Commentary: How to run an indie political campaign

When you hear of a candidate running for an election, it is all too easy to think that all candidates are the same with little variance in positions on issues. The Democrat and Republican parties are established systems that are very difficult to beat.

However, Samantha Smart—running for Minneapolis Library Board—is not your average independent candidate. She has been endorsed by the Union of Radical Writers and Workers, Minnesota National Organization of Women (MN NOW), Minnesota Women’s Political Caucus and the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund.

Smart has been a community activist for the past 23 years and is founder of Speak Out Sisters! She started Concerned About Nokomis, a group of concerned neighborhood residents that formed in reaction to the library decision to reduce library hours.

The group raised over $30,000 to allow them to keep the Nokomis Library open on Saturdays, with some of the money distributed to the East Lake Library. “They cut library hours unequally,” Smart said. “Different neighborhoods have different access.”

Her recognition of inadequate dispersing of funding has spurred the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library to form a task force to examine the areas of how to increase library funding.

Smart wants to work with the Minneapolis City Council and Board of Taxation to support a separate tax levy to open libraries full time, and use a building impact fee to raise money for acquisitions, while also working with staff to increase obtaining grants. She states that libraries need to 1.) be open seven days a week, 2.) obtain literature in and speakers of different languages, 3.) develop youth programs and 4.) create partnerships with community agencies.

Smart proposes an open mic night in the libraries to attract youth. “Embracing being on the fringe is very important because it gives you the freedom to speak the truth and to be outspoken and fierce,” she said.

How does an independent candidate run a political campaign? According to “Independent Progressive Politics Network Campaign Manual,” written by Kathy Kubby, if you are not already known in the community, become known through creating visibility. Testify at public hearings, volunteer on local boards and commissions, and play an active role in community organizations. If there is not one that fits your goals, create one, like Smart started Speak Out Sisters! After all, if no one knows you, why should they vote for you?

Secondly, point out your differences from other candidates. For example, when I asked Smart what is one thing that separates her from the other candidates, she replied, “I’m a radical, social justice activist.”

Thirdly, meet people. Attend community event and fairs. Go door to door to meet your constituents and begin to identify their concerns. If you don’t reach out and talk to them, how can you accurately state that you want to represent them? Also, you should raise money. Smart was creative and had a garage sale.

In addition, get on the agenda of community groups. Why not have a meeting of some kind and contact local community newspapers requesting coverage?

Don’t forget to research the voting record of the incumbents and opponents. As Kubby suggests, identify how you can turn their weaknesses into strengths for your issues.

Always identify key issues of your campaign. When people hear the candidates name, you want them to be able to list three or four issues that identify the campaign.

It is important to establish the goals of your campaign. Be clear why you are running. When I asked Smart why she felt she was the best candidate, she strongly replied, “Because I understand that regular poor working people have to have libraries open to survive. I have the vision that’s required to make libraries work in the way the people need them to. So, it’s a matter of vision. And finally, because I’m a dedicated library user.”

Last but not least, Kubby states, “Remember to thank your supporters and volunteers before the campaign is over. This helps to motivate them so that they may continue to contribute.”

Besides, whether or not you win this election, you need to remember your image as you may decide to run for office. You want to keep all of your doors open! And remember why you made the decision to run as an independent candidate and allow that to motivate you!