Carter Campaign “Strategy” #11

Save Face

District 5 Candidate Carter initially joined forces with District 3 Candidate Jonathan Glassel to launch a military style campaign aimed to oust incumbents. Their combined campaign marketing blitz first began in March 2008 as a blog titled, “South County Epitaph.” After many on-line articles, a “special edition” hard copy publication was distributed in late September to incumbent Robinson’s home town of Rush City. Indeed the initial public reaction was one of shock and awe, but quickly turned to anger and disgust over the obvious and repugnant smear campaign. Candidate Carter quickly responded to the backlash of negative public feedback by updating his campaign web site with a written apology and his personal “assurance” that he had absolutely nothing to do with Jonathan Glassel or his publication. Shortly thereafter a second wave of “Epitaph” mailings were circulated in District 5, some delivered to the same persons who had received the first mailing. The resurgent outcry of angry residents caused Candidate Carter to offer profuse “apologies” for the SNAFU at every public opportunity.

Perhaps the “shock and awe” campaign stirred the hearts and minds of uncommitted voters, or perhaps it reaffirmed the public’s negative image of Candidate Carter. Whatever the impact, the bold and blinding truth will be revealed by tomorrow’s historical election results.