First Campaign
Tips on Running for Office

Candidate Comparison

It is time to compare yourself to your opponent. The following exercise will help you compare your strengths and weaknesses to that of your opponent’s. Again, this exercise should be done in the beginning of the campaign, as it will help you plan your strategies. However, the exercise is a work in progress because some information may not be available or understood this early on in the process. For instance, a campaign may or may not know who is supporting their opponent in the early stages of a campaign. However, now you will know what to look for during the campaign. Comparing yourself to your opponent is useful to identifying what sets you apart from your opponent and, most importantly, why a voter should elect you.

Candidate Profile Worksheet

Suggested Information	You	Opponent
Bio:
Time living in District
Age
Marital Status
Children
Education
Occupation
Family assets/liability
Clubs/Organization
Awards/Honors
Civic Involvement
Personal:
Public speaking ability
Understanding of issues
Charm
Issues:
Jobs
Development
Economy
Education
Roads
Environment
Growth
Farming
Crime
Taxes
Business
Labor
Developers
Law Enforcement
Educators
School Board
Churches
Political Experience:
Involvement in local party
Elected offices held
Voting record
Past campaigns
Attendance record
Public statements
Media relations
Promises not kept
Financial Support:
Personal wealth
Donor base
Prior campaign money