By Jessica Domel
Field Editor
Today, a visit to Texas Farm Bureau. Tomorrow, school board, commissioners court or the state Capitol. The sky is the limit when it comes to how far TFB members can go with the help of the organization’s Campaign School.
The school is held once every two years to help TFB members better prepare for a life in public office.
This year’s course was recently held on the TFB campus in Waco. Sixteen members interested in serving their communities learned how to run a successful campaign, gather volunteers, develop effective strategy, when to use certain tools and when to reserve their resources.
First and foremost, we provide education to potential candidates on how to run an effective campaign—the nuts and bolts of the campaign, Ken Hodges, TFB director of Political Programs and Activities, said. We teach them about evaluating themselves as a candidate as well as the electorate to make sure they’re an electable candidate.
The school also includes mock interviews with the media to give potential candidates a sense of what they’ll face in the limelight.
We talk to them about having the winning attitude, which means being willing to do the hard work it takes to win an election, Hodges said. We speak with them about gathering adequate financing to be able to do the things they need in a campaign .
Hodges and other TFB staff also discuss how to select the right issues for each campaign and how to reach out and talk to voters.
The hands-on course encourages TFB members and leaders to realistically pursue their political dreams.
I’m going to retire in about a year, and I have a longtime goal of being a commissioner in my home county, Allen Kaminski of Austin County said. I saw the opportunity to attend this school, and I figured it would help me with the campaign.
Through the course, Kaminski notes that he’s also learned about where to file to be on a ballot, what paperwork needs to be completed, campaign slogans, budgeting and more.
I was in the dark. Now I see the light, Kaminski said.
For those with their eye on a political seat, Hodges encourages service on county Farm Bureau boards to get the ball rolling.
The county Farm Bureau board is a very good place to learn about the governing process and the issues of the day. It’s a great way to gain experience that is valuable in seeking public office, Hodges said. It’s a benefit to those candidates to have served on their county board.
Former graduates of the TFB Campaign School include State Reps. Kyle Kacal, DeWayne Burns, Andrew Murr, Drew Darby and Connie Scott. Five county judges have also attended the course as have seven county commissioners and others involved in the political process.