CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

This is something that the precinct worker has very little control over, but comments may, and should, be made to the candidate if it helps in winning the election. Briefly outlined:

1. A centrist position on practically all issues. An extreme position is sure way to lose votes.

2. Candidates grooming. May be casual but cannot have "wild" hair, sloppy appearance, etc.

3. Controversial positions must be very carefully phrased to appeal to the middle. Examples: Abortion. One could say "I'm pro-life. I don't like abortions. I want to prevent the need for such drastic action, and promote more teen abstinence. But I think politicians should not play dictator and make decisions that are better left to the woman, her doctor, and family." APPEAL TO BOTH SIDES OF THE CONTROVERSY. Environment, ecology, urban sprawl, growth, immigrants, filling in the wet lands, etc. are other positions to handle cautiously.

4. Candidate must have the background to qualify for the position.

5. Conservative compassion works, conservation is really a conservative position to promote.

6. Avoid the stigma of "Liberal" because that is what the Republicans taught me decades ago. The GOP candidates were instructed to call opponents "Liberal", which is considered a dirty word in VA. And if that did not get enough followers they should label him a tax and spend Democrat. By saying those terms often enough the uninformed electorate will soon tag Democrats with those undesirable stigmas. Voters in Virginia are primarily conservative and our candidates cannot stray to far to the left if they wish to win. Our candidates can be pragmatic, progressive, and practical but generally talk thrift, if not lower taxes. That's the way Gilmore won. Get rid of the car tax! Which was a gimmick but it worked to elect him. The public is mostly pro-gun, pro hunting, pro-tobacco, pro-male, anti-immigration, anti-affirmative action, pro religion, anti ERA, hard on criminals, more on punishment than treatment and prevention of delinquency as that costs money. Our goal will be to publicize the facts that if money is spent for prevention in early childhood that much money will be saved in avoiding dropouts, delinquency, and incarceration later.

7. A nice looking, charismatic candidate will win over a more intelligent & qualified one. As Allen.

PRECINCT STRATEGIES

1. Precinct boundaries; Voters in residence; political leaning of voters.

2. Recruit Helpers: The more workers the better the chance of winning. Appoint one person as "contact" for each mile of the country road and each block or two of subdivision. Many voters are honored to be invited to help. If helpers are not able to help all year they might be available in the months prior to each election.

3. Supplies and devices: County maps to mark off the precinct. Voter registration lists. Telephone directory. Card file of names on mail boxes. (This is used to check for unregistered residents, and to register them if they hold Democrat values , don't pursue GOP leaning ones)

4. Techniques: Telephone call. Social visit. Invitation to home political strategy meeting.

5. Know your precinct officials. Names, telephone numbers and addresses of the chair of your precinct.

6. Officials: Know names of all county Democrat officials, county chair, all precinct chairs. Have group meetings so that one can learn tactics from others. Invite helpers to meet, they move up the ladder.

7. Submitted by Bonnie Drumm. 978-1117. I think a strategy meeting of precinct in January or February is essential (if not before) to encourage organization for Governor and Statewide candidates.

Bonnie Drumm (electronic mail, November 27, 2000).