What's All This Monkey Business?

In a previous blog, I wondered how I would feel about Marra choosing a career in electoral politics and public service. It's no longer hypothetical now - she's been nominated for the position of Corresponding Secretary at her school. She earned enough votes in the 'primary' to be chosen as one of four candidates for this honor. Just like the national Presidential contest, however, the voting calendar is compressed slightly...the election is this Friday.

Marra has jumped into the ring with both feet. She gathered her campaign staff, including a media consultant from down the street, in our basement to agree on a campaign theme (monkeys), and the first (and only) media buy - five posters with Marra's name and picture.

The rules for this elementary school campaign rival the details in any campaign reform bills I've ever seen work its' way through Congress. First, the maximum number of posters is five per candidate, to be placed only in designated areas. No saturation blitz of issue ads, so I like that. Candidates are also prohibited from passing out "items such as candy, pencils, or other prizes to encourage students to vote for you." Good rule, aimed primarily at the candidate's largest donors (the parents), I think. Those donors would be tempted to not spare any expense to see that their little Janie or Johnny wins the ultimate popularity contest. The rules do not state this, but it is implied that rules violators will be removed from the ballot. I'd like to see that law passed for other contests, wouldn't you?

Candidates are restricted from harassing voters on election day, and the distribution of stickers is tightly controlled. I know this, because the sticker rules are indicated with italics type. Italics equals "We Mean Business". While the distribution of gifts and goodies is banned, that doesn't mean that Marra doesn't have any tricks up her sleeve. She instinctively knows that to win during a short campaign cycle with a crowded field requires her to do something to attract attention to herself. It's too early in her career to win by smearing the opposition, and that strategy would probably lead to a meeting between the principal and Mommy and Daddy. Marra's plan to differentiate herself? She will have a monkey puppet actually give her speech to the student body on October 11th. Now, strong arguments that tout her abilities to enhance the student experience through her conscientious efforts as Corresponding Secretary might seem like a good framework for her speech, but Marra has learned already - image wins over substance.

That's my little monkey!

JS

Now I'll be blogging about 2 campaigns!