Report from the Field, Strategic Blueprints • November 17th, 2008

The Fox Valley goes blue

by Chris Lato

It was once fairly reliable GOP territory. But in the last two election cycles, the Fox Valley has been steadily turning from red to blue. To put a spin on the title of one recent book, what’s the matter with the Fox Valley?

Anyone who thought Democrat U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen would be ‘one and done’ were disappointed this month after John Gard failed to knock one out of the park in his second at-bat.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin Democrats see the opportunity and are seizing it. Note the rise of Fox Valley Dems to leadership positions. Wisely, Democrats recognize the chance to build a political dynasty in an area of Wisconsin that was once fairly reliable in leaning GOP.

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2008 Primaries, Grass Roots Organization, Report from the Field, Signage, Views on News • October 13th, 2008

Here come the thugs

by Chris Lato

Right about this time we start seeing the stories about political vandalism – this story being one example.

In 2004, at the Republican Party of Wisconsin, I fielded numerous calls about stolen yard signs, damaged 4×8s, destruction at local GOP campaign offices, etc.

Sign theft or destruction, while childish and unacceptable, is nothing new. However, in recent years the targeted destruction has become increasingly alarming.

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2008 Primaries, Branding Politix, Creative, Report from the Field, Views on News • June 12th, 2008

Notes from the silly season

by Chris Lato

In the “Herding Cats” department, some party leaders are straying from the pack – and it’s happening on both sides of the aisle.

Democrats don’t like Barack Obama. Republicans don’t like John McCain. Hillary supporters are saying they’d rather vote for McCain - “Anybody but Obama.”

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Branding Politix, Fundraising, Messaging, New Media, Report from the Field, Research & Ideas • April 8th, 2008

It’s a millennium thing. Get used to it.

by Greg Batiansila

For years, American culture – from politics to entertainment to our interpretation of law – has been under the influence of the Baby Boom generation. Boomers will continue to enjoy considerable power and sway even while they gray and retire. But Americans will now have to reckon with a new force – the Millennial Generation.

Millennials – the name given to those born between 1978 and 1996 – boast Boomer-like numbers, education and clout. Researchers are finding this new generation is very different from previous generations in their view of the world and how they vote. For example, almost 50% of Millennials identify themselves with the Democrat party while only 35% align themselves with Republicans.

Laying claim to the media platforms where Millennials communicate, shop and visit is an essential part of today’s and all future campaigns. McCain’s may be the last of the dinosaur campaigns that ascend almost solely through traditional fundraising and media. Look for all campaigns in the future to use the web – perhaps exclusively – create and enhance community, and raise money.

In 2008, close to 50 million Millenials will be eligible to vote. How many actually vote, and how they vote, and what moves them remains to be seen. But you’re already seeing the beginning salvos…like here and here and here…in a battle for the heart, soul and vote of the Millennial generation.

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