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Questions |
Answers |
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How much money
does it cost to run an effective campaign? |
Every race is
unique and could require a different amount of money. Prepare a
campaign plan and budget to determine the specific amount needed. The
suggested budget for a typical general election race for the State
Legislature (without a party primary) should run about $75,000.
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What makes up a
viable campaign budget? |
A guideline for a
modern, winning campaign budget might include components such as:
- Staff: a
campaign manager and possibly a fundraiser or volunteer coordinator
- Overhead:
campaign headquarters, phones, fundraising, internet, utilities, and
miscellaneous expenses
- Research:
opposition research, a benchmark poll, tracking polls and voter file
- Visibility:
signs and push cards
- Voter contact:
paid phone banks, direct mail, postage, get-out-the-vote, &
media coverage (television, radio & newspaper ads)
Divide the budget
into relevant categories such as Staff – 12%, Overhead – 3%, Research
– 18%, Visibility – 1%, Voter Contact – 66%.
Note: all of the
above isn’t required and you could need a category that isn’t listed;
don’t forget donated or in-kind contributions. |
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How can campaign
funds be raised? |
The quickest is
through a group/level that many fundraisers call relational.
- This group
consists of family, friends, co-workers, church members, alumni or
organizational members
- These are all
people with whom you have a personal relationship
- Make a list of
all of these people and include how much you think each person can
give to your campaign and how you plan to collect
the money from
them.
- The most
effective way to solicit money from this group is in person.;
the second most effective way is by a phone call from you. |
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What is the best
way to promote a candidacy? |
Personal contact
is the best promotion method. If possible, go to the door of every
registered voter in your district.
If that isn’t
feasible, target and meet the voters that are most likely to vote for
you. |
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What is the
voter file? |
The voter file,
also called voter rolls, is the list of registered voters in a
particular county. It includes information such as voter history,
party preference (where applicable), phone numbers and some targeted
issue-related information. |
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How much does it
cost to access the voter file? |
Rates for access
to the voter file vary based on several factors. Further information
may be obtained from Rosalind Rawls at the Mississippi Democratic
Party headquarters in Jackson at (601) 969-2913 x222 or email at
rosalind.rawls@msdemocrats.net. |
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What are the
benefits of the voter file? |
The voter file
provides a candidate with the ability to
- Produce call
lists for phone banking
- Produce walk
lists for canvassing, mailing labels
- Conduct a more
efficient and effective get out the vote effort. |
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Clarify what is
meant by get out the vote? |
This term
describes efforts to target potential voters who support your
candidacy and then follow up to ensure they show up at the polls on
election day. Such activities often take place close to or on
election day and can include neighborhood canvassing, phone banks and
rides to the polls. |
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Where do
candidates get help with the media? |
David Perry, the
HCDEC’s communications director, is available to offer advice and
suggestions on working with the media. David may be reached at
388-6319 or
e-mail:
doc11@cableone.net. |
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Does the party
endorse candidates in the primary? |
No. If more than
one candidate is running for a specific office, then they will meet in
the August Democratic Party primary to determine the nominee. Because
of that, the party remains neutral in that specific race until primary voters
choose the nominee. |
