Cindy Meo of Scranton has been working on political campaigns for over a decade, but at the University of Scranton Campaign School Saturday, she learned something new.
Meo had always believed raffle baskets were an effective means of raising campaign funds.
But, during his presentation, attorney Pat Brier said that because of legal regulations and low returns, there were other, more efficient means of raising money.
Meo was one of about 50 attendees who attended the workshop, many eager to ask questions, network with others and learn about the process of running a campaign.
Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan encouraged attendees to think long and hard about running for office before undertaking a campaign.
Before running a potential candidate needs to ask themselves, “Why do I want to do this?” and to be prepared to be stopped in the grocery store or be yelled at walking down the street, he said.
Candidates also need the support of their spouse or significant other and to communicate with their entire family.
Once a candidate makes the decision to run, they need to give it their all, which often means long hours on the phone and attending event after event.
Should a candidate win, a vigorous effort will prepare them for the road ahead.
“You’ll govern the way you ran your campaign,’ he said.
As hard as campaigning is, it’s also fun, Former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey told attendees.
“When else would you be granted the opportunity to meet so many people,” he said. “And, it’s often an entryway into government.”
But, like Gaughan, he emphasized the need for thoughtful reflection before entering any race.
“Ask, ‘What does this office do and how can I make it better,’” he said. “Put together a plan.”
As honorable an effort as campaigning is, it also requires a great deal of hard work, including hours and hours spent on the phone calling people and asking for their support.
Casey called to mind a story about the late Tip O’Neill, who ultimately went on to serve as the 47th speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987.
However, O’Neill hadn’t instantly experienced political success, losing his bid for the local city council. As he dejectedly walked home after losing, he met his next-door neighbor and shared how disappointed he was in losing.
The neighbor told O’Neill she hadn’t voted for him.
Disbelieving, O’Neill asked why.
“You didn’t ask,” she said. “People like to be asked.”
Casey and other workshop speakers, emphasized that although social media, signage and website development are important, they are simply means to communicating sincerely and effectively with those constituents they hope to serve.