Learning how to ticket-split

I once campaigned for a GOP candidate for State Senator in a heavily Democratic precinct, so I had to persuade voters to split their tickets. Many had never done that before.

First, I tried talking about specific issues. That didn't work. Most voters didn't know or care much about the issues. They only knew the candidate’s party affiliation.

Next, I referred to my candidate as an "Independent Republican," thinking that would differentiate him from his running mates. (The term “Independent” was well-regarded at the time). That just confused them.

Finally, I wrote a letter - hoping people would read it – and stuffed it in mailboxes and slid it under doors. It urged them to vote for the Democratic candidates at the top of the ticket then cross over for my guy farther down the ballot.

I think that helped. Even though I lost the precinct 204-93, the next highest Republican received about 60 votes and most of the rest of them only around 30.