Down–Ballot Winner:

The Definitive Guide to Local Campaigning

Part One Overview: Chapters 1 - 7

 

THE DECISION

Down-Ballot Winner guides you through preliminary assignments that are best tackled at least a year before you file to run for office. Together they underpin your potential run for office. They are found in Part One, The Decision.

 

Chapter 1, To Run or Not to Run

Test your resolve by first answering a range of questions, and then assembling a group to review your answers with you. Though guided self-examination, you emerge with a solid understanding of why you want to run and a foundation for candidacy.

 

Chapter 2, Top Sales People and You

Once serious about running, you need to see yourself as star salesperson of your candidacy. Do it by learning traits shared by top sales people in their fields and applying them.

 

Chapter 3, Healthy Candidates Do Best

Vince Lombardi, legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers football team, leads the discussion with his famous quotation: “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Though we know how important ample sleep and sustenance are for health, they are reasserted with respect to candidates who want to be at the top of their games on the campaign trail. Tips for good sleep are offered as well as wise food choices to keep candidates performing at their mental and physical best. 

 

Chapter 4, What to Expect as a Candidate and Chapter 5, Pitfalls to Avoid

These two chapters complement one another. Their contents are self-explanatory.

 

Chapter 6, What to Do Well in Advance

Here you learn what to tackle a year, or even two, before you plan to file. Each task polishes your credentials more as you research community issues and acquaint yourself with the requirements of the office you seek. Do the work suggested, and you may emerge so well prepared that you might think of skipping the next chapter, but resist the urge. Why?

 

Chapter 7, Winning at Filing Week

Because here you find a preemptive strategy that just might discourage potential opponents from filing against you. If you prepare early, you may emerge with an image so formidable that no one files against you. It does happen.

 

From considering a run for office, deciding to take the plunge, selling your message to voters, to knowing what to expect as a candidate, Section One, The Decision, guides you step by step. Section Two, The Preparation, helps you build a solid a foundation for your campaign.