Advice for Political Candidates

1. Unless it is a nonpartisan race, don't hide your party identification. We'll find out sooner or later and you'll just look devious.


2. Spare us hokey slogans that tell us nothing about how you'd do the job.


3. Have someone other than family and friends look at your campaign brochures before they are finalized. There are some truly scary photos out there.


4. We get mail from many highly qualified candidates. Tell us how your knowledge and experience differ from that of the other candidates.


5. If you are going to go negative on an opponent, it had better be for something major. Minor items just make you look petty.


6. Recognize that endorsements can lose as many votes for you as attacks from your opponents.


7. Keep a journal of your experiences and impressions during the campaign. If you are elected, read that once a year and consider how you may have changed.


8. Show respect and affection for your volunteers. They don't need to be there and they may have some ideas that even the most expensive campaign consultant will miss.


9. Get some passion. Show that you care about the race. If you seem indifferent, why should we elect you?


10. You will be pressured to adopt a variety of tactics. If something doesn't feel right, don't do it.