Running for office...election is today...would this be overkill?

[lwin]

Ok, here's the deal. I'm running for a seat on the County Democratic Central Committee in Ventura County (California). At 43, I'm the youngest kid on the block running, though I did manage to get myself elected/appointed to fill a seat on the Committee last year when someone dropped out. So I'm listed on the ballot as "Appointed Incumbent". There are 7 people running for 5 seats. The luck of the draw has me listed 6th on the ballot. :-(

There are two incumbents running, who are pretty much shoe-ins, as most people don't have a clue what "Central Committee" is, and just vote for the incumbent.

I want to make a good showing. We're a Red county, but making progress. I want to raise the bar and keep pushing the local party to be more aggressive in ALL elections, even the smallest ones, like this one. This has annoyed one of the incumbents and some of the old guard (not all of them) to no end.

I did a small mailing to high propensity Dems, and have been phone banking and precinct walking to the others I didn't hit with mail. Still, there are a few thousand I wasn't able to hit.

Here's my question...do I go out at about 5am, when the newspapers are being delivered, and put one of my flyers under the newspapers of my target Dems, and reach another few hundred, and also make more calls later in the day? Or is it overkill and do I give it a rest since it's already election day?

http://www.laurawinchester.com

[file83]

1. I wouldn't do that - it's overkill to do it on election day.

Yesterday maybe, but not today.

[Emit]

2. We did that in '04 for our GOTV efforts

Our team was out at 5:30 am delivering candidate info and reminder notes for voting, and we continued to call and drop off literature until about 6pm. GOTV (Get Out the Vote) is an aggressive tactic -- to remind voters to vote and to remind them of the candidates you are supporting. I think if you're up for it, do it. Just don't knock on doors too early. 9:00 am is the earliest we started actually knocking on doors and calling people. And, btw, the two precincts I covered went blue in '04!

[EST]

3. If you would otherwise lose a spot by ten votes and

this "overkill" brings in eleven votes, why not do it?
At least it will eliminate one more "what if" from the world.

[lwin]

4. Ok, looks like I'll go for it

Quietly and in running shoes, of course :lol:

Thanks for the feedback! :-)

[kevinbgoode]

5. It sounds like a lot of work on election day. . .

I do agree that if it can bring in a few more votes, it might be worth the effort - but if you feel pretty secure about your chances, I'd likely rest up and try to enjoy the returns that night - after all, even for a central committee member, election return nights are great networking moments.

By the way, I like your aggressive leadership style. We NEED that in the Party right now - and that isn't because the old guard doesn't have good experience to offer - but the ballgame changes every few years and it's hard for local parties to stay on their toes. I suspect you have some great ideas. . .and I'll cross my fingers that you get elected.

[lwin]

7. Thanks!

:-)

[Oeditpus Rex]

6. You'd better check first

It may be against the law. In any case, I don't think the Star would appreciate it. It could look like they were endorsing you.

[lwin]

8. What would be against the law...

Dropping campaign literature on election day? (no)

Or putting my flyer anywhere near a Star newspaper? I wasn't going to attach it, or tuck it into it...just near or under it, so it would be seen when they go to pick up their paper. Besides, how do you know I wasn't talking about the days old Acorn that some people leave in their driveways, or the LA Times? :P

Hey, since you're awake and know the area, you want to join me in a few hours? ;-)

[Oeditpus Rex]

9. All I know is

from the newspapers I've worked for, there were "measures" that could be taken if someone did something like what you're talking about. I dunno if it's a law or what, though. I was in editorial, not circulation.

But — if someone thought the Star were supporting you and complained to them about it, the paper could make things difficult for you it so chose. (Never piss off someone who buys ink by the barrel, as the old saying goes.)

I don't know the area, btw. I'm like 250 miles north of you. I just know the names of most Kollyforniya newspapers.

And, come to think of it, I know someone at the VC Star.