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

Rating:
Summary: Very practical, great for new candidates
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Great resource for new candidates
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Lists for the candidate to work through
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful! Contains $50,000 worth of advice for candidates!
Review: 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.