It’s been said that there are only two ways to run a political campaign: unopposed or scared. But just what exactly does that mean?
It means that before you get in race (or as soon as you do) you do everything that you can to freeze out any potential competition in the campaign, or if you do have competition, you go 110% all-out, all the time and do anything and everything that you need to do in order to win and leave no stones unturned.
Run Unopposed
Having competition can be expensive, and it makes winning more problematic. It’s better to invest time and effort early on in order to avoid it rather than having to spend the extra time and money it will cost later. It’s why so many candidates and elected officials will focus so much on fundraising and putting as much money in the bank as possible, as early as possible, in order to scare off potential competition.
It means working to pick off as many critical allies and resources as early as possible and to leave nothing (or no one) that might encourage a potential competitor, (from major donors to big name endorsements or critical volunteers). Anything that could help their ability to successfully organize or raise money. Leave them discouraged from even thinking about running.
Run Scared
If you can’t avoid competition, then commit to running all-out like you’re being chased by a pack of wild dogs. Leave nothing undone and no resource unutilized. Be as fast and overwhelming as possible.
It doesn’t mean that you’re fearful of others, it just means that you’re flat out doing everything that YOU have control over. That you’re NOT going to let anyone outwork you. That you’re going to leave it all on the field.
That kind of commitment attracts others. Whether it’s volunteers or donors, people like to be with someone who looks like a winner.
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Whichever way it works out, the larger point is that if you’re going to run, RUN! Anything less invites defeat.
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