Its a numbers game

As a campaigner, there were some interesting lessons.

One is that you have to wave banners on the side of the road. Every new candidate who did this, got elected. Major did this in the early 90′s, waving and smiling in front of a 6 meter portable bill board of his name, along the roadside in Haitatai, and got elected — without providing any clear policies. Its a cliche, but it works. I hate cliches, but people like to know you are real.

Bill boards don’t help, unless you don’t get media exposure – then they (and mail campaigns) do. You’d think incumbents would be known in their ward, so would not need bill boards? I hate bill boards as much as I hate cliches.

The incumbents got large articles about themselves in the newspapers (and various resident newsletters) and the new candidates got zip. Best to send media kits with pre-written articles to the papers written in the desired style (2 months in advance of the start, as it can take 2-3 weeks from interview to publication). Or do something cute or outlandish to get in the papers (although too outlandish will make you look like a fool).

You can’t say much in 3 mins – so best to pick one issue and hammer it home. Speeches are about sounding confident and friendly – not about what you stand for. If you are an incumbent, don’t mention any policies (unless you think you might lose), just say its really hard work and experience counts. People forget incumbents were once new (and had ideas).

Point to a single newspaper article that says you worked hard. Repeat it as many times as you are given the opportunity. If you say it enough, people will believe you. People will ignore what you actually voted for (or didn’t vote for). Especially if you do not disclose your voting record. If you do get asked a difficult question attack a regional councilor. Blame those who don’t have a mike – it will look strong (but don’t over do it – as people will see it as bullying).

Blogs and facebook pages are good – but if people don’t read them they will never know it was your idea. If someone raises an issue that makes you look bad, attack them on something trivial to undermine their credibility or to deflect attention away from the real issue.

If a candidate is looking to good – ignore them (ideally forget their name or don’t mention them). That way voters won’t know who they are – so they won’t get votes. However, work with candidates in your ward who will be cut in the first count, as STV might send their vote to you. Also work with candidates outside your ward to increase your exposure (eg, regional, mayoral, etc). If elected you may need to work with these people – so best to start building bridges early.

Its a number game, so utilise a political party brand or participate in clubs, associations, or protest groups, that will provide you a healthy network of people to support you. Voters like to know what they are getting.

Make outlandish promises, knowing that the impending debt will mean you will be able to resile from your earlier promises, and sound sensible. Boldness will get you in, not realism. If a protest group looks like they have a large group of supporters (eg, football) support them with outlandish promises. Don’t be put off by having nothing to do with the group or sport before the event (even if another candidate is actually involved in the sport and has voiced an earlier informed opinion). If you say it loudest, its your idea (remember to be bold – see above).

Write letters in the papers and on blogs (under other peoples names) that raises questions about the suitability of the new candidates for the job – or if they have all the right skills – denounce them over something trivial, or don’t mention them at all. God forbid if  a skilled candidate made it on council  – they might make the rest look stupid and lazy.

Finally, hold true to your beliefs – (something another councilor once confided to me), otherwise you look two faced and deceitful. If your deceit is exposed, attack the messenger or raise another issue to draw attention away (this is what they do in national politics).

Hope you enjoyed the journey, as much as I.

And it only cost me $182.20 plus a registration fee. Bargain!