Building a grassroots movement

The Illinois Leader ^ | 7-9-2003 | Arlen Williams

[unspun]

GUEST OPINION: Building a grassroots movement

Wednesday, July 09, 2003

 - by Arlen Williams, LaGrange

OPINION -- Do you like our political trend here in Illinois? Do you wish someone would do something about it?

Well, as you know, it is up to us to get the right people elected. This means each of us.

Do you want to fulfill your political responsibility effectively?

Of course you do. You want to take part in the political renewal of our state, not in its demise.

Leading with our faces...

....snip....

The days must end when willing legislators say of us conservatives, “They know how to speak out when it’s time for us to vote on a bill, but where are they during campaign season when we’re the ones looking for votes?”

According to Campaigns & Elections, in 1996 candidates for state legislatures around the country were polled about their campaigns. [http://www.campaignline.com/survey.cfm]

Here is one of their questions: "Please tell me whether the following factors were very important, somewhat important, or not important at all to the outcome of your most recent election."

The top answer (with 65.7% stating “very important” and 24.2% stating “somewhat important -- total: 89.9%) was "volunteers and grassroots organization." It beat out such factors as: the advantage of incumbency, voters’ traditional party loyalties, money spent, public records of candidates, issues and policy differences, state of the economy, endorsements from politicians, news coverage, and so on.

Further, the candidates were asked, “What about trade associations, unions, corporations, PACs, and other advocacy organizations. Do you think their importance in campaigning has increased, decreased, or stayed about the same?”

The question was answered as "Increased: 56.6%", "About the same: 36.5%" and "Decreased: 6.9%."

Clearly, they are on to something.

Using our political fists (and feet) works much better. I have seen times when conservatives challenged and lost, but the display of the growing volunteer base behind them changed the public positions of the officeholders who won. Even more importantly, I have seen conservatives gain a volunteer base, challenge non-conservatives of either party, and win.

....snip....

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What ideas do you have for building grassroots throughout Illinois? Write IllinoisLeader.com with your ideas at toolbox@illinoisleader.com, and include your name and town.

[unspun]

This has just been published as the first in a "Toolbox" series for being effective in conservative grassroots activism. While it's published for Illinois readers, this series should be very applicable throughout the nation. Please click the link for the entire article.

I'd like to have your feedback, if you will. Advise is very important.

Also, what do you think of that #1 answer by state legislators for the importance of volunteer activism during their campaigns?!

Do you volunteer (even just a bit)? Would you like to, but unsure as to what to do?

Arlen

[Support Free Republic]

Lighten Up, Francis!

Fundraising posts only happen quarterly, and are gone as soon as we meet the goal. Help make it happen.

[unspun]

Any constuctive ideas or criticism, for the Leader or your humble FRiend?

[Ford Fairlane]

I hadn't seen this before, so I just checked, and this article was NOT linked to in the daily email I get from the Leader

(And it should be)

[Ford Fairlane]

I am going to have to think about this some.

Something a few of us thought about while we were extremely ticked about every republican congressman from Illinois voting for socialized medicine, what would happen if every republican incumbent in illinois had a primary challenge from a conservative candidate, and these candidates were all coordinated & funded by some sort of soft money organization, such as "conservative republicans of illinois" or something like that

Just random thoughts

Now i will ponder your article some more

[unspun]

Well Ford, there are many important conservative issues. One has to be careful about that. Campaign spending for federal offices is much more restrictive than for state offices (at least in Illinois). And PAC's don't get to do much in the way of "soft money." That's for political parties.

Thanks for the read. Comments very welcome.

[unspun]

Some of these tools look a little dangerous, but I'm glad The Illinois Leader trusts me. Certainly wouldn't be able to get on an airliner with this box.

Your ideas and critique is welcome. BTW... you do volunteer at campaign time, don't you? At least just a little? Good conservative state and local candidates facing unconservative opposition need it the most.

[Ford Fairlane]

I have a list as long as my arm of conservative issues I'm upset with the republican party about.

Free drugs was about the last straw for me.

[f.Christian]

I was trying to do a right wing in the republican party ...

realatarians ---

nothing is free except liberal // evos association with reality (( responsibility )) !

realatarians2 ... designeduniverse.com (( unfolding )) !

[Impy]

I think money and the power of incumbantcy are more important than grassroots support in terms of winning.

[unspun]

"Your ideas and critique is welcome."

Maybe even grammatical critique....

[unspun]

I think money and the power of incumbancy are more important than grassroots support in terms of winning.

It may be hard to believe, but with local campaigns (as are campaigns for state legislative offices) an effective volunteer army, plus a candidate that will walk door-to-door, is of the greatest kind of impact. Personal contact is a big plus in these local races.

Campaigns for statewide office are typically much more mass media oriented and require much more money, to present the candidate to all the voters.

[JustPiper]

I think you did just fine ;)

[Alamo-Girl]

Most of the people I know who would vote Republican are still upset over the behavior of Gov. Ryan. Perhaps grassroots is the best way to help them "get over it" instead of sitting home in a stew.

[unspun]

Thanks for the note, A-G. That would surely be one positive effect. But especially in downstate Illinois, sometimes Democrat candidates for State Legislature are more conservative than Republicans. One really needs a scorecard (which is one thing that a volunteer network can help to distribute).

[Alamo-Girl]

Good point!

[Ford Fairlane]

sometimes Democrat candidates for State Legislature are more conservative than Republicans.

Thats the thing - I know several dems I would vote for over their republican opponents

The way this state is run my opinion is that we need to vote for conservatives for all state positions, no matter what party

I was leaning toward still voting for republicans for federal positions, but the people the bush administration has been supporting dont seem that conservative to me

[Kudsman]

It is very interesting to see the candidates reponse percentages. I have been known to do a little door to door walking on behalf of certain candidates and I recall wondering just how much of an effect I was having. At the time it was a little disheartening knowing that over half of the people I was speaking with were not even going to vote. And to think folks who went before us have died for their right to vote. As I get older, God willing, I would like to make more time to campaign. If we still have that right. Thanks for the urging, I think the battles coming up will require preparedness and fortitude. I think first I will be changing enrollment. ;-)

[David Isaac]

"I was leaning toward still voting for republicans for federal positions, but the people the bush administration has been supporting dont seem that conservative to me"


So, you too, have noticed a pattern. Better not say that too loud. You'll rile the "conservatives".

[gore3000]

There is a nice little book by Robert Heinlein (yes, the SF writer) on grassroot politics. It is fairly old, so I am not sure if it is still true: Take Back Your Government!: A Practical Handbook for the Private Citizen Who Wants Democracy to Work by Robert A. Heinlein