Freedom Party expects an election call in 1987 (as early as spring), and so preparations are now under way to ready candidates, literature, organizations, signs, and fundraising --- particularly fundraising.
Freedom party's election strategy for 1987 is essentially the same as it was during our 1985 election campaign. New members, supporters, a "hot" list of inquiries, greater financial support after the election period, etc., are our primary objectives. Actual vote totals are of little realistic consideration, since they can be predicted to be between 1-2% of the votes cast.
For a relatively new political party like Freedom Party, the opportunity presented by an election comes in the form of a chance to vastly increase our various resources; resources that are invaluable to us during the periods between elections. Our entire election literature and strategy will solely be geared to that end.
While our literature will promote Freedom Party's view of the issues in a general philosophical way, it will emphasize the activity and work Freedom Party does on behalf of freedom of choice, and most importantly, it will include a post-paid coupon that will invite further inquiries from voters.
Simply expressed, the return coupon is the central emphasis of our entire election strategy!
It is the vehicle that ultimately provides us with hundreds of inquiries (many very serious about getting involved) from various ridings and which allows us to expand our activities to those areas during non-election periods.
With that objective in mind, Freedom Party plans to field an increased number of campaigns [and of course, candidates] in London, Metro Toronto, and other Ontario ridings.
More campaigns. More candidates. More ridings.
All cost more money.
Freedom Party is at a crucial stage in its growth strategy. Contributions and memberships are at an all-time high. Nevertheless, over the next twelve months, Freedom Party must take its greatest step forward by achieving its ultimate goal: having Freedom Party's presence felt in every community in Ontario.
Admittedly, that's a long-term goal, and that's why we're employing a long-term strategy.
During the last election in 1985, which was the first election in which Freedom Party participated, only three candidates were fielded, covering each of London's three ridings. In the expected 1987 election, Freedom Party's objective is to field as many as ten candidates, each of whom will be provided with support for a credible campaign --- 20,000 promotional brochures for each riding and 20,000 post-paid response cards to accompany the brochures. All administration will be handled at Freedom Party headquarters in London, Ontario.
Budgets:To give you some idea of what is required to field ten lean but credible and productive campaigns, consider the following projections: 20,000 election brochures x 10 campaigns ...$5,000
Staples, gas, misc. supplies ... $500 Total Cost- Approximately $15,400 |
Thus, about $15,000 is the minimum amount required to run ten credible election campaigns. To put this in perspective for Freedom Party, consider that $15,000 is as much money as the party usually raises for operating expenses during an entire fiscal year, let alone for a 5-week election campaign! And of course, this does not account for other on-going campaigns and commitments made by the party.
Thus, what at first seems to be a modest proposal to field ten serious campaigns is really a substantial challenge, particularly in the financial aspect.
Manpower is also a great challenge, but this tends to be much more easily achievable in the emotionally exciting atmosphere of an election and will be discussed in future issues. It is remarkable however, how much can be achieved in 5 weeks by a small, dedicated group of people. Nevertheless, it is of course preferable to have as many people as possible to work on the same load.
As Fp Action Director, I will be responsible for the election campaign and will be working full-time on the campaigns during the entire election period. I will assist each riding campaign and visit frequently to ensure that all activities are proceeding smoothly.
Fp President and party leader Robert Metz will visit each riding at least once during the campaign for a pep talk, and perhaps to hold a media conference. He will participate in the election full-time, not only as party leader, but also as our candidate in the riding of London South. (in case any Fp supporters are not aware, Bob has worked as Freedom Party's full-time president since January 1984, when the party was officially-registered.)
Because every campaign will be handled through Election Headquarters (Fp's London Office), local candidates and their supporters will have relatively little to do with respect to coordinating administration, production, printing, strategy, media releases, etc. Instead, they'll be able to concentrate on getting literature delivered and signs put up in their ridings, while candidates attend all-candidates' meetings and personally respond to requests for information from voters and potential supporters.
It is important to re-emphasize and constantly stress that the number of votes received by each Freedom Party candidate is not our objective or concern. What is important is the mail-in and phone-in responses that each riding will receive. This will be elaborated on in more detail in the near future.
What you've just read is basically the nuts 'n' bolts of Freedom Party's Election 87 campaign strategy. Naturally, in keeping our strategy in mind, we also want to have our platform exposed to the voting public; we want to be seen as the freedom of choice alternative, and be there to criticize the other three parties, who are all competing to restrict our freedom of choice.
And we know everybody who gets involved will have fun, confident that Freedom Party has everything properly planned and timed. The 1985 election campaign was our first, yet every objective was met and a great deal of fun was had by everyone who participated.
Election 87! You should be a part of it!
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last updated on April 28, 2002
