Fall 2012: Politics vs. Policy Jorgen Schlemeier, Executive Director

POSTED: September 5th, 2013
POSTED IN: Fall 2012,

In the state capitol, and I am certain in DC as well, a battle continues to escalate between two candidates. Policy is running against Politics. Our state and country continues to be more polarized which means there is only room for one of the candidates under the tent. Compromise has no place in the government, right? Of course it does. But, while voters want compromise when dealing with policy, their politics are polarizing. This inconsistency is not new. We all hate negative ads, but we listen to them and whether we think it affects us personally, there is no doubt if affects the electorate. Hype, rhetoric, demonizing one another, demagoguery and smear tactics are all perfect political campaign tactics that lead to zero policy progress, a.k.a gridlock.

In order to be successful in the capitol we have to harmonize politics and policy. While I noted the extreme of politics above, there is an equally bad path if we pursue a path in the opposite direction, and that is apathy. No politics can be as harmful to passing our policy agenda as too much politics. So, here is my short to do list before the November election, yup NOVEMBER ELECTION. Telling the candidate after the election that you meant to do something on their behalf is the same as announcing to the candidate “hey remember me, of course you do not because I did not do a darn thing to get to know you before the election, I just wanted to remind you that I did zippo!”

No one has the intent of sending that message when they contact their newly elected legislator for the first time, but that is what the legislator hears.

Four easy things to do before November to ensure our political ecosystem is in balance. You only need to choose to do one of the four, but get extra credit for accomplishing more than one.

1. Give money – I know this is the least favorite of all. You do not have to give away your vacation money, but $100 – $250 is a solid contribution. If you are going to give $200, do it at two separate local events ($100 each event). In the TV world we call this points. How many points of TV did a candidate buy, that means how many times is the viewer likely to see their commercial?

2. Volunteer to work the polls on Election Day for the candidate. Candidates are having a more difficult time finding volunteers, and a strong poll presence can and does make the difference. Without boring you with all the mechanics of campaigns, Name I.D is king. As you watch the polls on the news, if you can call it that anymore, note the number of “undecideds” in the races. That is typical throughout most races, and in fact the lower on the ballot you go, the more the undecided category grows, and remain in that category until they literally pick up their No. 2 pencil and fill in the oval –remember not to scribble outside the line. Therefore a push piece being handed out at the poll to the voter immediately boosts the candidates name i.d.

3. Invite the candidate to your home, your practice site (if off hospital grounds or if you have the hospital’s approval) to meet voters in his/her district. Many people believe that money wins elections. Wrong, votes win elections. Money is a means by which to reach the voter. If you can provide a forum for them to reach voters, then that is money. Call health care providers in their district, business office personnel, neighbors, friends, etc. and provide a one hour venue for the candidate to meet REGISTERED VOTERS.

4. Call the campaign office for 5 to 10 signs and place signs for the candidate. If you can place a 4X8 that is even better. Yard signs are important and helping candidates reach constituents to place signs is helpful as it is time intensive to a very small staffed campaign office.

5. Volunteer for a day. They will give you a menu of items where you can assist them. Put literature on doors, staff phone banks, send letters or other items.

As you can see there are several inexpensive positive interactions you can have with candidates that will allow you to build a relationship with the candidate. This is the political role you need to fulfill in order to fulfill the policy goal you develop. All 163 House members are running this year, and are in new districts due to this being a “redistricting” year. Even incumbents are first time candidates in the new area they acquired. For some of them, that is 95% of the district, for others as little as 10%. Your participation does count, just like your vote.