Candidates: Prepare for anything

It was around this time four years ago driving to Tallahassee when I received a text to call Stacey Worthington.

I had just penned a blog saying that the County Commission District 2 race, which at that time had just one candidate, needed competition.

Stacey got into the race, battled it with Diana Finegan, and we had an election. Now Diana is running for re-election, Stacey is again challenging, and we’ll see who or what comes next.

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Meanwhile in District 4, incumbent Rebecca Bays needs a challenger or two. We can’t let an incumbent slide to re-election unopposed, especially during the middle of Citrus County’s great growth debate.

It’s way too early to pick sides. I just want a pair of decent races with candidates eager for the challenges, who can discuss intelligently and earnestly the community’s issues. The differences between candidates should be clear by mid-summer.

This year marks my 19th Citrus County general election. It has me thinking about advice for candidates to make this process as unsurprising as possible. Here are some pointers, in no particular order:

— Understand the county government. Look, man. It’s complicated. It’s complex. A ton of nonsensical rules. It’s vast. The county government reach in Citrus County is, well, everywhere.

So, yeah, take a crash course in Citrus County 101. Learn the lingo: PUD, DRI, MSBU, MSTU, ad valorem, CIP, etc.

Pore through the county website. Read the budget. Take notes. Ask questions.

You’re applying for a job. Learn the employee handbook.

— Talk to your friends. The ones who truly know and understand you. The ones you can count on. I’ve known so many candidates who were encouraged into a race, only to see them alone at their campaign tables as those so-called supporters fell off.

I mean…candidates need a village. It is a MASSIVE red flag to see candidates on their own, not engaging with voters.

— Someone in your circle should be the person who, while walking up the driveway for the campaign meeting, a volunteer looks out the window and says, “Oh great, that jerk’s here.” 

The successful candidate has a trusted friend who tells him/her the truth. Sometimes, the truth is blunt. That’s the reality of political campaigns. Get over it. This game isn't for the thin-skinned or one who is easily offended.

— Money is important but not like you might think. Incumbents get the big money. That’s because campaign donors feel more comfortable with the devil they know, then the one they don’t. Some donors will split their bets, donating to more than one candidate in the same race.

Here’s what I look at: The number of donors. Ten donations of $1,000 each contains one message, a thousand $1 donations means something completely different.

Challengers need money for name recognition and getting their message out. Just don’t get too hung up on the mighty dollar.

— Learn everything possible about the incumbent. Not the gotcha stuff. Her votes. Her opinions. Her views. How does the incumbent interact with citizens? Did she follow through on campaign pledges from four years ago? 

I can’t stress this enough. Along with a vast understanding of county government, a challenger should know the incumbent’s record.

One more thing: Be nice to your opponents. Wanna really throw them off their game? Point out at least one thing they’ve done in office to BENEFIT the community. Incumbents expect grilling from challengers. They don’t expect compliments. The public, though, will LOVE it.

— Organization is key. Half of a campaign is organization: The message, social media, volunteers, research, fundraising, campaign events…you get the idea. Being prepared for anything. That’s half the campaign.

The other half: Anything. The whole idea of a well-run campaign is to prepare for political Armageddon. The successful candidate easily fends off an opponent’s cheap shots without complaint or whining. Stay on message.

— Finally, pray. Actually, that one goes first. If you’re not a praying person, that’s fine, but seek whatever exists inside your soul that determines whether this is the right move. Cuz I’m telling you, for most people, it’s NOT. Campaigns are an ego-driven process that can burn out the best of us. 

So, it comes down to the individual. Not an easy decision. Much to consider.

We’re raising the bar this year on elections. The stakes have never been higher, so we need candidates who are engaged with community service and fresh workable ideas. 

I know you’re out there. Come on down.

That’s it for today. Have a terrific Tuesday, friends.

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