TALLAHASSEE TRIP
April 14-16, 2005
This was the first opportunity for the entire
group to get together and like all new encounters it held elements
of expectation, anticipation, excitement, and a little anxiety for
me. I knew I had been selected to be part of something new in Florida
and after having met Judy Arranz, Judith Albertelli, and Pat Bailey
at my interview; I knew I was in for a terrific learning experience.
The timing for the meeting in Tallahassee coincided
with the Republican Party of Florida’s Annual Meeting and
as State Committeewoman from my area I was familiar with the framework
of these meetings. We arrived in the area on Thursday and after
housekeeping chores were settled, Christina Shepard gave a briefing
on the Republican Party and its operation. Terry Kester, Chairman
of Party Development, stopped by as did Gail Cooper, RPOF’s
event planner. This day was particularly exciting for the RPOF because
it was celebrating the payoff of the building and the reception
in the evening was in honor of “burning the mortgage.”
Carole Jean Jordan, President of the RPOF stopped by and told us
how the Republican Party had come to obtain a majority and that
it was important to our values not to forget the past, but continue
the grassroots efforts all over the state.
As the first Tillie Fowler Series participants, one of our missions
during the year was to introduce the Series to the people of Florida.
What better way to do this than to start at the evening reception,
which promised to have many high-ranking members of the Party participating.
The opportunity to promote the TFS brought with it a challenge from
Judy and Judith to collect business cards from people attending
the reception. This challenge issued in the name of Tillie Fowler
gave us the incentive and courage to talk to strangers and make
new contacts. Many influential people did attend this “Mortgage
Burning” and it was a terrific way to promote Tillie Fowler.
The highlight of the entire weekend came on Friday
with the opportunity to spend time with two dynamic women. Lt. Governor
Toni Jennings spoke with us around a table in a most candid discussion
of women in politics and about her journey to Lt. Governor. She
included some strategies that she followed when she began her career
i.e. concentrating on financial issues vs. education or health issues
which are typically championed by women. It was a privilege to spend
an hour and 45 minutes with this dynamic woman.
Sandra Mortham, Executive Vice President of the Florida Medical
Assoc., was our second interview. She spoke from the heart and it
was obvious she cared deeply for our cause, which is to promote/prepare
more women for leadership positions. Her assessment of her rise
to Secretary of State and her eventual defeat for re-election was
candid and honest. She said that loyalty to your supporters was
the most important thing for an elected official. I think her comments
touched me, because my husband knew her
and spoke highly of her leadership ability and campaign prowess.
I came away with the feeling that I had a friend in high places
and if I needed advise, I could pick up the phone and call. Great
Day! Great Weekend!
WASHINGTON TRIP
MAY 10-12, 2005
This weekend brought home the fact that the Tillie
Fowler Excellence in Public Service Series was part of a bigger
movement. After our experience on the State level in April, this
put into perspective what our inaugural class was all about. Learning
about the Richard Lugar Series and seeing the participation of women
from all over the United States, including Alaska, opened my eyes
to the fact that our party recognizes the need for participation
from women and it supports that need with concrete dollars and energy
to educate and prepare women for these rolls.
The speakers that took time to address our group demonstrated the
clout of this gathering. Al Hubbard, Director of the Economic Policy
Council spoke of the major issue facing the nation- social security
reform. Elaine Chow, Secretary of Labor, covered issues of women
in business in the United States, availability of health care to
small businesses, and job creation. Michael Chertoff, Secretary
of Homeland Security, discussed the efforts being taken to protect
against terrorism on all levels. It was a heady group of speakers
and their messages were timely, but of more consequence to me was
being part of a group that can solicit national leaders and their
comments. This drove home the importance of participation in the
Tillie Fowler Series and that important leaders in the Republican
Party, also, recognize the value of this nationwide leadership movement.
Participating in the press conference held by Elizabeth Dole and
Katherine Harris on the steps of the Capitol was a hands-on-way
to experience the workings of politics. It was exhilarating and
an honor just to be involved.
The luncheon speaker, John Ray Bender, focused his comments on political
advertising and media exposure. The topic was interesting and he
did a great presentation using footage from campaigns that showed
the effectiveness of advertising strategies. He did say that someone
must see your add 10 times before it leaves an impression which
certainly explains the volume of campaign adds produced during an
election cycle.
Presentations from the inaugural leadership series classes were
the highlight of the evening dinner. Before dinner, mingling with
participants in other series, I learned that while each state may
use a slightly different format, the goals were the same, to prepare
women for leadership roles in our community.
JACKSONVILLE
SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2005
DOWN TO THE NUTS AND BOLTS
So much was packed into this weekend. Each participant
came to this weekend prepared to have a campaign speech video taped
and critiqued. There was so much important information distributed
that it I am still digesting some of it. Thurs. began with Pat Bailey
discussing how to put your best foot forward. She covered everything
from undergarments to how to search the Internet for smart shopping
purchases. An overall assessment of each participant’s clothing
and hairstyle was extremely helpful to me. I came away with dos
and don’ts both for the campaign trail and during interviews.
Barry Plans, Florida Film Advisory Council, was a gem. He devoted
most of his day to filming our speeches and acting as the devil’s
advocate in trying to demonstrate how reporters will use techniques
to fluster and divert the message we are trying to deliver. John
Casey joined Barry and acted as an interviewer with questions and
comments trying to provoke and muddy the issues. It was one of the
most valuable learning scenarios with which I have been a participant.
After the taping, these two participated in a critique of the speech
and made frank and candid suggestions for improving. It was nerve-wracking,
but necessary.
On Friday, Shannon Hewitt, a lobbyist for Fiorentino
and Associates, gave us a look at how lobbyists work and why they
are valuable in the political arena. The handout about government
relations helped explain the relationship between lobbyists, their
clients, and the legislative process.
Ann Voss and Judith Albertelli gave their unique perspectives on
campaigning and fundraising. Both have been involved in all types
of campaigns from the district to national level and introduced
the phrase “kitchen cabinet” to our vocabulary. They
drove home the importance of a written plan and gave instructions
and questions you must answer before taking on a campaign, how to
do a plan once you decide to go forward, and how to put the plan
into action. The questions are insightful and must be answered honestly.
These women know the value of women in politics and founded the
Women’s Political Network to help foster a greater involvement
of women in policy-making roles. It is hard to find someone that
will talk strategy, but this discussion covered some elements of
strategy and I know that Ann or Judith would be available to answer
questions, if I need their advice. Such a valuable tool!
John Casey of The Casey Group gave unselfishly of his time and expertise.
He answered questions concerning campaign fundraising and drove
home the fact that money is the mother’s milk of politics.
Having done this before for my own campaign, I knew the most important
thing you can do to fund raise is ASK FOR THE MONEY. It still doesn’t
make it any easier. I learned the importance of the Leesburg Grid,
writing a plan, using a calendar, meeting goals, assessing the plan,
developing a budget, doing a benchmark poll, developing polling
questions, studying demographics, and using endorsement cards and
petition letters
Cindy Bergin blew into our room like a breeze and when she left,
I felt like I had been blown around by a blizzard. She is a powerhouse
and the pyramid she gave us for fund raising is in my campaign folder
to be used in the future. Her handouts on event planning, campaign
responsibilities, hosting parties, and sample invitations were a
wonderful addition to the campaign plan. She was down to earth and
simply stated that fundraising was too important to leave to someone
else. The important statement for me was when she justified asking
someone for money as an investment in good government. That is a
reply I can make to the question, “Why should I contribute
to your campaign?” IT IS AN INVESTMENT IN GOOD GOVERNMENT!!
Kerry McCarthy, a political fundraiser and campaigner, admonished
us that the news media is NOT the enemy and showed us how we can
use the media to our benefit. Her suggestions on press kits, follow-up,
establishing positive relationships with media helped mellow the
experience we received from Barry (when he created an adversarial
relationship for illustration purposes on what “not to do”
during an interview/taping.). Her information touched on buying
commercial ad time and some things that should be considered prior
to purchasing the time. It was terrific advise with concrete suggestions.
Perfect!
What can I say about Bev Kilmer that hasn’t been said before?
I hope all participants have the opportunity to share the candid
discussion she gave our group. Her story is truly a remarkable learning
experience and shows that if you believe in yourself, and you work
for it, you can have it. Her campaign for the Florida Legislature
and then for U.S. Congress sent the message that if you are the
candidate; you must remain true to your instincts and beliefs. I
hope Bev will continue to give of herself to future Series participants.
TAMPA
NOVEMBER 3-4, 2005
This was our last weekend and we came prepared
to deliver a short speech on “Why Am I Running for Office”
to be video taped by Barry Plans. Several of the girls were to re-tape
their original speech after editing by John Casey. The best part
of these tapings was that each of us received the tapes for future
viewing. Each of us had developed a campaign plan for our next election
and was to receive comments on the plan. Ann Voss began the session
by talking about determining the number of votes needed to win your
election – the target votes and how to code the precincts
so as to know how to reach the voters in the precinct. She discussed
the importance of walking, mail-outs, possibility of using DVD’s,
direct mail, making sure your tri-fold will goes into an envelope
to mail to absentee voters, and other forms of media to use during
campaigning. Ann, Judith, and Judy commented on the various campaign
plans. It was decided that since this plan was a working document
and was valuable to its owner, that we would not exchange them.
Representative Leslie Waters washed in on the Water’s Wave.
She was a prime example of how you can establish some gimmick and
make it work for you. I heard her speak at an RPOF session and she
made everyone do the Water’s Wave. At the time I thought it
was a bit much, but I’ve never forgotten her name or the gimmick.
So I guess it works. The hint Ms. Water’s left me was to use
the notepads printed with your name and office as doorknockers.
Every time you write on the paper, the voter sees your name and
your logo. (Ten times is all it takes!!) She spoke on Government
In The Sunshine, and it was obvious that there are many muddy areas.
The best advice is to ask if you think there may be a conflict.
As an elected official, I ask our attorney if I have any doubt.
This weekend was held in conjunction with an RPOF quarterly meeting.
During the meeting we learned that Tillie Fowler’s name was
on the list of 10 possible selectees into the Florida Women’s
Hall of Fame. Gov. Bush could select up to three. It was a terrific
opportunity to advance Tillie Fowler and her Leadership Series.
During the reception at the Columbia Restaurant on Friday night,
we collected signatures on petitions. Many of us went home and collected
additional signatures and it was announced on March 15th that the
Governor had selected Tillie Fowler as an inductee into the Florida
Women’s Hall of Fame.
|
