Almost as much as I want the Democrats to win on Tuesday, I want for the mythology surrounding the GOP/Rove GOTV/Microtargeting machine to be busted. It’s a technique I am very interested in, but I want people to stop thinking of it as magic only Republicans can do.
I want Dems to be involved in every piece of GOTV, because we outsource way too much of it to the unions and outside groups. That said, the GOP edge happened because of Democratic hubris. Before 2000 Dems thought leaving the job up to outside forces was all that was necessary but they never refined the methods.
Look at Virginia, just one year ago.
Republican strategists said the poll results are being merged with consumer data to give Kilgore clues about how to woo certain kinds of voters. The 34 groups have their own consumer and demographic profiles. Those in Group 1 are strong Kilgore supporters. Those in Group 34 are strong Kaine supporters. Those in Groups 15, 16, and 17 are considered swing voters.
The data could allow Kilgore to communicate directly with rural Democrats turned off by Kaine’s position on abortion. Or they could send mailings directly to “casual Republicans,” who vote only in presidential elections.
“The RNC is committed to ensuring Virginia’s next governor is one that represents the state’s values and will deploy the latest campaign technologies, which will help identify and turn out voters of all persuasions on behalf of Jerry Kilgore,” said Danny Diaz, a spokesman for the RNC.
Also, if you’re getting spooked by Bush’s barnstorming I present the “President’s Remarks at a Virginia Victory Rally”, 11/7/05
Laura and I are so grateful for this — for the welcome. Thank you all so much for coming out. I don’t want to keep you too long. (Applause.) No, no, no. You’ve got a job to do. (Applause.) See, if I could vote, you already got my vote. You need to go out and find that undecided person. You need to find our fellow Republicans and those discerning Democrats who know a good man when they see one. (Applause.) Keep working hard. Turn out that vote, and you’ll be proud of the next governor of Virginia, Jerry Kilgore. (Applause.)
Tim Kaine won by 5.73%.
You can get it done.
What’s more, you’ve got to get it done.
My wife and I got two letters from a repub running for a state house race. My letter was very negative, businesslike, and tried to paint the incumbant as a liberal (ooh scary) and bad person. My wife’s letter, on the other hand was printed on pink paper, lightly perfumed, and printed in one of those looks- like- hand- writing fonts. It was all fluff about how great a husband this guy was. Nothing about his politics. Apparently, the local GOP thinks that we are two different flavors of dumb.