I need some good DU expertise......I know you'll come thru

[BeachBuckeye]

A good friend of mine heads up a very large Democratic Club in S.W. Florida. They are about to send out a large, expensive mailing to Independent voters. The message must have a strong appeal to Independents.

Realizing that almost all of them are Independents because they like neither the Democratic nor the Republican parties, what do you say to them in a short "catch phrase" to attract them to our side this year. We know, through experience, most of them will NOT become permanent Democrats but we CAN sway them to our side this year. What can we say to them in a VERY short message that will bring them to our side this year. A sort of "we're not them" message only more clever. A "lesser of two evils" sort of thing without saying it that way. I don't like either of those messages but we need to deal with reality here. We're basically dealing with people who don't like our party. Thats why they are not now nor will they ever be Democrats.

I hope I haven't confused you too much on this. Its just that 100,000 heads are better than his and mine. you can answer on this thread or e-mail me at [email protected]

Best Regards,
Guy James

[Mz Pip]

1. Vote for change

A simple message that does not appear partisan works well with INdies. Focus on the need for change.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[Kingshakabobo]

2. I had a really good one in mind the other day but it slipped......

Here's one:

Vote Democratic. Because, after all, this country was FOUNDED on a system of checks and balances.

Too long?

[Green Mountain Dem]

3. I would suggest.......

2008...END OF AN ERROR!

[peacetalksforall]

4. Take back our country! Help us take back our country!.

(Except not all Democratic leaders seem to want to - we may be as hypocritical as they are when taken in whole.)

[Horse with no Name]

5. VOTE REPUBLICAN

if you want more deficit, secrecy, and illegal wars.

[kdmorris]

6. Given that it's SW Florida

You could find something that would emphasize the high homeowners insurance rates and insurance butt kissing that the Republicans have done.

Like one person said "Vote for change".

For example "Tired of paying too much for homeowners insurance? Vote Democrat!"

I know several indpendents on this side of the state that are going to vote Democrat just because of the "Businesscentric" attitude of the current Governor. Just be careful that they don't tar and feather Bill Nelson with the same brush.

And yes, this is a somewhat cheap way to do it, but THAT is what will get them. Because they understand THAT, but they don't understand or care about how the poor have fared, or universal health care or whatever.

[nascar55]

7. Think outside the box

or beltway in this case. Do what we did for Emily Kreider in Ohio. Find someone who is outside of the Political game to get ideas from. Check out this Ad for Emily Kreider

http://www.emilykreider.com/

[Joanne98]

8. King George is out of control. He needs a baby-sitter.

Give XXX a paddle and send XX to Congress.

[BeachBuckeye]

9. thanks.....keep 'em comin'

[sandnsea]

10. How about accentuating the positive?

Something like - "Democrats, Coming Around Again"

Florida passed a minimum wage in 2004, Democrats support a raise for the rest of the country
Florida supports real school reform and passed class size legislation (and whatever else), Democrats will work to respect the Florida voter
Democrats protected social security from the GOP chopping block
Democrats protecting Florida's beaches from off shore drilling
Democrats opposed turning ports over to foreign countries

Maybe if Democrats didn't buy into the right wing spin and spent more time tooting the Dem horn, people would stop believing they're voting for the lesser of two evils. Of course, I realize that would make for boring radio...

[no_hypocrisy]

11. Short and sweet: Vote for America. It Belongs to You. n/t

[Raffi Ella]

12. Got Democracy?

Then elaborate - let them know that the neoCONS have hijacked this government and the Republican owned CONgress and Senate has gone along with it every step of the way....

[EFerrari]

13. Republicans talk but they don't walk.

i.e, "they promised you safety, they left the borders open" and etc.

And hit open borders because talking about Iraq is in itself a quagmire. Most people don't know we've always had and always will have open borders. They don't know what that means.

[Joanne98]

14. Remember Peace and Prosperity? Vote Democrat and bring it back!

[Opusnone]

15. Mention Working People

And the Common Man.

[Joanne98]

16. CHANGE! Apply directing to the ballot!

[cal04]

17. I like this from Boxer

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said, "It's time to stop scaring the American people and start protecting us.''

[davsand]

18. Is your government working for you?

"Is deficit spending and war in Iraq working for you? Is outsourcing of American jobs helping you? Is it helping YOU and your family that gas prices are at an all time high? Is it helping YOU that the high paid lobby groups have bought YOUR representatives' votes?

Government for and BY the people. WE ARE the people and we will work to represent YOU and your interests.

VOTE DEMOCRATIC and take back your House / Senate."

----

Keep your text sparse, and keep it to the bullet points. You have about 5 seconds once that mailing hits their hands to pull them in.

All politics involves some level of self interest. Hit them with the reasons why they need new representatives, and make sure you take it back to the founding fathers' ideals just to wave that flag a bit more...


Good luck with that mailing.


Laura

[Nickster]

19. I like it. Very good stuff. I was just writing a paper for school about

Oil prices. Might want to add in some specifics like this that I found out today, the average gas price has risen 82% since the beginning of the Iraq debacle. Gas has risen 56% since the second Dubya inauguration. Or add in the number of lost jobs, 3.5 million to outsourcing. I always thought that specific tangible numbers helped to add some punch and make them more real for the average person.

[rug]

20. 2000 - 2006. Any questions?

[Joanne98]

21. TIRED of seeing RED? Vote BLUE! Vote DEMOCRAT for a CHANGE!

[BeachBuckeye]

22. I like it, I really like it. Thanks

[The Straight Story]

23. Is this the country you dreamed of growing up? Help put real leaders in

charge for a change.