Campaign Orientation

Campaign Orientation

Two Political Pathways. Politician or Policy Campaign Campaign Strategy Strategy to elect officials that understand the importance of a healthy business environment and minimal regulations governing the real estate business. Legislative Legislative Strategy Strategy to influence business public policy and regulations surrounding the real estate profession.

Candidate Planning & Organization Reality Cornerstones to Look For Campaign Plan: Activities, Timing, Organization Budget and Fundraising Plan: Where is the money coming from and how is it being spent Organization: By committee or by function typically function.

Candidate Recruitment Start now looking for candidate prospects Where to Look – REALTOR groups, allied groups & businesses groups – Look to civic and church groups – City councils or county commissions Look for experience in many facets of life Look at the person’s situation – family, job, money, time commitment – political or philosophical views – desire, energy Assign person(s) to approach prospect Discuss possible support with them – financial – volunteer Gauge interest and REALTOR support

Candidate Interviews & Endorsements Invite all candidates in writing – Date, time, place – Format – Length of interview Neutral location for interview Assign different questions to different REALTORS Query about background, education, experience, personal interests real estate and business issues community issues hot topic statewide issues

Leveraging Endorsements Cover letter (press release) – List or person – Why you support them – Invitation for all to support Notify area weekly (ies) Notify local daily (ies) Notify local radio &/or TV news directors Send list (email/snail) to all REALTORS Post on website & in office

Candidate Forums Candidate Breakfast, Night or Luncheon – Debate format – Candidate remarks only – Remarks and Q&A Include other groups Table for materials

Volunteers “God’s gift to candidates” Work at events Write a letter to the editor Make phone calls Canvass door to door Put up signs

Volunteers “God’s gift to candidates” Volunteer Mngt-Training – experienced volunteer coordinators are a “gem” to a candidate. – – – – – – Coordinate phone banks Identify events Coordinate letter-to editor writing Plan or coordinate door-to-door Maintain a database & print lists Put up signs

Volunteer “Things” Offer telephone Banks - REALTOR offices have phones! – – – – volunteer recruitment voter I.D. event turnout GOTV Copying machines Computers and printers Yard sign assembly area Area in office for issue materials Sign location planning & management

Endorsements Help Line Up Supporters REALTORS have contacts throughout the community. Candidates want to meet them and gain their support. – Arrange introductions – Provide a call list

Contributions The Mother’s Milk of Politics Make no mistake, money is the holy grail for any campaign. Write a check! Hold a cocktail or coffee party Office challenges Progressive dinners/bar-b-q Percentage pledges Sponsor an event Donate to RPAC Yard sale & contribute proceeds

Voter Contact The Oh, So Ever Precious List! Realtors Organizations REALTORS Clients Business Associates Circulate a sign-up sheet in the office Offer a reference group list

A Few Media Ideas Letters To Editor Guest Opinions Paid advertising – REALTOR ad – Weeklies are very good – Dailies (depends on candidate & area) – Publish endorsements & state support