1. Headline Here, Times, Bold, 24pt Text here, times, 16pt, double spaced Text here, times, 16pt, double spaced Text here, times, 16pt, double spaced Text here, times, 16pt, double spaced Text here, times, 16pt, double spaced Subhead, Times, Bold, 16pt So You Want to Run for Office? June 6, 2003 David Howard and DeAnn Kerr

2. 1.Is the race competitive? 2.Will you be a good candidate? 3.Will you have good campaign management? 4.Will you have adequate finances? 5.Do you have a winning strategy complete with motivational issues? Five questions to ask yourself:

3. Will Vote For You Definitely Will Not Vote For You Undecided

4. Is there an incumbent? Partisan vs. non-partisan? High turn-out vs. low turn-out? What is the universe of voters? Who are the high frequency voters and how did they vote over the last three cycles? How will you identify swing voters? Does your position on issues fit the electorate? Is the Race Competitive?

5. Do you have the time and energy for a race? Do you have access to the financial resources (your own or others) needed to win? Can you motivate others? Do you know the issues? Do you know local politics? Have you served in other elective or appointed offices? Have you done anything really stupid in your past? Will You Be a Good Candidate?

6. Will You Have Good Campaign Management? Will you have professional management? Will you have professional fundraising? How big is your rolodex? Can you develop an effective grassroots campaign? Can you recruit quality volunteers? Will you prepare a written campaign plan? Will you do survey research and opposition assessment?

7. Will You Have Adequate Finances? Will you use a professional fundraiser? How big is your rolodex? Who “owes” you from the business or personal world? Can you self fund all or part of the campaign? Will you prepare a written fundraising plan?

8. Do You Have a Winning Strategy Complete With Motivational Issues? How would you campaign against you? How will you campaign against your opponent(s)? What issues resonate with the voters in your race? What are the contrasts in your race? Do you have access to or can you buy survey research and opposition research? Can you develop a coherent, consistent campaign message? Can you maintain “message discipline”? Can you build and maintain coalitions?

9. Closing Thoughts