REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES SOUGHT FOR ELECTED POSITIONS Ideal candidates will possess a strong character, proven background in the public or private sector; have a history of community service and fiscal conservative values. Candidates should be able to pass a vetting process that will display a pattern of clear character, clean legal history, high ethical principles and moral fortitude. We are seeking candidates who are interested in running for the: • 3rd U.S. Congressional District. • The 36th & 35th Illinois Legislative Representative Districts. • The Illinois 18th Legislative District for State Senate. Candidates interested in Cook County or Illinois State offices are also encouraged to contact us. We strongly suggest all of those candidates interested in running for local offices, such as various village and municipal positions to contact the Palos Township Republican Organization for support. Anyone who would like to be considered for any position should send an email with the position of interest, your name, home address, phone number and resume to sean@palostownshipgop What to Expect? BEFORE you jump in however, please read and carefully consider the following items. The goal in writing this is to provide you with the tools necessary to make a wise decision, or to save yourself, and your family, from the hardships that inevitably come from a premature decision. Again the goal is not to frighten or dissuade but to assist in making a wise and informed decision. The Questions you should ask yourself: Are you willing and able to commit the time necessary to succeed? Running for office is a very time consuming task. If you’re not able or willing to dedicate more time than a full time job, you’re likely just wasting what time you do commit to it. If you’re currently employed, does your employment grant you any flexibility? What about your family? Would running for office put undue stress on them and limit your time with them to unacceptable levels? How supportive is your family? Running for office is not only a big commitment on your part but also a big commitment of your family. While running for office, will you have significant time to dedicate to everything that is important to you? What about the increasing obligations on your family? Do you think they can cope with the increasing burden for 6 months to a year, with little to no break? Do they think they can cope with the burden? Are you the best candidate for the job? Realistically, why should voters elect you over others running for the same office? Why do you want to run? What are your long term goals? Is there a better role for you politically? If you’re considering running simply as a way to get involved and make a difference, maybe there’s a different and better role for you. Would your time and money be better spent supporting another campaign or serving on a local board or advisory committee? Are you willing to have your baggage aired out in public? Do you or someone close to you have significant problems in your past? Will those problems damage your candidacy or affect your family adversely? These issues almost always surface eventually, if you’re not willing to release that information yourself first. Have you built up a sufficient resume? Is your name known in the district you want to be elected to? Is it positive? Can you show a track record of increasing responsibility? Have you been elected to other positions in the past? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your personal and political strengths and weaknesses? Can your play on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses to win your campaign? Do you have strong interpersonal skills? Can you approach people, engage them and listen to them? Are you the kind of person who can knock on a stranger’s door or cold call them or would the prospect of doing that for months on end horrify you? Can you ask people for money? Asking people for money is a necessity unless you can afford to self fund your own campaign with a lot of money. Minus a huge grassroots infrastructure, it takes your money to get your message out there. Are you financially stable? What effects will running have on your family’s finances? See above. Expect to fund most, if not all of your own campaign. Are you able to commit the money needed? If you do, will it put a financial hardship on your family? Do you have the necessary knowledge? There’s nothing like a campaign to expose your ignorance about a particular subject Would you likely face Primary opposition? Who are the other Republican Party members that have run in the past or are considering to run now? Would you win a Primary against them? What issues matter to the people of your district? Not your message, but what’s important to your districts constituents. What do they want? Would the likely political environment be an asset or a liability? In 2012 some strong Republican candidates were defeated and in 2010 Democrats faced the same problem. What is the likely national environment? What about the voting demographics of your district? Have people of your political ideology had much success? Are you electable? The big question: All things considered, can and will you win in your political environment, against your likely opponent? What would the most honest and electorally informed think of your chance? What if you don’t win? Will you be able to go back to your job? Will any fallout from the race damage your career or family beyond repair? What is your natural base? Who would be your primary supporters? How big of an asset would they likely be? Do you have deep roots with a powerful political force? If you have deep ties to a particular group, one example being Realtors, what assistance would they be able to provide your campaign? Would people be excited about your candidacy? If you can’t excite your base of support, how are you going to excite others? It’s a lot easier to run a campaign when you have a large group of people so excited about your candidacy that they can’t help but tell all of their family, friends and neighbors how wonderful you are. Will people volunteer for you? Let’s face it; besides political navigational assistance from the party, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN CAMPAIGN! That will include: running, organizing and funding it. Don’t fool yourself in thinking otherwise. Will your party support you? Yes, in the way described above. If you are confused, carefully read the previous question to consider. Many great potential public servants and powerful incumbents have been defeated because they were unable or unwilling to garner party support. Like it or not, these are the people who have the connections, know the major players and can get you through a Primary. They will also know the terrain and support you need. Can you build a strong campaign infrastructure? Do you have the resources available to put together a strong campaign team? The larger the office sought, the bigger the campaign needed. Do you know a strong, experienced Campaign Manager who can work with you daily and help put that team in place? What about a professional consultant? What about other positions? Who can help you put together a campaign? Who can help you find these people? Still think you have what it takes? Anyone who would like to be considered for any position should send an email with the position of interest, your name, home address, phone number and resume to sean@palostownshipgop
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:01:03 +0000
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