendance. I never know where to sit at things like this, so fortunately I saw someone I knew and grabbed a chair across the table right when things started.
Mr. James introduced the candidates in attendance, and talked about, you know, Democrats winning elections. County Sheriff candidate Billy Long was there, as were John Bailes, Warren Mackey, JoAnne Favors, Ardena Garth, Terry Stulce, Hallie McFadden, and others.
The first speaker at the event was UTC Political Science professor Dr. Robert Swansbrough. He presented a well-organized talk on campaigning basics. He emphasized the need for money, but presented some ways to avoid overspending. He talked about the rapid increase of early voting, and admonished candidates to make sure that they've planned for that.
Trust will be a major issue in this election.
Next up was Election Commission Administrator Bud Knowles. I enjoyed his brief section the most, primarily due to his carriage and demeanor. Mr. Knowles is a country gentleman, I tell you what. He reiterated something I've known to be true, namely that candidates with less experience can rely on the Election Commission staff for expert guidance through the filing process. Well-peopled though the Commission office may be, the need for election day poll workers is great. (I'll be writing more about the types of things one can sign up to do on election days.)
Mr. Knowles guaranteed that any touch-screen voting machines purchased under his administration will provide a "paper trail." And finally, on moving offices to the new Amnicola location:
If I'm still with the Election Commission, I'm gon' kin'ly show out [with a big public reception].
The 2004 Democratic candidates for State House 29 and 30, Rep. JoAnne Favors and School Board Member Debbie Colburn, each took turns at the mic relating experiences, tips, and even some Favors family photos. My favorite piece of advice for candidates came from Rep. Favors as well:
Don't walk around like you're constipated.
Party Executive Director Terry Lee and Chairman James shared some final thoughts before the session ended. I appreciate the Hamilton County Democrats for putting together this informative session. Even though it was obviously of, for, and by the Democratic Party, I hope to see other parties and organizations facilitating similar civic exercises. Our neighbors and "everyday citizens" need to realize that running for office (especially local office) isn't an activity that's limited to "politicians."
Elections | By joe lance | 09:20 PM