Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Campaign Advice from the Libertarian Party’s Locally Elected Officials in Illinois
Julie Fox, the party’s 2002 state comptroller candidate and highest vote getter, was elected to the local library board in Dundee Township.
She first addressed “making yourself electable,” pointing out one had to get well known in the community.
“Get a name,” she advised.
In addition, one must “know the local issues.”
She suggested on way was to attend local governmental board meetings, looking for one that would ”fit your interests.”
So, what should one run for?
Besides issues that interest you, the amount of time one has to spend on government is another aspect to consider.
“A library board is a good stepping stone to higher office. It’s not that time consuming,” Fox said.
Fox also suggested forming a local Libertarian chapter and becoming members of local organizations. She remembered that her participation in the Coalition for Accountability for Education, a group fighting a District 300 school referendum was helpful in getting allies for her library board run.
“In running for a non-partisan position, that is very helpful,” she said.
David Kelley, a Rockford School Board member, agreed. (Rockford’s school district is divided into single-member districts.)
“We first met local Republicans when we fought Home Rule,” Fox recalled.
Kelley’s wife Kathy agreed.
“That’s true. They knew we were Libertarians and, so, we weren’t hiding anything,” the Rock Valley College trustee explained. “They were there taking signs from us.”
“I used to go and speak to local Republicans about school and tax issues,” Fox said.
“People get to know you,” David Kelley added.
“A friend of mine through REACH (a Rockford education accountability group) became a school board member,” he continued. “He needed a community representative to the Rockford Board of Education Facilities Committee.
“It’s all part of getting ready.”
“Get in front of people as often as you can,” he added later.
David Kelley urged listeners to “really pay attention to your community. What’s hot?
“I ran twice and ended up getting elected the 2nd time.
“If you really want to win, don’t run against a popular incumbent,” he added. “Find someone who isn’t doing his job.
“An education race helps the Libertarian Party,” wife Kathy pointed out.
“Even if you don’t have a chance it will build your reputation in the community,” added David Kelley.
“In our area, school board is extremely difficult to be elected to,” Fox explained. That District 300 is a rapidly growing, controversial and large district. It covers parts major parts of two counties. Candidate run at-large, that is, they have to run in the entire district.
The library district, on the other hand, “is extremely fiscally responsible,” she said. “If there’s not a lot of issues going on, it’s easier to get elected.”
“You’ve got to look at what’s it going to take to get on the board,” Kathy Kelley explained.
Kathy Kelley pointed out that “the school unions always supported his opponents because they knew he was fiscally conservative.”
Hitting on an important point David Kelley talked of his campaign manager:
“Every time I’ve run, she’s been my campaign manager.”
David Kelley also pointed out that running for county office is difficult, “because we don’t have a whole slate.”
Petition requirements for county board are 300-400 signatures, while those for school board and community college are 50.
Julie Fox said that she had to get 200 signatures.
“People shouldn’t be afraid of petitioning,” explained David Kelley, warning, “If you can’t do that, it’ll be tough being a candidate.”
“It’s a whole lot easier if you are the candidate,” Fox added.
Helpful advice while petitioning from David Kelley: “Never argue with anyone.”
Kathy Kelley pointed out that one has to have some positions, if one is running for office.
“If you are being interviewed on the radio, they will ask, ‘Why are you running for office?’ You really need to be ready with answers to controversial questions.”
“You have to have people helping you to get elected,” Kathy Kelley stressed. “We use our local chapter a lot going door-to-door.
“Make it fun!” she emphasized. “Break them up into teams for three hours (of work) on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. Always have food and refreshments afterward. It brings the group closer together.”
She told of a backyard pool party to which 50-60 people turned out.
“If people aren’t having a good time, they aren’t going to want to help you.”
“A campaign is good for club building and club building is good for candidates,” David Kelley added.
“Ultimately, if you are a candidate you have to get of asking for money,” David Kelly said, discussing the dreaded fundraising aspect of running for office.
“I made a list of everyone I knew” and sent out solicitation letters. “I got one out of five,” he said, pointing out, “Every $25 counts.”
Discussing his wife’s election to the Rock Valley Board, David Kelley pointed out that their son had been a popular student, having been president of the honor society.
“Having a nice name helps, too,” he added. “’Kathy Kelley’ is a cute name.”
Julie Fox added some sage advice. “If you are not attractive (physically), you might not want to put your face out there. Put your ideas out there.”
With regard to how to reach voters, David Kelley asked, “Would it pay for me to run TV ads? No.” And, the same with radio, since his district covered only 1/7th of Rockford.
“You can put an insert into our local paper for specific zip codes,” Kathy Kelley revealed.
Yet, “the best targeting is off the registered voter list,” David Kelley stressed.
What kind of literature should one use?
“The first time we had a tri-fold,” campaign manager Kathy Kelley revealed. “The last time we had a palm card, printed on both sides. It worked as well.”
“The most important thing is that you get it out there,” Julie Fox stressed. She said she paid $1,500 to print 40,000 pieces when she ran for state comptroller. “A local printer I had worked with gave me a special price.”
Yard signs are effective in Rockford, Kathy Kelley said.
“The first time out, I downplayed yard signs. That’s why I lost,” David Kelley said. “Every little bit helps. You want your name to stick out more than anyone else’s.”
Kathy Kelley revealed that the first time out the David Kelley campaign was “skittish.” Not so the second time.
“I would go door-to-door asking for yard sign (sites),” David Kelley said. “They’re not cheap,” he added.
“We did find yard signs really work,” Kathy Kelley said.
“We encouraged out people to knock on doors,” she continued, “and ask them to vote for Dave Kelley. If they (the volunteers) didn’t want to, (they were asked) just (to) drop off the literature.
“You can’t put them in mailboxes, (so you) have to have a lot of ingenuity,” Kathy Kelley added.
“If it’s windy out, your better make sure it’s in securely,” Julie Fox warned.
“It’s really important to say, ‘Would you vote for (your candidate)?” Kathy Kelley said. “If they say, ‘Oh, I’ve heard of him, then ask, ‘Would you like a yard sign?’”
“We had our ABATE group place (yard signs),” she continued. (ABATE is a motorcycle lobbying group.)
“You want to have as many letters to the editor as you can get,” she added. “That way it looks like a…
“Bandwagon,” David Kelley interjected. “Looks like you have momentum.”
Kathy Kelley revealed a campaign technique that can be completed while watching TV, writing “Sorry I missed you. (signed) Dave,” on campaign literature.
“If nobody’s home, they don’t know he wasn’t there. They don’t know what his handwriting looks like.”
“Promote your qualifications,” Julie Fox advised, “if you are running against a young person.”
“You can talk about how experienced you are and how experienced he is,” Kathy Kelley added.
“On the other hand, you can promote your youth and vitality and you are not an old stodgy (if your opponent is older that you are), David Kelley pointed out.
“All though out the campaign, campaigning is becoming more and more regulated by the government,” the school board member explained. “You do need to keep financial records.”
“We had a coalition, so we were able to split up expenses,” Julie Fox explained.
“Open a separate checking account,” Kathy Kelley advised. “Don’t co-mingle your funds.”
“Besides the financial records, keep a record of where your volunteers have been,” David Kelley interjected. “It’s like a small business enterprise, running a campaign,” he added later.
“You can really tell where your volunteers have been when you see the election results,” wife Kathy added. “The second time we went right back to the locations where you put them the first time,” emphasizing that repeated contact with voters on a candidates’ behalf brings results at the ballot box.
Julie Fox suggested that one cannot run for office alone. David Kelley agreed, pointing out that his district had 30,000 people and 6,000-7,000 voters.
“We covered most of his area, except for the rural areas,” campaign manager Kathy remembered.
“It’s always good to have a web site,” Julie Fox added. “There’re a lot of tech people in the party. You definitely want a web site.
Then, Kathy Kelley asked those in attendance: “Is anyone thinking about running for office?
Several revealed their intentions.
Questions included one about using doorknob hangers.
“It costs so much,” David Kelley. Kathy Kelley suggested bags that have holes in them.
And, what about getting rid of literature left at the end of a campaign?
“Paper the cars,” David Kelley advised. “Stuff sitting in the garage after the campaign isn’t worth anything.”
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.
She first addressed “making yourself electable,” pointing out one had to get well known in the community.
“Get a name,” she advised.
In addition, one must “know the local issues.”
She suggested on way was to attend local governmental board meetings, looking for one that would ”fit your interests.”
So, what should one run for?
Besides issues that interest you, the amount of time one has to spend on government is another aspect to consider.
“A library board is a good stepping stone to higher office. It’s not that time consuming,” Fox said.
Fox also suggested forming a local Libertarian chapter and becoming members of local organizations. She remembered that her participation in the Coalition for Accountability for Education, a group fighting a District 300 school referendum was helpful in getting allies for her library board run.
“In running for a non-partisan position, that is very helpful,” she said.
David Kelley, a Rockford School Board member, agreed. (Rockford’s school district is divided into single-member districts.)
“We first met local Republicans when we fought Home Rule,” Fox recalled.
Kelley’s wife Kathy agreed.
“That’s true. They knew we were Libertarians and, so, we weren’t hiding anything,” the Rock Valley College trustee explained. “They were there taking signs from us.”
“I used to go and speak to local Republicans about school and tax issues,” Fox said.
“People get to know you,” David Kelley added.
“A friend of mine through REACH (a Rockford education accountability group) became a school board member,” he continued. “He needed a community representative to the Rockford Board of Education Facilities Committee.
“It’s all part of getting ready.”
“Get in front of people as often as you can,” he added later.
David Kelley urged listeners to “really pay attention to your community. What’s hot?
“I ran twice and ended up getting elected the 2nd time.
“If you really want to win, don’t run against a popular incumbent,” he added. “Find someone who isn’t doing his job.
“An education race helps the Libertarian Party,” wife Kathy pointed out.
“Even if you don’t have a chance it will build your reputation in the community,” added David Kelley.
“In our area, school board is extremely difficult to be elected to,” Fox explained. That District 300 is a rapidly growing, controversial and large district. It covers parts major parts of two counties. Candidate run at-large, that is, they have to run in the entire district.
The library district, on the other hand, “is extremely fiscally responsible,” she said. “If there’s not a lot of issues going on, it’s easier to get elected.”
“You’ve got to look at what’s it going to take to get on the board,” Kathy Kelley explained.
Kathy Kelley pointed out that “the school unions always supported his opponents because they knew he was fiscally conservative.”
Hitting on an important point David Kelley talked of his campaign manager:
“Every time I’ve run, she’s been my campaign manager.”
David Kelley also pointed out that running for county office is difficult, “because we don’t have a whole slate.”
Petition requirements for county board are 300-400 signatures, while those for school board and community college are 50.
Julie Fox said that she had to get 200 signatures.
“People shouldn’t be afraid of petitioning,” explained David Kelley, warning, “If you can’t do that, it’ll be tough being a candidate.”
“It’s a whole lot easier if you are the candidate,” Fox added.
Helpful advice while petitioning from David Kelley: “Never argue with anyone.”
Kathy Kelley pointed out that one has to have some positions, if one is running for office.
“If you are being interviewed on the radio, they will ask, ‘Why are you running for office?’ You really need to be ready with answers to controversial questions.”
“You have to have people helping you to get elected,” Kathy Kelley stressed. “We use our local chapter a lot going door-to-door.
“Make it fun!” she emphasized. “Break them up into teams for three hours (of work) on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. Always have food and refreshments afterward. It brings the group closer together.”
She told of a backyard pool party to which 50-60 people turned out.
“If people aren’t having a good time, they aren’t going to want to help you.”
“A campaign is good for club building and club building is good for candidates,” David Kelley added.
“Ultimately, if you are a candidate you have to get of asking for money,” David Kelly said, discussing the dreaded fundraising aspect of running for office.
“I made a list of everyone I knew” and sent out solicitation letters. “I got one out of five,” he said, pointing out, “Every $25 counts.”
Discussing his wife’s election to the Rock Valley Board, David Kelley pointed out that their son had been a popular student, having been president of the honor society.
“Having a nice name helps, too,” he added. “’Kathy Kelley’ is a cute name.”
Julie Fox added some sage advice. “If you are not attractive (physically), you might not want to put your face out there. Put your ideas out there.”
With regard to how to reach voters, David Kelley asked, “Would it pay for me to run TV ads? No.” And, the same with radio, since his district covered only 1/7th of Rockford.
“You can put an insert into our local paper for specific zip codes,” Kathy Kelley revealed.
Yet, “the best targeting is off the registered voter list,” David Kelley stressed.
What kind of literature should one use?
“The first time we had a tri-fold,” campaign manager Kathy Kelley revealed. “The last time we had a palm card, printed on both sides. It worked as well.”
“The most important thing is that you get it out there,” Julie Fox stressed. She said she paid $1,500 to print 40,000 pieces when she ran for state comptroller. “A local printer I had worked with gave me a special price.”
Yard signs are effective in Rockford, Kathy Kelley said.
“The first time out, I downplayed yard signs. That’s why I lost,” David Kelley said. “Every little bit helps. You want your name to stick out more than anyone else’s.”
Kathy Kelley revealed that the first time out the David Kelley campaign was “skittish.” Not so the second time.
“I would go door-to-door asking for yard sign (sites),” David Kelley said. “They’re not cheap,” he added.
“We did find yard signs really work,” Kathy Kelley said.
“We encouraged out people to knock on doors,” she continued, “and ask them to vote for Dave Kelley. If they (the volunteers) didn’t want to, (they were asked) just (to) drop off the literature.
“You can’t put them in mailboxes, (so you) have to have a lot of ingenuity,” Kathy Kelley added.
“If it’s windy out, your better make sure it’s in securely,” Julie Fox warned.
“It’s really important to say, ‘Would you vote for (your candidate)?” Kathy Kelley said. “If they say, ‘Oh, I’ve heard of him, then ask, ‘Would you like a yard sign?’”
“We had our ABATE group place (yard signs),” she continued. (ABATE is a motorcycle lobbying group.)
“You want to have as many letters to the editor as you can get,” she added. “That way it looks like a…
“Bandwagon,” David Kelley interjected. “Looks like you have momentum.”
Kathy Kelley revealed a campaign technique that can be completed while watching TV, writing “Sorry I missed you. (signed) Dave,” on campaign literature.
“If nobody’s home, they don’t know he wasn’t there. They don’t know what his handwriting looks like.”
“Promote your qualifications,” Julie Fox advised, “if you are running against a young person.”
“You can talk about how experienced you are and how experienced he is,” Kathy Kelley added.
“On the other hand, you can promote your youth and vitality and you are not an old stodgy (if your opponent is older that you are), David Kelley pointed out.
“All though out the campaign, campaigning is becoming more and more regulated by the government,” the school board member explained. “You do need to keep financial records.”
“We had a coalition, so we were able to split up expenses,” Julie Fox explained.
“Open a separate checking account,” Kathy Kelley advised. “Don’t co-mingle your funds.”
“Besides the financial records, keep a record of where your volunteers have been,” David Kelley interjected. “It’s like a small business enterprise, running a campaign,” he added later.
“You can really tell where your volunteers have been when you see the election results,” wife Kathy added. “The second time we went right back to the locations where you put them the first time,” emphasizing that repeated contact with voters on a candidates’ behalf brings results at the ballot box.
Julie Fox suggested that one cannot run for office alone. David Kelley agreed, pointing out that his district had 30,000 people and 6,000-7,000 voters.
“We covered most of his area, except for the rural areas,” campaign manager Kathy remembered.
“It’s always good to have a web site,” Julie Fox added. “There’re a lot of tech people in the party. You definitely want a web site.
Then, Kathy Kelley asked those in attendance: “Is anyone thinking about running for office?
Several revealed their intentions.
Questions included one about using doorknob hangers.
“It costs so much,” David Kelley. Kathy Kelley suggested bags that have holes in them.
And, what about getting rid of literature left at the end of a campaign?
“Paper the cars,” David Kelley advised. “Stuff sitting in the garage after the campaign isn’t worth anything.”
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.
# posted by Cal Skinner : 7:35 AM
