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

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.