The election process (an example) Virginia Foxx 2010

The primary election The primary election is held in May in NC. In this election, each party chooses its candidates to run for office in November. Voters may only vote for the party for which they registered. Democrats only vote for Democrats and Republicans only vote for Republicans. Independents may vote for candidates of ONE party only. Independents choose 1 ballot.

Primary election propaganda 1. Glittering generalities 2. Bandwagon Real leadership! Everyone is supporting Foxx!

Explanation of primary election propaganda 1. Glittering generalities Positive, but does not give much detail Will not hurt the candidate’s own party. 2. Bandwagon Make Foxx look popular Positive and will not hurt the candidate’s own party.

B. Grassroots work in precincts that vote 55%+ Republican Grassroots strategies (to get media coverage and name recognition, in addition to connecting to valuable donors) Canvassing Campaign volunteers will walk the neighborhoods and distribute pamphlets Visits to religious meetings and civic meetings Foxx will visit the religious and civic meetings to give speeches for free and to shake hands Organize neighborhood dinners or parties Foxx will visit the neighborhoods to meet and greet

C. The media Priority List for media coverage Send articles with pictures of meetings with religious and civic groups to the media get more name recognition for Foxx. Invite media to specific neighborhood events, especially events with big name donors to give the donors and Foxx public recognition. Create a media event by staging endorsements by big name Republicans for more free publicity.

D. Funding For the primary election, Foxx will send s to her donor list. This will be “free” and will usually get enough money for a primary. The campaign can focus time and save money for the general election in Nov. Using the donor list is the most dependable because these donors have already shown their support by giving money in the past.

E. Political machine Virginia Foxx has received such a high percentage of votes in the past, there is little chance that any political groups outside NC would contribute money to her campaign. There are no major political machines in this area of NC. The Tea Party and the various PACs of the Republican party do contribute to selected candidates who need the assistance.

The general election November The general election occurs on the Tuesday after the 1 st Monday in November across the entire US. The officeholders are chosen in this election for all offices except the President. Every voter can choose any candidate and any party of choice.

General election propaganda 1. Symbolism/image molding2. just plain folks Vote Foxx! Foxx is one of us!

Explanation of general election propaganda 1. symbolism/image molding Associate the candidate with positive symbols Make the candidate seem more patriotic than the opponent, control how the public perceives Foxx. 2. Just Plain Folks Make Foxx look just like the voters Help voters identify with her, she seems the safest choice who will best understand the voters.

B. Grassroots work in precincts that vote 55%+ Republican Grassroots strategies (to get media coverage and name recognition, in addition to connecting to valuable donors) Canvassing and distributing yard signs Campaign volunteers will walk the neighborhoods and distribute pamphlets and campaign yard signs. Visits to religious meetings and civic meetings Foxx will visit the religious and civic meetings to give speeches for free and to shake hands Organize neighborhood dinners or parties Foxx will visit the neighborhoods to meet and greet

C. The media Priority List for media coverage Send advertisements and campaign ads to the TV stations and Internet sites to get more name recognition for Foxx. (very expensive $$$$$) Create media events by staging endorsements by big name Republicans and celebrities for more free publicity. Invite media to specific neighborhood events to Foxx more public recognition and a plain folks image.

D. Funding For the general election, Foxx will send s to her donor list and to Republicans who consistently vote. This will be “free”. Snail mail will also be used to request funds from all Republicans and other supporters in her district who consistently vote. For the general election, Foxx will also ask the Republican National PACs for assistance with money for TV ads and mailings. In addition, Foxx will solicit money from PACs and large money donors, inside and outside NC.

E. Political machine There is a chance that political groups outside NC would contribute money to her campaign, if she seems to need the money for a win. There are no major political machines in this area of NC. The Tea Party and the various PACs of the Republican party do contribute to selected candidates who need the assistance. Their support in the general election will depend on how “vulnerable” Foxx seems.