It’s another Saturday, so for those who tune in, welcome to a Saturday diary of Nuts & Bolts of a Democratic Campaign. If you’ve missed out, you can catch up anytime: Just visit our group or follow Nuts & Bolts Guide.
I get a lot of questions, sometimes on Twitter, sometimes in comments, sometimes via email, about campaigns. Some of them have become entries in this series, and some of them have brought up subjects that led me to call others who work in campaigns to get their thoughts.
Not all of them, though, are subjects that require long, detailed responses that would really make an entry all on their own. They are good questions, sure, but they don’t need the kind of answers that fill out a full weekly entry.
This week, as we really wrap up the year, I’m going to go into the quick questions I’ve been asked this year.
Paper or electronic?
Question: is it better to do our canvassing with paper or through one of the apps, like MiniVan?
Answer: There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Both of these practices have benefits and negatives. MiniVan allows for instant entry of data, especially if canvassers are doing so on a cellular phone. This can make your canvass more effective. On the other hand, some users who work with Minivan find it complicated, and others end up responding to texts or reading Facebook or Twitter between locations and get less done. Paper tends to focus people by putting something in their hands, but it also means that they have to work harder to know where they are going. Minivan will direct them via GPS; paper won’t. Paper also requires later data entry.
There is no correct answer to this; both have pros and cons. The most important lesson is not to commit to only one option or the other. You will have canvassers and workers who will demand one method or the other. Having some flexibility allows you to work best with your volunteers.
Is swag worth it?
I have covered this topic at length here in the past. Every election cycle brings companies marketing swag to candidates: keychains, branded pens, shirts, baseball caps, and more. Is swag worth it? Unless you are running a huge statewide or presidential campaign, in most cases swag is a waste of resources. Most swag—which I think of as “chum marketing”— things like pens and coffee mugs? No one cares. They will not influence a single vote, and money you spend that doesn’t influence any voter is wasted.
Still, some swag has proven to be worthwhile. Having some shirts union printed for your canvassers can solve issues of making sure those who walk for you are dressed in a way that presents your campaign well.
Evaluate swag. Be careful with how you spend. If you’re spending a lot on things that won’t influence the vote—branded stress balls come to mind—then you might want to re-evaluate your spending practices.
I’m a candidate. Do I have to do call time?
Yes.
I need someone to run my campaign, but no one near me knows how. HELP!
There are lots of decent books on the subject, but be careful: Even good advice in books and in this series needs to be custom-fit to the race you are in and the kind of constituents you have. Still, there is nothing preventing a first-time campaign manager from having significant success. What you are really looking for is someone who has strong management and interpersonal skills.
Finding people who are politically motivated and have those two skills is a key component. Too often we get wrapped up in the idea that you need political science gurus to manage all campaigns. Several of the best campaign managers I’ve run into over the years weren’t lifelong political minds; I’ve seen former PTA presidents, Girl Scout trooper leaders, and UPS delivery men become really good directors of down-ballot campaigns.
Focus on your ability to work with someone, and on their ability to manage time and build relationships. If you are running small, state-house races, those factors are critical. The smart options are always willing to ask questions of “gurus,” and their management styles can prevent a lot of trouble.
But I really hate call time, and sometimes ...
Nope. No one loves call time. I don’t enjoy it either. Still, doing it helps fuel your campaign; it is also a chance to talk directly to some donors who can influence others; and while you are raising money, you are also honing your message. Do your call time.
Next week: Don’t suffer