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Explore the qualifications Arthur Lieber brings to the table as a potential candidate for political office in Missouri's 2nd Congressional District. Learn about the district's demographics, economy, key issues, and campaign strategies. Follow Lieber's journey and press coverage to understand the dynamics of running for Congress.
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Running for Congress Arthur Lieber; Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District
Let’s begin with you … If you were running for a political office, list three things that you think would be good qualifications that you would bring to the table:
What I thought that I brought to the table(all debatable) • Empathy • Focus on being solution-oriented • Curiosity; wanting to learn more
Map of MO-02 Collegiate
If you’re running for office, there are a couple of important things to know from the beginning: • What are the physical attributes of your district? • Area • Terrain • Density of Population • The demographics of the population • Age, education, income, ethnicity, etc.
Terrain • One major river – MISSOURI RIVER • Not navigable for commercial traffic • Prone to flooding • One major lake – Creve Coeur Lake
Some demographics • Gender: • 51.5% female • 48.5% male • (like most of America) • Ethnicity: • 89.9% Caucasian • 4.0% Asian • 3.8% African-American • Educational level of voters – well above U.S. average • Income level of voters – well above U.S. average
Positions on key issues:AHL: • Jobs – creating them and maintaining them • Education – More power to teachers and students; less to edu-crats • Federal funding for all schools • Social issues – pro-choice; pro LGBTQ rights • Foreign Affairs – lead by example; diminish U.S. military presence
Money & Politics • Why does a candidate need it? • How much does it cost to run a campaign for Congress? • What is the money spent on? • Printed literature • Web Site • Advertising • Radio • Television • Internet • How to raise the money? • Small donations • Large contributors • PACs and SuperPACS
Trying to connect; win voters • Going door-to-door (limited in a district of 750,000, but most voters prefer to speak with the actual candidate) • Meetings hosted by Democratic Party • Festivals, parades, etc. • Active web site
Press Coverage • How do you get the media interested in your campaign? • Being different should help • Running a “clean campaign” should help • Being willing to talk about issues and not generalities should help • Sharp contrast of a conservative incumbent and progressive challenger should help
What actually happened? • In 2010, Bill McClellan interview in Post-Dispatch • In 2010 and 2014, one hour on “St. Louis on the Air” in St. Louis Public Radio • In 2010, “dueling articles” in “The Beacon” with Todd Aiken • In 2014, endorsement by Post-Dispatch
What it all means? • We need to deal with money in politics • We need to elevate the conversation • Media has to get more engaged