April 5, 2007

Springtime means back to school for candidates

RICHMOND—What could be so important that 18 Virginia farmers and other rural residents would spend two beautiful spring days inside? School, of course. To be specific, the 2007 Campaign Academy, co-sponsored by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. It was held April 2-3.

“We want to encourage more people from rural Virginia to run for public office and get involved in the political process. That’s the best way to represent the interests of farmers and rural Virginians,” explained Andrew Smith, a VFBF senior assistant director of governmental relations. “Helping them hone their campaign skills and knowledge is an important part of that process.”

Investing time in learning the skills of campaigning and campaign management “will help them now and when they get elected to office,” agreed Joel Rubin, president of the Rubin Communications Group in Virginia Beach. He conducted mock television interviews with each of the would-be candidates to help them hone their message to the press and the public.

While several participants are preparing to run for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, most were planning to run for local offices like supervisor, sheriff or county clerk. They learned how to plan a campaign, raise funds and set up a budget. They studied finance and election laws, and they had an opportunity to meet with current elected officials.

“The school has been great—not only did I get some ideas, but I got to talk to members of the Board of Elections and got some answers right away,” said Sam Goin, who’s running for supervisor in Buckingham County.

Contact Smith at 804-290-1021 or Norm Hyde, VFBF video producer, at 804-290-1146.