(Chuck Muth) – The Republican primary for governor in Nebraska was settled yesterday, with former President Donald Trump suffering the first big loss of an endorsed candidate in the 2022 election cycle.
Of course, the Trump-obsessed corporate media is focusing on this “blow” to Trump, but there’s something more important for you and your campaign to think about when it comes to endorsements.
In an Associated Press report on the race, 45-year-old Nebraska voter Devon Leesley said…
“I don’t trust any politician talking about any other politician. We would never vote for anybody if we listened to their opponent.”
This is the danger in seeking endorsements from elected officials and other candidates.
Politicians in general – and yes, if you’re running for office, even for the first time, you’re a politician – have close to zero credibility amongst the voting population. No one believes a word they say; understandably so.
Yes, you’re more likely to get support from the supporters of another politician who endorses you – but you also get opposition from opponents of that other politician. So you need to be darned sure an endorsement from a public official nets you more support than opposition.
Which is why it’s so important to the success of your campaign to not only get valuable endorsements from popular elected officials and organizations, but TESTIMONIALS from other people who are NOT politicians.
Written and video…where they say good things about you and bad things about your opponent…because an election is a choice, not a referendum. It’s not up-or-down on Candidate A. It’s Candidate A or Candidate B.
So your messaging has to cover both. Why they should vote FOR you, as well as why they should vote AGAINST your opponent.
I have a modest example: CLICK HERE
When walking door-to-door or at public events, and someone says something great about supporting your candidacy, don’t just say “Thank you.” Ask if they’ll repeat it on video (whip out your cell phone!) or put it in writing to use in your campaign marketing.
Here’s the weird thing: The words of a complete non-political stranger carries more weight and is more readily believed than the words of a politician – including you. So get testimonials – lots of ‘em – from regular people, not just fellow politicians.
Campaign Training This Weekend in Seattle!
I’m a last-minute fill-in instructor for the Leadership Institute’s “Campaign Training” seminar this weekend in Seattle.
Friday night will be focused specifically on school board races, with Saturday’s agenda covering elections for all races in general – including communications strategy and fundraising.
You can attend the Friday training for $20 or the Saturday training for $35…or both for $50.
I’ll be co-teaching with LI’s Dena Espenscheid…and boy, does she ever know her stuff. So if you’re in the Seattle area and can get away this weekend, it’ll worth every minute and every penny.
For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.