www.sdchamber.org

Political Candidate Boot Camp a Huge Success

by Scott Alevy Vice President, Public Policy & Communications

When immediate past Chamber Board Chair Robert Horsman assumed the gavel at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner meeting in January of 2007, one of his goals was for the Chamber to partner with other regional entities in the creation of a training ground for electoral candidates and office holders on San Diego’s political horizon.

The result was our first ever-Political Candidate Boot Camp, a highly successful event held February 22 and 23, at San Diego State University.  Partnering with LEAD San Diego, SDSU’s College of Extended Studies and KUSI-TV, the two-day event featured notable and informative presenters, panelists and moderators. It was not only a terrific “first time” effort, but also a source of valuable information.

The attendees included active candidates for state and local office during the 2008 election cycle, members of campaign staffs and a number of prospective candidates who are mulling over the possibility of tossing their hats into the political ring.  All who participated in the training took away a wealth of information, gleaned from the presentations and panel discussions.

Friday afternoon’s session set a positive and informative tone, with a presentation by former State Senator Dede Alpert on the impacts that running for, and holding office, have on individuals and families, and on your personal and professional life.  Campaign management veterans John Kern and Larry Remer then enlightened the attendees on the “hows and whys” of campaign timing and strategy, providing some excellent “nuts and bolts” campaign basics.

Prior to a day-ending reception, Chamber CEO Ruben Barrales, also a former elected San Mateo County Supervisor, moderated a panel on “The Realities of Getting Elected.”  County Supervisor Greg Cox, San Diego City Council members Scott Peters and Jim Madaffer, and former Member of Congress Lynn Schenk expounded on the highs and low of serving in office and how to respond to constituents, manage your time and choose an effective staff.

Saturday’s all day session included a panel discussion on ethics and election law, moderated by Ben Haddad, Chamber Board Vice-Chair and a former senior staff member for Pete Wilson when he was both a senator and governor.  Nancy Haley, Jim Sutton and San Diego Ethics Commission Executive Director Stacey Fullhorst provided valuable insight during the discussion.

Democratic Party Grand Dame Midge Costanza, a former member of President Jimmy Carter’s staff, regaled the attendees with her wit and experience as the lunch presenter.  Presentations on interpreting and conducting polls and raising campaign funds provided valuable information to the attendees, as well as the media training and discussions about how to effectively influence voters led by KUSI’s Paul Bloom and Steve Cohen, Scott Lewis of the Voice of San Diego, Matt Hall from the Union Tribune and Gloria Penner from KPBS.  Campaign Strategist Tom Shepard provided superb insight into the current and anticipated political landscape.

This first time event was a substantial success.  Look for the Chamber to repeat this valuable opportunity during the next election cycle.