Indiana Democrats Know How to Campaign

Just because Republicans win elections in “red” states and districts doesn’t meant they know how to campaign. Republicans in these areas receive major marketing and financial support from the national party and they typically hold invite-only gatherings with big donors.

Republican candidates who usually run uncontested and win big refuse to debate or hold open forums. Even if they win their race by 60 or 70% of the vote, if turnout was only 40% of their constituency, that’s not very many people. These candidates who win election after election don’t have great name recognition or community-oriented reputations because there is no incentive for them to spend any time in their communities.

If you want to see what a real, grassroots campaign looks like, watch Democrats in “red” districts. You will see a largely volunteer-driven effort that includes the tried-and-true methods of door-knocking, accepting every invitation that’s extended, and meeting voters where they are.

For statewide Democratic candidates in Indiana like Jennifer McCormick, Valerie McCray, and Destiny Wells they are driving around the state, pounding the pavement every day. They are attending sporting events, marching in parades, and showing up to community gatherings just to meet their voters. Their calendars are open and they are accessible.

When Democrats in Republican states talk about an effort to restore balance, this is why. Competitive elections make for better legislators. When candidates have to work for their seat, they are forced to be out and present in their communities, listening to people, and plotting solutions. These kind of efforts start to make some of the hardline partisan labels smudge a bit because candidates and their constituents become real people.

Restoring the legislature of Indiana to a hue of purple will not only make more Hoosiers feel represented, it will lead to conflict in the legislative process which is critical to making policy that does the most good for the most people.

-C