For years, seasoned political consultants have warned candidates about the pitfalls of relying on eager but uninformed precinct committeemen to spread their message to voters. Recently, an exchange caught on a doorbell camera between a candidate for office and a precinct committeeperson brought into sharp focus the pitfalls of candidates using surrogates rather old-fashioned door-knocking themselves.
The exchange, featured in a recent Green Valley News newsletter, shows an encounter between candidate for the Pima County Board of Supervisors John Backer and a Precinct Committeeperson (PC). The popular YouTube video of the chance meeting has sparked conversations about how important PC’s are and the effect they have on campaigns.
In the video, the PC in question is obviously completely unaware that she is talking to the person she is talking about.
After failing to ask Backer his name or show in any interest in the person whose door she knocked on and who she hopes to win over, the PC proceeds to campaign for her chosen Republican candidates. Despite her lack of curiosity, the always amiable Backer asks her about the candidates running for Pima County Board of Supervisors and that is when the awkward election moment takes place – watch the exchange below.
Casting a vote is not enough, as a voter it is your responsibility to understand the differences in candidates and the propositions you are voting for and against. There are several resources to be an informed voter – websites, endorsements, meetings, videos, interviews, social media, and your local party officials.
If someone you trust tells you who they are supporting, ask why – understand why they choose one candidate over another. For candidates, consider their education, experience, and their reputation – trust but verify what you are told. If you have questions, reach out to candidates for answers. For propositions, consider the pros and cons and how the proposition might impact you and those you care about.
