Voted Best Web-Based Political Campaign Software 2 Years Running

The Art & Science of Signs and Graphics

Jim Fleming

Want a cleaner, brighter, more readable graphic image for your campaign?  

White Letters on a Dark or Contrasting Background are Better, Especially at Night.

Rendering your name in reverse—white against a contrasting bright or dark colored background—makes your name look larger and improves visibility, especially at night. In fact, according to a study by the Outdoor Advertising Institute, reverse messages are up to 40% more visible. That is the reason that Departments of Transportation use white type against dark green or dark brown backgrounds on the

Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Websites Show Importance of Internet Campaigning

William S. Bike

In 1995, candidate Lamar Alexander announced he was entering the presidential race not at a rally or a press conference, but on the Internet. This action is credited as the beginning of a whole new world of political campaigning. The Jesse Ventura Minnesota gubernatorial campaign of 1998 conquered that world, because Ventura could not have been elected Governor without the Internet.

Now, no candidate can even think of getting elected without a webpage. The question no longer is who has a website, but whose

How to Choose the Right Political Consultant

Randall P. Whatley

How do you choose the right political consultant for your campaign? In short, interview thoroughly. Do not hire strictly on the advice of a close friend or relative or someone you know who once hired a consultant. What was best for them might not be best for you.

Instead, write a clear definition of the wants, needs, desires and objectives of your campaign and then look for the best person to fulfill those requirements.

Following are some tips on choosing the right consultant.

First, interview each candidate the same way. Ask the same questions of each under the same co

The Three Best Ways for Under-Funded Candidates to Get Their Message Out

Of all the hurdles that first-time candidates and lesser known challengers face when running for office, none is as intimidating as being seriously under-funded.  Money isn't everything when you run for office -- issues count, name recognition is a major bonus, volunteer manpower is important - but without the ability to raise a significant sum of money, it becomes very hard to get your message out and win your election.

There are ways, however, that under-funded candidates can use to get their message out, to persuade voters and raise their profile.  Much lik

Candidate Web Sites are as Effective as TV and Cable Ads

Karen A.B. Jagoda

Results of two national studies among political consultants and American voters revealed that candidate web sites are almost as effective for reaching loyal base voters as network and cable television ads. In the survey of political experts, 25% of respondents said the candidate’s own web site was effective for communicating with base voters while 26% rated television and cable ads useful. Nearly half of all consultants (46%), reported that the best ways to reach loyal base voters is email, followed by traditional means such as direct mail, events and telephone.

E-Voter Institute and H

Do Women in Politics Face a Glass Ceiling?

Liz Chadderdon Powell

Is there a glass ceiling for women in the political consulting industry? 

Whenever an article is written about the professional glass ceiling for women, men get jumpy. They defensively point to articles written about women sportscasters interviewing male football players in the locker room, female soldiers fighting along side their male counterparts and wives out earning their husbands. They usually say this with a look on their face clearly saying, “C’mon, what more do you want?” 

There are plenty of examples of women succeeding in traditionally male do