Hi, Kat,
I’m inspired to write this memo because I watched a bunch of supposedly smart people on BlueSky tear into your candidacy the day you announced. They trotted out the usual bullshit: you don’t live in the district, you just moved to Illinois, blah blah blah. Of course, they didn’t engage on the substance of what you said in your announcement video, because it was an absolutely damning indictment of the way that Democrats run campaigns.
I am an old man, but I’ve been active in Democratic politics for years. You probably know everything I’m about to say, but just in case, and if someone else wants to do what you’re doing, here’s my advice.
You’re going up against a 25-year incumbent in a D+19 district. This is a machine district. All the action occurs in the primaries. These people have the machinery of elections wired — their people occupy all the city and county election power positions. If Schakowsky or the next machine pol in line wants to fight, every Democrat under her or that person in the hierarchy will fight on their behalf. Watch your back.
You need to have your petition game totally on point. Schakowsky will have an army of attorneys, and any sketchy signatures on your petitions will be challenged. With that in mind:
My experience with petitions is in another machine state, New York, and I hope it translates to Illinois. Don’t use paid petition gatherers. They aren’t motivated to get an immaculate sheet of perfectly signed petitions the way a dedicated Kat for Congress Volunteer is.
If Illinois allows it, submit your petitions early and often. An election clerk might just leak out the strategy of your opponent by denying some signatures, and allow you to adjust your petition strategy.
I love that you’re starting with an event that asks for period products for the Period Collective. Keep it up! I’m sure you’ve studied AOC’s strategy in her district. Do good things for the people. Show, not tell, that you'll be a more engaged rep than Schakowsky.
You’ve raised $100K in a day. Don’t expect that to keep happening, people are fickle. But early money is so much better than late money — you’re lucky! Here’s how I would spend that money:
A booth and signage for every farmer’s market, festival and other event in the district, and printing expense for a small card that has your pitch that can be handed out by you and your volunteers at those events. You want to engage the olds who vote but might not see your social media.
A really good and smart old school lawyer who knows Illinois election law backwards and forwards. This person can probably also help you file your FEC reports and do all the other housekeeping that your opponent will be keeping close tabs on.
Reimbursement for expenses for volunteers who help you out.
One staffer that you trust like your parents (if they were worth a shit). This is the person who’s going to handle things while you’re out meeting everyone.
Go to every Democratic committee meeting and look for door knockers who will spread your message.
Organize a door knocking campaign using your volunteers.
Get out of your YouTube studio and meet your future constituents as much as possible, march in every parade, go to every social club meeting, and meet people. There’s no substitute for this. You need to engage with every age group. Print up a shit ton of stickers and have your volunteers walk with you in parades and sticker everyone in the path. Have them hand out your short, sweet and smart position cards.
Think of all the ways that old-school Democrats engage with media that isn’t social media. Public radio, local TV stations, indy papers, etc. Your staffer should have you teed up for a ton of free media interviews.
You moved to Chicagoland because it’s a great place to live. You love the north side of Chicago. You’re moving into the district. You love it there. The people who care about whether you live in the confusing boundaries of the district are just looking for an excuse to vote for your opponent. Don’t waste too much time on them.
Demand debates and hammer on that every opportunity you get.
This is petty, but doesn’t Schakowsky look like Mary Tyler Moore in Ordinary People? Google it. The olds will get it. That said, I think you’re smart to not attack Schakowsky — your first move is just to offer an alternative and hope she retires.
Be ready for a challenge from the next person in line in the district — a state rep, county commissioner, whatever. Have your opposition research ready.
Have fun. This should be the time of your life.
Sincerely,
Your internet pal, mistermix
