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How to Turn Around Disillusioned Republicans |
Greetings!
You probably don't need the Fox News opinion poll to tell you that these are challenging times for most Republicans. Whether you are a state or county Republican party or other organization, you are most likely "enjoying" phone calls, emails and faxes from members and non-members alike, complaining about Congress and the White House. Unfortunately, these "supporters" (Yes, these are the very voters that you will be relying upon to elect Republicans at every level in 2007 and 2008.), are not likely to enthusiastically offer their time or financial support when they finish telling you what they think of the state of politics in Washington.
The question is, what are you going to do about it? |
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The head-in-the-sand approach will not work - you can't just wait this out and somehow expect that dissatisfaction at the national level won't effect your state or county level organization. In fact, if you come out swinging, you can improve your local situation and have a positive impact on the national elections in 2008.
Here's how:
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- Help your constituents channel their dissatisfaction for positive change. We recently produced a "Guide to Making Your Voice Heard in Washington DC" for a couple of our clients that are County Republican Parties. This guide was a concise "who to contact" and "how to contact" that provided Republicans with an easy way to convey their ideas to the proper elected officials. In both cases, the customized "Guide" was posted on the county GOP's website and promoted and explained in their online newsletter (which we also publish). This tool has been very well received: it provides a constructive outlet for people to voice their opinions and demonstrates that their local party is proactive.
- Focus voters on state and local issues that are important to Republicans. Your newsletter should let voters know how elected Republicans at the state and local level are making a positive difference. Remind them why it is important to support Republican candidates. There is more to life than politics in DC.
- Repeat after me: The Democrats are the enemy, not other Republicans! Remind GOP voters of what the local Democrats are up to. Nearly every city, county and state can point to wacky legislation being introduced and promoted by elected Democrats. (I know, in California, we have oh so many examples to highlight.) Help voters remember what life would be like if there weren't elected Republicans to put the kibosh on some of these kooky ideas.
- Don't go dark - continue to communicate! This is not the time to be silent. If you have a good newsletter program, publish concise, useful content frequently. If you don't have a high quality, regularly published newsletter, this is the time to start one. You will have the perfect vehicle to direct the message and you will be cultivating an effective email list, which will become even more valuable as Election Day nears.
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