and the winner is…

The local election season dust has settled and my mind is cleared from campaign craziness. My husband John and I are not rookies. The campaigning whirlwind started 14 years ago, when John first ran for local office. We know the sweet taste of victory and the punch-in-the-gut feeling of defeat. We are ‘Campaign School’ graduates and have supported many other local and state elections. Yes, Campaign School does exist.

As I reflect on the past several weeks, I am reminded of the 3 simple election campaigning rules John and I follow.
 
I thought I would share.
 
1. Stay positive.

What’s the expression? Easier said than done. Oh yeah, but it is doable. A candidate must be optimistic and confident, of course, but a professional campaign is managed with integrity and a focus on positive attributes and solutions, not belittling and character assassination. Keyboard Warriors keep negativity alive and well every day on social media with juvenile attempts at drama. I am proud we do not succumb to spreading rumors, gossip and innuendo.
 

2. Expect nothing.

We are incredibly grateful for any help we receive; encouraging words, a yard sign location, phone calls to a few friends or a short text telling us you voted. All campaigns require a tremendous amount of work, even at a local level, and it’s unrealistic for everyone to feel the same drive, passion and personal investment.  For those who share our in-it-to-win-it spirit, there aren’t enough words to thank you.
 

3. Don’t look at the voter list. (too soon after the election)

Towns maintain a list of active voters, your party affiliation and your voting history. People will look you in the eye and tell you they voted…and you think, “uh…no”. There are entire streets where people do not vote; professional, educated people - doctors, lawyers and sadly…teachers. Involvement in our local government is essential because the actions of elected officials have enormous impact on our everyday lives. Not everyone gets that, I wish they did.

 
PS. I didn’t need confirmation but there is scientific evidence to back up the sweet                     taste of victory.
       Check it out
​       https://www.npr.org/2015/09/06/438008983/just-how-sweet-is-the-taste-of-victory
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Note to self: read this again in 2020