By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Texans interested in running for political office attended Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Campaign Seminar to learn the mechanics of successful campaigns.

Nearly 20 participants attended the seminar held in Waco in late September.

“They learned how to evaluate themselves as a candidate and the basics of building a campaign strategy,” Billy Howe, TFB associate director of Government Affairs, said. “It provides them a manageable, realistic overview of what potential candidates can expect before, during and after the campaign process. But most importantly, the seminar teaches participants how to communicate their messages with their voters.”

Participants learned more about the mechanics of running successful campaigns, organizing a campaign, recruiting supporters and staff and evaluating their ability to serve.

TFB and American Farm Bureau Federation staff facilitated the training, giving attendees a look at local, state and federal campaigns.

“I haven’t had any direct work on campaigns yet, but the speakers addressed national approaches and viewpoints, along with Texas-specific information,” Jarod Root, Denton County rancher, said. “It was a lot of information in a short amount of time, but the training was invaluable. I look forward to whatever possibilities are presented in the future to be able to use these tools to run an effective campaign.”

To help potential candidates become more comfortable with the media and talking with constituents, TFB staff posed mock interviews and group sessions on topics important to rural and urban Texas voters.

“It’s always good to learn more and hear from folks on how to run a campaign. The hands-on information was great and knowing when to ask for help with campaign management is important,” Michael Moon, Bell County farmer and rancher, said. “There were a lot of eye-opening discussions about finances, campaign strategies and gaining support.”

The seminar is offered in the year before campaign season kicks off. It is available to TFB members and non-members.

The seminar was held Sept. 27-28 at TFB’s Conference and Training Center.

TFB campaign seminar offers support, tools for candidates Texans interested in running for political office attended Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Campaign Seminar to learn the mechanics of running successful campaigns.