If you want to get the down-and-dirty scoop on Louisiana politics, author and independent journalist John Maginnis has been the go-to guy for the past 30 years or so. His books and “LaPolitics Weekly” newsletter are must-read materials; and his columns are published by magazines and newspapers all over the state, including Business Report. Now Maginnis is pushing a product with a smaller audience in mind: He wants to teach those with political aspirations how to get elected.
With help from the likes of consultant and CNN contributor James Carville and former Gov. Buddy Roemer, Maginnis has produced a step-by-step DVD set that includes tips from more than 20 candidates and influencers. It’s available for purchase at Howtogetelected.com, which will also offer a video “Tip of the Day” throughout the 2011 election season. “Too many good people are scared off from running because of the stress and ugliness of politics, but also for a lack of knowledge about the basics of how an election campaign should work,” says Maginnis, who looks for the site to reach a national audience. He added that the trick for any comer is learning “how to win any election without losing their family, fortune, health and reputation.” Winning should not have to come at all costs, he added.
Maginnis says the site will show how candidates running for the smallest office on tight budgets can adopt the strategies, tactics and technologies used in major campaigns. Another objective, he said, is to encourage more citizens to run for public office. —Jeremy Alford
Today’s poll question: Have you ever considered running for public office?
