1. References to the Constitution, The founding fathers, obscure historic quotes, the bill of rights should be relegated to areas deep within your literature, website and speeches. They should not be the front items. Most voters go glassy eyed when you start making these references. You must connect to them on current topics that matter to them personally. You will lose the audience when making such references. You can certainly use them when talking to the choir and they should not be treated as a "dirty secret"... but they need to be placed in the proper context; which is way down on the list or not at all.
2. Remove all references to Ron Paul from your literature, website and speeches. RP did not do well in NC or across the nation; he is still considered by many to be a "wacko"; mentioning him will not gain many voters; instead, it will lose you voters. Again, this is information for the choir... not the general voting population.
3. Abortion, Social Security... stay away from the third rail issues. The federal government has no business addressing abortion... social security is illegal... create a position paper that does not lose you voters. Don't make these major issues without a really good position. For example, Social Security should be protected for our seniors. The program has been in effect for over two generations and many individuals are depending on the program. RP used a good technique when he mentioned "saving social security for our seniors". A similar stance would be a good idea.
4. The congress is vulnerable and will become more so as the economy worsens and the general election approaches. Focus on the economic issues... focus on the fact the irresponsible spending by congress has caused the current economic problems... this could work to your benefit since you are running against an incumbent with a very socialist voting record. Here is an interesting article showing how the price of oil has not actually increased when compared to gold... the issue is that the dollar is losing its value and that can be directly blamed on congress and their spending habits:
http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/Currents-007-OilByCurrency.pdf
5. Make a direct link to the decline in the dollar, its relation to the cost of goods (gas, food, etc.) and how congress is largely to blame. See if Price voted on the HR which turned commodities and real estate into a wild west show... make that an issue. Show the connection... place the blame where blame belongs. Show the direct connection to the housing problem and congress (and Price).
(i can find that HR number if you need it)
6. Talk about getting out of Iraq in indirect terms. Show how congress (and Price) are stealing money from social security and other programs and wasting the money on unwise wars (like Iraq).
7. Make the drug war an important issue. Too many lower income people are being locked up while folks with money seem to skate by unpunished. Our prisons are full of inmates on minor drug related charges... this is a genuine black issue.
8. Talk about the promise of the constitution (yes, I used the C word) and how those freedoms must be equally available to all americans. Make it a message of hope and give the audience a vision of how their lives would be improved by the restoration of their personal freedoms.
9. Its the economy... show how BJ will help make it better... show how the other guy is to blame... hit them where they live... "its the economy stupid"
10. Education... the federal gov has failed miserably... talk about bringing control of their children's education back to the local level. No more failed directives from DC... no more stealing their money to take it to DC and pay for a huge buracracy before DC returns a portion of their money with lots of rules and strings attached.
11. Over 50 million people work for the fed... they are taking 25, 30, 40, 50 percent of your voters money... ask them if they are getting their money's worth. Would they like to keep their money and decide how to spend it themselves?
12. Connect with black leaders... particularly black business owners. Limited gov with the IRS off their back is a major issue... more hiring opportunities, run your business without the gov over your shoulder, better benefit opportunities, etc., etc. This includes medical professionals as well... religious leaders as well. The best introduction to a black religious leader would be through a black business leader. Let a black business leader make the connection. Do not pursue black religious leaders... use a proxy.
Think about BJ's message... tailor the presentation (not the position) to address the actual audience (whether black, white or whatever)... touch people where they live. DON'T speak in abstract forms... if you need to do some teaching, win them over first. Get them on your side before trying to educate.
i am willing to help if you need anything i can provide
http://freedomsground.com/artwork.htm
) As the general election approaches the economy will become even more of an issue. If a direct link to the economic decline and representative Price can be clarified I believe there is a real chance to gain votes... perhaps enough to win.
