Strategizing for a Successful Political Campaign in Texas
Long before a single vote is cast, candidates are hard at work weighing the costs and benefits of running for office.
As a part of this calculus, a strong candidate will spend time crafting a winning strategy for each stage of the contemporary campaign process. In the following dialogue, a candidate is considering making a run for office in Texas. She is meeting with a political consultant to discuss her chances in the upcoming election. Use the dropdown menus to complete their conversation.
CANDIDATE: Thank you for coming to my office today to discuss my viability as a candidate in the upcoming election.
CONSULTANT: You're welcome. I have conducted some research with the help of my staff on your chances, and we feel that if you choose your issues carefully, mobilize groups properly, and advertise persuasively, you could win.
CANDIDATE: By "advertise persuasively," are you referring to
a) Character
b) Retail
c) Negative
CONSULTANT: I agree. It's best to get through the primary season without running attack ads. Remember, because this is
a) A closed
b) An open
c) Non-partisan
CANDIDATE: Absolutely. I want to have a decisive victory and avoid
a) A recall
b) A runoff
c) An initiative
CONSULTANT: Name recognition is essential. Retail politics is still relevant, as is a good field organization. Our main focus, however, needs to be on the fundraising that will make it all possible. Without a lot of money in the bank, you will quickly be written off as unelectable because Texas campaigns are often quite
a) Lopsided
b) Expensive
c) Inexpensive.
Complete the dialogue using the choices provided:
Answer:
CANDIDATE: By "advertise persuasively," are you referring to................ that I'm not ready to sling mud just yet.
a) Character
CONSULTANT: I agree. It's best to get through the primary season without running attack ads. Remember, because this is................ and any registered voter may participate. The best-case scenario is that you'll win a clear majority of support. Options for................ primary, voters don't have to declare their party identification.
b) An open
CANDIDATE: Absolutely. I want to have a decisive victory and avoid.............. possible. In your opinion, what is the best way to accomplish this?
b) A runoff
CONSULTANT: Name recognition is essential. Retail politics is still relevant, as is a good field organization. Our main focus, however, needs to be on the fundraising that will make it all possible. Without a lot of money in the bank, you will quickly be written off as unelectable because Texas campaigns are often quite.............................
b) Expensive