The other night I attended Michele Iannello's fundraiser on a complimentary ticket. Since we don't take ads here, I can't give her free space in return. So I thought I would ladle out some free campaign guidance. I fancy myself as a political genius, but it must be remembered that the only winning campaigns I have ever been involved with resulted in me waiting 32 years in vain for my big patronage job. See Richiazzi Destroys My Political Career. Therefore these recommendations need to be viewed with some caution. Caveat Emptor is always good to keep in mind, and free advice is usually worth what you pay for it. Anyhow, here goes:
1) Make sure you and your family members actually live where you are registered to vote.
To do otherwise invites embarrassing media revelations.
See Old Av Article and WIVB report.
Fortunately, Michele's husband, Erie County Democratic Election Commissioner, Dennis Ward, registered where he actually lives soon after receiving my sage counsel in 2012. See Ward's Registration below:
Fortunately, Michele's husband, Erie County Democratic Election Commissioner, Dennis Ward, registered where he actually lives soon after receiving my sage counsel in 2012. See Ward's Registration below:
2) Just say no to racism.
The Third Legislative District is a City of Buffalo dominated precinct. Michele's native Town of Tonawanda is only about a third of the population. Unlike TTON, we have lots of African American voters in Buffalo. Therefore newspaper reports of African American campaign workers being ejected from the campaign and the resulting withdrawal of union support won't play well in the Third. Having a float in the Juneteenth Parade is a good idea.
3) Win somewhere.
In 2009, Michele took a 2800 vote beating from popular Canisius Professor, Kevin Hardwick. She lost in Grand Island, the Town of Tonawanda and every ward of the City of Tonawanda. Michele lost in 65 of 75 election districts (EDs). When she won an ED, it was usually by a slim margin; when she lost, she lost it big. It can be shown with mathematical precision that, if you lose in every city, town, ward and ED, you will lose the election.
4) Don't run at the same time as someone else in your household.
Voters don't like it when more than one person in a household runs for office. I guess that's just too greedy for common tastes. This is a stumbling block, as Michele's husband Dennis expects to receive a cross endorsement for Supreme Court Judge and effectively be appointed to a fourteen year term which will carry him to a high paid retirement.
5) Stay away from Bruising Fight for Control of the ECDC
There will be another big battle for control of the Erie County Democratic Committee this year. That means committeemen races galore. This should spur a big turnout in Buffalo. A corollary is that candidates should keep their distance from polarizing political figures. Once again, this is problematic. Michele's hubby Dennis is a major general in the intramural party wars and is busily working to rig the election again this year via weighted vote gaming using quirks in the laws governing ED redistricting. Perhaps it would be better if Dennis moved back to Amherst for a while?
