With the Trump Administration faltering, we expect 2018 to be a good year for Democrats. A lot of people are thinking about running for the first time next year. Maybe you're one of them!

Here are our top four tips for starting your campaign...

1. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to run?" If you can't answer that question - or if it seems like you'd be running for the wrong reasons - you might want to reconsider. You will dedicate more time, energy, and resources to your campaign than to anything else in your life up to this point. If you're not committed, or if you're not doing it for a reason bigger than yourself, remember you still have time to walk away.
2. Figure out the financials now. Once you have decided you definitely want to run, the next thing is figuring out if it is even possible, financially. How much money will you need to win? How much money do you think you can raise? How much money do you know you can raise? Put together some spreadsheets with a dollar amount next to everyone important to you to get started.
   
3. Start spreading the news. Let people in the know that you're thinkingabout running. Not only will they appreciate it, but they can give you advice (some of which will be good) and recommend individuals for you to meet. You can also bring them in as early supporters for your fundraising efforts.
   
4. Start looking for a consultant. Political consultants who work with new candidates know the process very well and can help you in ways you didn't know you needed help. The earlier you bring on your General Consultant (GC), the earlier he or she can start the processes of planning and putting you in front of the institutional players you need to win. Hopefully you will consider HSG Campaigns for your GC needs. :)

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“The team at HSG Campaigns has a strong understanding of elections and the voters who participate in them. They work fairly with you and are able to provide great advice, clarity, and support. I would recommend them to my fellow city and district administrators for their own ballot measures.”

- Brian Saeki, City Manager, Covina, California

This week Dave is recommending, The Oregon Trail: A New American Journeyby Rinker Buck.

"In 2011, Buck and his brother decided to get a covered wagon and mules to re-create the journey of the Oregon Trail. Part history, part diary, The Oregon Trail rediscovers and brings alive an often-forgotten but monumentally important episode of American history."