Texans interested in running for political office attended Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Campaign Seminar to learn the mechanics of successful campaigns.
Fifteen participants attended the seminar in late September in Waco.
“Participants learned how to assess themselves as candidates and gained a solid foundation in campaign strategy,” Billy Howe, TFB associate director of Government Affairs, said. “The seminar offered a realistic overview of what to expect before, during and after a campaign, but most importantly, it helped them understand how to share their message effectively with voters.”
Participants gained insight into the core elements of a successful campaign, including organization, supporter and staff recruitment, and assessing their own readiness to serve.
TFB and American Farm Bureau Federation staff facilitated the training, giving attendees a look at local, state and federal campaigns.
“We learned how to structure a campaign and how important a good campaign manager is—not only that the candidate needs one, but also how to assist the campaign manager,” said McCrae McCormick, a Floyd County famer and rancher who attended the seminar
Participants took part in mock interviews and group discussions designed by TFB staff to strengthen their ability to connect with voters and respond effectively to media questions.
“The mock interviews stood out substantially,” McCormick said. “Listening to the critiques has given me ideas on how to effectively communicate and know what I want to accomplish when I agree to an interview.”
Participants also learned more about the financial aspects of running a campaign.
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. 24-25 at TFB’s Conference and Training Center.
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