Prospective candidates frequently approach us and ask how they should get started.   While our business is specifically helping Republican candidates and organizations raise money, persuade voters, build visibility, recruit and motivate volunteers, and win elections, we can offer some general guidance to help someone become a candidate.

1)    Contact the chairman of your local Republican Party.   Introduce yourself and let him or her know of your interest in becoming a candidate.   Your local Party’s reason for existence is to elect Republicans to office, so they are an excellent resource for any prospective candidate.   Usually, they can provide you with a good overview of the local political climate, can help you make the ultimate decision about what office to seek or whether to run at all and can provide grassroots resources to help further your eventual campaign.

2)    Evaluate your profile in the community in which you are considering running for office.   In addition to your business or personal accomplishments, what have you done in your community that helps to position you as a viable candidate and to raise your visibility?  Have you served on local commissions, held an elected office, championed a specific cause?  If you have no previous civic involvement, you should consider acquiring some before running for elected office.   What organizations count you as a member?  Can you count on these groups to help promote your candidacy?

3)    Do some research.   The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) [link: http://www. fec. gov/ans/answers. shtml ] is the place to start if you are planning to run for Congress.   For state level offices, visit the website of your state’s Secretary of State.   For county or local level offices, start with your county clerk’s office or elections office.

4)    Can you raise money?  Face it, all campaigns cost money.   If you are not comfortable asking supporters to help further your campaign by writing a check, you should seriously reconsider whether you are prepared to run for office.   Few candidates, at any level are financially able to fund their entire campaign, so the ability to inspire people to contribute is a key asset of successful candidates.   Candidates for the US House or Senate do not need to register with the FEC until they have raised or spent over $5,000 (check with state or local authorities for limits for other offices).   So, starting with your closest family and friends, tell them about your aspirations to run for office and ask them to make a contribution, say, $100 or $200 each.   If this goes well, that is, you are comfortable with the conversation and successful (!), you are likely to be a good fundraiser.   But, if this experience isn’t one that you want to repeat, you are probably not meant to be a candidate.

5)    Reach for the stars, but be realistic.   It’s great to aspire to US Congress or the Senate, but if you have never held any elected office, are not prominent in your community or as a high profile business executive, there is probably little chance for you to succeed right out of the gate.   Instead, plan a strategy that improves your chance for success.   Identify a local office, maybe city council or school board that you can start with.   You will gain experience, visibility and build your reputation to prepare for higher office.   Alternatively, seek an appointment to a local board or commission.   There is plenty of opportunity to contribute to your community in a way that will position you for higher elected office.

Once you have decided to become a candidate, contact Red State New Media.   Let us know your starting budget and we will work with you to develop your online campaign to raise money, recruit and inspire volunteers and persuade voters!  Our business is helping more Republicans win elected office – will you be our next success story?

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