Coaching the Home Team

Paulie Brading

25 would-be candidates, campaign managers and fundraisers were hosted by the Jackson County Democrats all day Saturday. After seven hours of intense coaching on the how-to's of running for political office the participants spilled into a nearby pub to discuss their next steps. The training zeroed in on developing the candidates message, the formation of their campaign team, fund raising and targeting. The coach for the day was Seattle based Cathy Allen, founder and owner of Connections from the Seattle consulting firm www.connectionsgroup.org has run 672 campaigns ranging from Presidential, Governor's, legislative races, issue campaigns, city council and more. The Oregon coach was Trent Lutz, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Oregon. The long day was filled with fresh perspectives, up-to-date research on Jackson County, and many exercises. Folks considering running for the 2nd CD, State Legislature, County Commissioner and City Councils practiced hard. Candidates who are likely to compete against one another showed their cards..very carefully edited cards I might add. Giving away one's campaign strategy didn't happen. Secretary of State compliance issues together with pleas for genuine authentic messages, huge belly laughs, serious technology questions were shaken and stirred. We are rolling fellow Democrats..we may have taken a beating on Measure 49 but we aren't leaving the ring!

By Paulie Brading Jan. 13, 2008