I am a candidate for county commissioner

[adamdem]

My posting time is all wrong- I am a Lincoln County Democrat who received 47% of the vote in yesterday's primary. I am a teacher , retired 10 years and a political newcomer, a female 65 years old. Those who know lincoln County can see it in three seperate sections, the rural, agricultural west, the city of Lincolnton and the "Riveria" of the east- Lake Norman. Uncontrolled growth and regional differences of lifestyles are tearing us apart. People are ready for a change be it with new Republican or hopefully Democrats.

DU is responsible for giving me the courage to attempt this and I would appreciate any advise regarding the situation I have outlined

[KoKo]

1. Good for YOU...My God we need all the help we can get and thanks for

STANDING UP and putting yourself out there to go through it all!

:toast: for true PATRIOT. I'm NC...Wake County....

[Richard Steele]

2. This Durhamite says: Welcome to DU!

If you are looking for advice, you may have come to the right place-
I hope we can help you win this thing!

[cami715]

3. Good luck to you in the general election!

I think people all over NC are ready for a change. I'm in Cabarrus County, also a retired teacher, and your courage is inspirational. I wish you well!

[ncrainbowgrrl]

4. Welcome to DU, for starters!-Congrats on the primary-A few Questions:

Do you have volunteers? Are you up for the campaign? Do you have capital at hand? If not- how are you raising money? Does the other candidate have funding? How are THEY raising money?

Why are YOU running? What do YOU think that YOU can do to change things?

Do you have a web presence? (If not- I bet you could get a DUer to help out) It looks like the county is close to some major metro areas- I'd definitely recommend a website if at all possible- that way some out of county people, or even disconnected/alienated in-county voters can find out about the campaign and help out.(or give you some cash!!)


Sorry if this was a little too much at one clip- I just got through doing some of this type of political brainstorming-postwas just like spilling all the questions that he answered in the first stages of trying to plan the "next steps." Sometimes, if/when you get stuck, it's good to go back to the basics, and ask these questions again- just to see if anything's changed over time.

Hope this helps.

Again welcome to DU,
ncrainbowgrrl

[SunDrop23]

5. Bravo! Fight the good fight!

[kimpossible]

6. Good for you!

And good luck!
:patriot:

[wildeyed]

7. Congratulations on your primary win!

I am so impressed by people who have the courage to run for office. I wish I had some good advise for you, but I don't, so instead I hope you will accept my good wishes :)

[GreenInNC]

8. You will run

We will talk you into it this weekend

[adamdem]

9. I have non-$ capital

I taught in Lincoln County schools for 27 years after a brief career in social services. My husband was County Extension agent for 30 years and our name recognition is high. He ran unsuccessfully for the commission in 2000, lost, but filled an unexpired term from 2002-2004 with 4 Gop members. Unfortunately his heart and soul were never in it because it was me who talked him into the political scene.
Having 3 beautiful, popular daughters to go through the school system doesn't hurt. I have served in church,been a carter member of several organizatons and a past member of many others also helps. I recently came off my second term of being on the board of directors at the local country club.

The political situation has changed drastically since the primary - now it is such a full-blown issue of east vs. west that tonight I heard, not directly but from a good source, that an incumbant who will probably call for a run-off will support me as will the Gop.

I, as well as the 4 new GOP who entered this race , expressed a desire for a change. I entered the race as one who could be fair, could help with unity for the county and promote a positive future. The fundamental question now is whether I can do anything to prevent all five seats being held by eastern Republicans.

Yes, I desire a web-site, contributions,etc. I was able to get initial help thru precincts to distribute signs. The
Democratic Women will be a great future asset. I financed the primary expenses on my own and am prepared to spend more of my children's inheritance if necessary. I have spoken at all forums availble, filled out media questionnaires, played in charity golf tournaments, joined the Chamber of Commerce, volunteered at 2 Relay for Life Events ( I am a survivor). Sorry this was so lengthy but I wanted you to have a more complete picture. I will value your advice.

[newyawker99]

10. Hi adamdem!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[SeaNap05]

11. Spending your campaign funds is vital.

Following this model has shown success especially in local races.


Allocation and expenditures of campaign funds


Paid Media.........................65-75%
Earned Media (Free Media)..........2-3%
Fund raising .......................8-12%
Scheduling…........................1-3%
Research…..........................1-3%
Field..............................10-15%
Administration.....................1-3%

This is a model you can work from.

Pay attention to your core supporters and their demographics as far as age, education, race, etc... and use this to dissect your precincts. Some precincts you may spend more time and money than others. Listen to your constituency and heart and you should get off to a good start.

[wildeyed]

12. Try this.

https://contribute.democracyforamerica.com/nightschool

I just did the live training in Asheville, and nearly all of it was about running a grassroots campaign. They go through all of the steps; writing a campaign plan, fund raising, targeting persuadable voters, GOTV for election day. You would probably get a lot of good tips from the DVD. Sounds like you have good ideas and a grasp of the issues that are facing local voters. Just a matter of figuring out what your goals are and who you need to reach with your message.

Good luck!