Running a successful campaign can be challenging, and sometimes intimidating. Everyone will offer their advice and attempt to assist in some capacity, but how do you know that you are doing the right things to win? Cornerstone Solutions can be your guide and help show you a path to victory.
Cornerstone Solutions is an award-winning full-service political consulting and strategic communications firm that delivers smart solutions and proven results for political campaigns on all levels. With over 75 years of combined experience, we help clients navigate the world of traditional campaigning and new social media tools, which have redefined campaigns.
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The United States Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions were able to exercise their 1st Amendment right in elections. Under precedence of McCain-Feingold (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act), the ruling struck down the provision that prohibited corporations, for-profit and non-profit, from participating in electioneering communications. Electioneering communications defined as broadcast, cable or satellite communications directly mentioning a candidate within a 60-day window prior to the election.
Target Corporation became one of the first companies to test the waters. Target donated $150,000 to a group called Minnesota Forward. Minnesota Forward used the money to support candidates that promoted their issue of free enterprise and a pro-business culture. One of the candidates publicly supported by Minnesota Forward was Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. Mr. Emmer is seeking the Republican nomination. Mr. Emmer’s stance on social issues, specifically his ardent voice of opposition against same-sex marriage has drawn fire against Target from organizations such as MoveOn.org.
Target’s contribution to Minnesota Forward “was designed to support Emmer’s stance on economic issues,” Gregg Steinhalf, Target Corp. CEO, said. Critics of Target’s contribution have besieged the company and the candidate, because of stances on social issues. MoveOn.org and other gay rights organizations have called for boycotts and raised the stakes of this contribution. In doing so, is it reasonable to claim these organizations are trying to limit free speech on their own. Of course, activism is in and of itself a form of free speech. However, the question remains, where does one’s right to free speech end and where another’s right begin?
Do you think Target Corporation should be taking the heat for their contribution, or are the critics (MoveOn.org) going too far in their backlash?
The 2010 midterm election cycle is looming and its results will have consequences. Political pundits are predicting majority shifting changes and Democrats on the national and state level are worried. Republicans must capitalize on the shift in national sentiment and execute a developed campaign strategy focusing on the issues that matter. The underlying implications of this cycle will shape federal and state congressional district due to the decadal redistricting process.
Historically, the midterm elections indicate that the party in power will suffer losses at the polls. This year is clearly mimicking this trend according to recent polls. This trend raises a strong consideration for campaigns. Should state-level campaigns focus on the same issues as national-level races? What about strategy?
Clearly, this answer depends largely on the state in question. Issues of interest to North Carolinians are different from issues in Florida. Certain issues are an automatic talking point, such as, jobs and the economy. Contrastly, illegal immigration is more of a state-by-state issue.
For Republicans, their task is to execute a grassroots organization to contact and spread their messages. Utilize advancements in new media, rely on traditional methods of phone calls, direct mail and transition the public sentiment to a grassroots campaign. The “average citizens” are paying attention; they must be reached.
For Democrats, their task is to downplay national trends and rely heavily on polling if in a swing district. I think Democrats must fundraise with greater intensity during this cycle, because they must communicate more with the voters to convey their message amid the national climate.
At the end of the day, history does repeat itself and I think 2010 will hold true. Do you think that the Republicans will make the gains needed to hold a majority in Congress? In North Carolina?
Read any Florida newspaper or watch any local news broadcast and you will hear the buzz circulating about the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
As if the FCAT wasn’t already enough of a controversial issue, scores that are normally released before students break for summer have still not been received. However, as stated in an article from The Palm Beach Post, the latest estimate is that “scores won’t be released until the end of June”.
With student placement in advanced and remedial classes, teacher staffing and the uncertainty of knowing whether or not students will have to retake the exam all on the line, there is an understanding why so many students, teachers and parents are anxious. Those most concerned are the high school sophomores who are wondering if they passed the “high-stakes” test; since reading and math FCAT tests must be passed in order to receive a diploma.
This glitch in scores being delivered has given more fuel to the fire of those opposed to the FCAT.
Many parents, teachers and citizens of the Florida communities are fed up with the standardizing testing and the evaluation of a student to be based on such a “high-stakes” test.
But if the FCAT was to be removed, what would replace it?
What is the difference between the FCAT and the new system? The FCAT only tests students in a few subjects while all subjects in the new evaluation system would be required.
However, many question how school districts would create standardized testing for creative classes and if it is smart to put so much pressure on students and the education in Florida.
With elections right around the corner and many school board seats up for election, the issue of quality education and the use of standardized testing is a major issue and concern for parents, teachers and now candidates running for school board.
Are we truly educating the next generation if we are requiring our teachers to prepare students for ONE high-stakes test to judge their skill set and ability to move forward? And is it fair for a students gain in learning to be based strictly on a high-stakes test and the teacher be judged along with those scores? Is the governments answer to standardized testing really going to be more standardized testing?
Understandably, there is the need to make sure students are receiving adequate education. And if no form of standardized testing is used, it raises the question: How will schools be able to compare the education students are receiving with in school districts, counties, states and nationally? These along with other concerns are those of supporters of standardized testing.
However, maybe the resolution isn’t relying strictly on standardized testing or completely dismissing it. Maybe schools should use the testing as a guiding tool so when test scores are not being delivered on time, the schools and especially the students do not suffer the most.
Whatever the solution, I think it is safe to say the Florida school boards are going to spend a great deal of time looking to improve standardized testing and the influence it has on students, teachers and the structuring of schools.
Yesterday a YouTube video reached “viral” status showing North Carolina Congressman Bob Etheridge forcefully confronting two unidentified “college students” after the students asked whether Rep. Etheridge supported the Obama agenda.
According to Politico, DNC spokesperson Brad Woodhouse says, “Motives matter, and I think you can see who was behind this,” alluding to the suspicion that the Republican Party was the behind the tracking operation. Nevertheless, both political parties are guilty of the “gotcha” game.
Remember when a liberal tracker caught former Congressman George Allen saying “macaca” at an event that lead to his defeat in Virginia. Unfortunately, this is the norm in today’s politics. Many critics inquire as to why the faces of the two college students are blurred; well I would blur my face too. We all remember what happen to Joe the Plumber after his infamous question to then-candidate Obama on the campaign trail. His finances and records were made public as well as other private details.
Politics is and continues to be a nasty game. The moral of the story is…in the day and age of real-time internet, when you encounter someone holding a camera you better smile and be on your best behavior or avoiding the camera. Moreover, politicians must understand the power of the internet to propel their careers or end them.
In today’s anti-incumbent political environment, this sort of slip-up by Congressman Etheridge could cost him his election. Some pundits say Etheridge is too strong of politician with a sizeable war chest and will weather this storm. Of course, pundits also said that George Allen would survive his storm, but he did not. Do you think that Rep. Etheridge can survive?
Organizing for America, the arm of the Democratic National Committee has become the full-time political and policy advocacy campaign for the Obama Administration according to a report released by TechPresident’s Ari Melber. Having taken control of the 13 million email addresses acquired through willful engagement in his president campaign, OFA has become the “behind-the-scenes” grassroots voice of the White House. This experiment in grassroots organizing by an Administration enters into a new realm of presidential politics…the jury is still out as to whether or not this is effective or even worth the effort.
“Governing with public approval requires a continuing political campaign.” – Patrick Caddell, pollster for President Jimmy Carter and Democratic strategist. President Franklin D. Roosevelt employed breaking technology, the radio, to convey his message to Americans. By the mid 1950s, half of American households featured a television enabling politics in to the home. In the 1990s, the internet started growing, thanks to Al Gore, and Americans engaged themselves in the digital medium. Now days, we have internet + cell phones + social networks + real-time lifestyles = ALWAYS CONNECTED.
A common theme was the attempt to engage the electorate. It was commonplace for individuals to campaign and lobby their elected officials, but the effort most commonly happened on the local level. As technology progressed, the form of engagement progressed, but now days; this effort is in real time. The Obama White House is utilizing “its technology” like never before to “organize the citizenry With staffed offices established in every state and a talented crew assembled in its headquarters in Washington D.C., the comparisons to other grassroots experiments shows that OFA the most expansive and well-connected form of organizing we have ever seen. With such an expansive effort of coordination between the White House and the DNC, one must inquire as to whether or not this merely a façade for executing a 4-year reelection campaign. Again, Caddell clearly states that governing with public approval, what is needed to win reelection, requires a continual political campaign. Is OFA merely the reelection campaign of Barack Obama? I say yes…look at the other side of the coin.
The Tea Party, I contend a grassroots voice for the right, yet its actions, mainly protests, have been decried by Congress and the Democrats and President Obama has even labeled them “Tea Baggers.” Actually, the Tea Party is more grassroots oriented considering its funding is not attached to one of the major parties. Why the blatant double standard in characterization from the majority in Congress? I have my suspicions, but I willfully digress in order to let you devise your own analysis.
In conclusion, I deem the efforts of OFA as noble in its attempt to engage the general electorate in the policy debate, but I think the Administration is playing the most dangerous of political games in striking a divisive tone against the Tea Party, a grassroots organization as well. If the White House and the DNC continue to fund their national effort under the guise of OFA, then they must accept and positively engage the Tea Party followers to a fact-based policy discussion instead of merely discrediting their efforts. In the meantime, it will be interesting to see if the Obama Administration is able to maintain this support in order to re-activate the base in its most vulnerable time – the 2012 President Election.
Do you think the castigation of the Tea Party by the White House and Congressional Democrats is hypocritical considering the immense resources and coordination with OFA?
The election season is rapidly approaching for Florida voters and already the focus seems to be straying from the August 24, Primary and moving towards the November 2, General Election. Moreover, unless you do not have a television, computer or some handheld device where you get your news, you have read where Gov. Charlie Crist is now trailing former House GOP Speaker Marco Rubio for Florida's coveted US Senate seat that was vacated by Mel Martinez.
Many political professionals and pundits of all stripes have weighed in with opinions of why Gov. Crist is quickly becoming a non-entity or that he is so focused on the next higher office that he cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, from my view I see Gov. Crist no different from when he won the September 5, 2006 primary for Governor. During that campaign, Crist defeated the statewide-established candidate Tom Gallagher and then defeated Tampa Congressman Jim Davis on November 7, 2006.
Based on the issues that Gov. Crist has pushed for and accomplished - restoration of felon rights, gambling compact, paper trail for electronic voting - since his January 2007 swearing-in, it is hard to say that we did not know where he stood on the issues. However, where most have been caught off guard is the fact that those accomplishments and his agenda - climate change, public corruption, spending for environmental conservation - are more in line with general election voters rather than the more ardent conservative Republican primary voters.
To emphasize this point look at his current actions during the Legislative Session in Tallahassee. He vetoed a GOP sponsored election reform bill, which would have allowed legislative leadership to maintain their own political action committees and he vetoed S.B. 6, which would have made sweeping changes to how teachers are hired, evaluated and retained. Lastly, the foreshadowing of possible vetoes related to rate deregulation of property insurance and budget vetoes surely are noted.
All the while, Gov. Crist's primary opponent, Marco Rubio had an eye-opening fundraising quarter of $3.6 million and collected key endorsements from national GOP leaders. What that all equals is the notion that as the GOP establishment tries to close ranks the more it appears to make Gov. Crist look as an outsider.
An outsider? One may ask how.
Gov. Crist's reasoning for vetoing SB 6 and now his interest in running as No Party Affiliation both brought one common comment, "I'm listening to the people.” Those are four keywords, and the most important - people. Since the day that Gov. Crist was elected to the state Senate in 1992 by defeating Democrat incumbent Helen Gordon Davis, he has always been looking out for the people. While it may be a common advertising slogan for attorney John Morgan, it has been a mainstay for Gov. Crist. Again, he is not addressing primary voters but general election voters.
What this all boils down to, when you consider the issues and agenda that he has pushed during his elected career as a state Senator, Education Commissioner, Attorney General and now as Governor, his ability to go along and get along with Democrats and now taking his own party to the woodshed on popular issues, he's making himself out to be the outsider and who are the voters angry today?
It’s not partisan, but its directed at incumbents and the more he can frame himself as the solution and blame the insiders in Tallahassee and Washington as the problem, then you have a competitive 2010 General Election where a NPA can win, especially if your name is Charlie Crist.
Mitt Romney was the winner at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference (SRLC) straw poll last weekend. A little surprising seeing as though he wasn’t even there. Sarah Palin, who was the headliner, packed the room with adoring fans but didn’t even grab second place. Instead she tied for third with Newt Gingrich. Ron Paul was the proud second place winner thanks to his strong, enthusiastic following.
What does all this mean? Does it give us a glimpse into the 2012 Republican Presidential Primary? Does Sarah Palin’s popularity take a back seat at the ballot box? Will Romney be our nominee? Maybe. The Politico suggested perhaps Palin fans are more practical when it come to their presidential picks (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/35617.html). But more importantly, it means when you are running for office or running a campaign, you better be organized to win straw polls where you play. For the SRLC, Ron Paul’s group bought hundreds of tickets for his supporters and “Evangelicals for Mitt” also purchased tickets and encouraged Romney supporters to attend and, more importantly, vote. Palin and Gingrich did not seem to have any formal organization working the grassroots for them.
Straw polls can be a real thorn in the side of campaigns. Most will tell you they don’t care, that the results don’t matter. But the second they win one, they are quick to tout that win and make the case from it as to why they are gaining momentum. Winning straw polls should be as much a part of your grassroots campaign strategy as knocking on doors and making phone calls. It’s also a great test of the strength of your organization. Know when and where the critical ones are being held, put them on your calendar and organize your supporters to turn out and vote!
Don’t believe they work? Ask any underdog who has worked the grassroots community hard to gain ground. Ask Marco Rubio. A year ago no one thought he had a chance at beating the campaign-pro Charlie Crist in the race for Florida’s US Senate seat. But Rubio was determined. He visited every county, spoke at every neighborhood bbq and played to win in every straw poll possible. Week after week the announcements on his straw poll success were announced. Crist downplayed them and Rubio continued to gain attention and popularity. Now, there have been many other factors contributing to the Rubio rise and Crist collapse but those straw poll wins were an important early momentum builder for Rubio.
So, before quickly writing off the next straw poll, give it some extra thought and consider whether the reward may outweigh the risk for your campaign.
If you had attended the SRLC, who would your pick for 2012 have been? Romney, Paul, Palin, Gingrich, someone else?
The 2010 mid-term election cycle just happens to be ever more important this time around because of the redistricting implications. Every ten years, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Census Bureau embarks on the tedious task of counting all inhabitants of the United States. This process is important to equalizing the population of districts in order to equally distribute funds for essentially services and representation in government.
Current polls indicate that a change is coming. With Congress experiencing a 74% disapproval rating and Democrats falling behind Republicans by 2.8% in a generic ballot, Democratic incumbents, especially in “conservative” districts should be very fearful. On the heels of the controversial health care reform legislation votes and the looming legislative fights over the next Supreme Court nominee, the Cap & Trade legislation, financial reform and a potential bout on immigration reform, President Obama will not be able to provide the political cover that many Democrats need from him. With his approval rating hovering around 46% and a disapproval rating of 46%, connections with President Obama might haunt some Democrats.
2010 might become one of the most important midterm election cycles in our lifetime given the divisive and engaged nature of the electorate. How do you see the 2010 midterm election cycles shaping up? Will the Democrats lose their majority? Alternatively, will Republicans botch this opportunity to gain seats?
Posted Apr 7, 2010 by Matt Bales |
Comments ( 1 )
| Filed in: General, Politics
President Obama hasheadlined a fundraiser, campaigned publicly, even allowed his senior advisors Axelrod and Plouffe to assist with the re-election campaign of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Coming from similar backgrounds, both grew up in Chicago and attended Harvard Law School, Governor Patrick and President Obama have a special political relationship. President Obama has taken on a personal mission to help save Governor Patrick, who is enduringlow approval ratings and facing a tough election.
In the Bay State, one person has defied President Obama’s message. One person has overcome the Obama machine. One person has won the hearts of the citizens of Massachusetts and his name is Senator Scott Brown. Scott Brown campaigned and won based on the message that he was Republican that would stand up to the President’s agenda. Yesterday, Senator Scott Brown used his political clout toendorse fellow Republican Charles Baker for governorthat Baker “will bring real change to Beacon Hill and work to restore fiscal sanity to Massachusetts government.”
Thus, we have Senator Scott Brown and President Barack Obama getting ready to go toe-to-toe once again. Political pundits say that if Patrick loses, “many people would say, ‘This is the way to try and beat Barack Obama in 2012.’” Referencing the relative identical campaign themes of Gov. Patrick and Pres. Obama and illustrated by a recent statement by Pres. Obama, “the campaign Deval Patrick built is the same campaign for change that you and I built across this country.” This is the same campaign “theme” that the voter of Massachusetts rejected by electing Senator Scott Brown.
This election will be very interesting to watch over the course of the next few months. Do you think a loss by Governor Patrick will be alarming to President Obama’s prospects in 2012 or is Obama’s candidacy sheltered regardless?
Running a successful campaign can be challenging, and sometimes intimidating. Everyone will offer their advice and attempt to assist in some capacity, but how do you know that you are doing the right things to win? Cornerstone Solutions can be your guide and help show you a path to victory. 
Cornerstone Solutions is an award-winning full-service political consulting and strategic communications firm that delivers smart solutions and proven results for political campaigns on all levels. With over 75 years of combined experience, we help clients navigate the world of traditional campaigning and new social media tools, which have redefined campaigns.
Direct Mail: Our award-winning direct mail programs have garnered national recognition and helped candidates spread their message. Cornerstone can help your campaign accomplish a successful direct mail campaign. 
Data Services and Targeting: Our data lists are unmatched in the industry. Cornerstone can build your walk lists, volunteer phone call lists and other targeted lists to meet all of your last minute GOTV needs. 
Target Phone Banks – live and prerecorded messages: We have extensive experience in Florida and have provided phone banks for races on the national, state and local level. We can design and execute a targeted phone campaign, targeted to your voters to maximize your GOTV efforts. 
Strategic Email Campaigns – fundraising and mobilization campaigns: Our email strategy is revolutionary and provides clients the ability to raise money, convey timely information and mobilize supporters and we can do the same for you. 
New Media Strategy: Cornerstone Solutions has expertise in everything new media. No longer is it sufficient enough to have merely checked off the new media boxes for your campaign, if you truly want to making a lasting and interactive impact with your voters, let Cornerstone customize an online strategy for you.
Target Corporation became one of the first companies to test the waters. Target donated $150,000 to a group called Minnesota Forward. Minnesota Forward used the money to support candidates that promoted their issue of free enterprise and a pro-business culture. One of the candidates publicly supported by Minnesota Forward was Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. Mr. Emmer is seeking the Republican nomination. Mr. Emmer’s stance on social issues, specifically his ardent voice of opposition against same-sex marriage has drawn fire against Target from organizations such as MoveOn.org.
Historically, the midterm elections indicate that the party in power will suffer losses at the polls. This year is clearly mimicking this trend 
As if the FCAT wasn’t already enough of a controversial issue, scores that are normally released before students break for summer have still not been received. However, as stated in an article from The Palm Beach Post, the latest estimate is that 
Remember when a liberal tracker caught former Congressman George Allen saying “macaca” at an event that lead to his defeat in Virginia. Unfortunately, this is the norm in today’s politics. Many critics inquire as to why the faces of the two college students are blurred; well I would blur my face too. We all remember what happen to Joe the Plumber after his infamous question to then-candidate Obama on the campaign trail. His finances and records were made public as well as other private details. 
The Tea Party, I contend a grassroots voice for the right, yet its actions, mainly protests, have been decried by Congress and the Democrats and President Obama has even labeled them “
Mitt Romney
they win one, they are quick to tout that win and make the case from it as to why they are gaining momentum. Winning straw polls should be as much a part of your grassroots campaign strategy as knocking on doors and making phone calls. It’s also a great test of the strength of your organization. Know when and where the critical ones are being held, put them on your calendar and organize your supporters to turn out and vote! 
President Obama has
