Political High

I’ve talked about yard signs in a previous post.  I’m luke warm about them.  Everyone seems to think you have to have them or your campaign is screwed.

What I’ve learned at campaign management camp suggests otherwise.

In fact, in 2006, here in South Dakota, the anti-abortion measure folks probably had far more yard signs than votes.  With another anti-abortion measure on the ballot in South Dakota again (yes, that’s pretty much all we vote on here), they again lead the yard sign fight.  But they lost in 2006 and they’ll probably lose again in 2008.

I’ve seen them with supporters having maybe ten yard signs-the same yard sign–in one yard.

Apparently they subscribe to the “if a little bit will do a little good a lot will do a lot of good” theory of political tactics.

I don’t agree.  Not because I’m on the other side of their issue, but because I don’t think it is effective.

In a ballot measure like abortion, it is well known.  Unlike a couty commissioner candidate no one may know, everyone knows there are two ways to vote on the iss–yes or no.

I think a better use of yard sign repitition madness money is through door to door canvassing, paid media, or direct mail.

I can’t imagine the same ten pictures of the same baby in my neighbor’s yard is going to be the difference between winning and losing.  Seems like that’s an approach where you bury–not enhance–your message.

I’m a firm believer in “less is more” advertising.

Let’s say like one of the Ghostbusters, you’ve been slimed.

But not by a ghost but by your opponent in the last days of the campaign.

You can’t cross the beams, as that might cause the end of the earth.  So what can you do to respond to a scurilous, untrue, or dirty attack at the last minute by your opponent?

Here are five ideas of what to do.

1. Plan ahead.  You probably had a sneaking suspicion months ago.  Your “conversation box” (another future post) may have pointed it out.  But you know–or should know–what you might be vulnerable on in terms of the issues or personally.
2. Have a response ready, even if you don’t need it.  Anticipate the attack and have a radio ad, flyer, your own robo calls, or postcard ready to go.  Yes, it might cost money.  But can you afford not to?  Also have volunteers ready to go.  If the attack doesn’t materialize, use them for a final lit drop push instead.
3. Hit the press and blogs hard.  Send out a press release.  Call a news conference.  Get on top of the media.  Don’t let your opponent’s words be the spin.
4. Have a counterattack ready.  I’ve been a part of campaigns where we had the “atomic bomb” ready to go if we needed it.  Fortunately, we didn’t have to drop it.  But if you have the stomach for it, fight fire with fire.  Only make sure your attack is based in fact.
5. Sometimes, there’s no need to respond.  The attack might be so crazy that no one will believe it or the folks who do weren’t going to vote for you anyway.

Anyway, hopefully, you won’t get heartburn in the waning days of the campaign and you and your opponent will stick to the facts, the issues, and the record.

Yes, I am a sunny optimist.  But don’t let the slime stick if it does happen.