Dean Levitan, MSHC Partners

Campaigns have come a long way since the days of whistle stops. They have become marketing ventures set with epiration dates. And like all good businesses, well-run political campaigns operate by the numbers, including budgets and plans. This session will cover the basics of putting an operation together from raising the funds to organizing the staff.

Successful campaigns have messages that appeal to and resonate with the voters. Scientists & engineers running for state and local offices have unique opportunities and challenges in developing and presenting their campaign message. This session examines how scientists and engineers can best develop and spread their message.

Author of The Revolution Will not be Televised

Joe Trippi is a veteran of the campaign trail, having been involved with six presidential campaigns. He has also worked on a more local level, running gubernatorial and mayoral campaigns. He is well known for pioneering the use of online technology to organize what became the largest grassroots movement in presidential politics for Howard Dean’s campaign. He will share insights from the trail, as well as explore the ways that the Internet has revolutionized political campaigns and how candidates can best tap the Internet to spread their message.

Student Opportunities

Roundtable discussion on student opportunities.

Running a Campaign

Roundtable discussion with former scientist/candidates.

• Developing your campaign: The S&E Campaign Chat Room
  Lesley Stone, Executive Director, SEA
• Joining the STEP-In Network
  Paul Bunje, Science & Technology Policy Fellow