Running for Office: The Strategies, Techniques and Messages Modern Political Candidates Need To Win Elections

Ron Faucheux does an excellent job of laying out what you need to know when you are running for office. You can be assured that every word in this book comes from working on over 100 campaigns. This is a resource for the candidate, campaign manager, and staffer alike. All can use this book to help in the modern campaign. Topics include: a checklist for before you announce, strategy, message, fundraising, voter contact, using consultants, debating, and more! I think that every candidate and potential candidate should read this book early on. It gives valuable advice that helps in every step along the campaign trail. Along with RUNNING FOR OFFICE, I suggest buying WINNING ELECTIONS also by Faucheux. These two books complement each other and will guide you through election season.

The book provides a long set of lists for the potential and declared candidate. There is no mention of getting along with your political party. Decision to run: 1. Do I want the job? 2. Do I know what I want to do with the job? 3. Can I take the time? Etc. 25 first steps: 1. Make a final, irrevocable decision 2. Determine the rationale for your candidacy 3. Get your resume in order ... 7. Raise seed money 8. Get professional help ... 10. Take a poll Etc. Elements of Campaign strategy 1. Position strategies (the issues) 2. Message sequence strategy (prepared sequence with desired emotional path) Timing and intensity strategy (build intensity over time) Mobilization strategy (rely on word-of-mouth) Opportunity strategy (be opportunistic) Crafting your message: 1. Do the demographics 2. Profile voters 3. Identify a winning coalition profile Etc. Art of attack: Be believable, clear, logical, etc. Estimating costs: Raising money 1 Raising money 2 Raising money 3 Etc. Spending money: Hiring consultants Buying media time The perfect image Slogans Debates And, Handy Tips for the Campaign Trail: 1. Don't let the bastards get you down 2. Always keep your cool 3. The goal is winning Etc. There isn't much use of anecdote. The book offers nothing but simple and direct advice.

Faucheux does a great job laying out the fine points of campaign strategy, message making, fundraising and campaign tactics from the standpoint of candidates. I gave the book to two novice candidates running for local office and they both loved it. Includes plenty of tips about little things you need to know if you want to run.

Faucheux's book is a great resource for new candidates. I gave two copies to friends who are running for local offices and they loved it. It covers all the essentials of running for public office and is a bargain at this price.

This book is great. It covers everything a political candidate needs to know about putting together a campaign. It was written by a real pro who knows elections from every angle. Ron Faucheux did a great service to people who want to run for office with this book.