How to Win: Conservatives Stop Duplicating Efforts

Over 20 years in statewide politic efforts and it keeps repeating: outside groups come in offering to do what is already being done

As a starved conservative in Michigan, I would first of all like to thank any American from outside our border for caring about our well-being in your desire to rally voters so we can win conservative seats.

However can I please beseech you to do it differently next time?

I say the following with 12 years of excutive experience leading a non-profit in our state, and numberous years part of other statewide efforts paid and volunteer. I have worked to “connect dots, make sure the right hand is aware of what the left hand is doing and work to get us all on the same page.

This year in Michigan? It’s a zoo.

The groups working in our state from outside the state are overwhelming in number.
I don’t know that any of us can keep up with who is doing what.

Here are my suggestions for 2025, 2026 and beyond.

If you live outside a state you want to influence, would you please take time to do the research to explore:

• Who exists already on the ground (many of them for years) doing what needs to be done that you can partner with? Perhaps give access to our database or supply with extra resources?

• Instead of “creating” a new thing and possibly duplicating efforts, please introduce yourself to the established groups in state so they are even aware you exist, know your heart, and see what you are doing

• Come in to serve the groups that already exist, vs push your own agenda.

For too long the conservative side has treated projects and elections as “one off” events: doing the campaign, building the list of people and then walking away. Organizations that live and breathe on the ground are here for the long haul. They have the databases, they know who to trust in many areas, and they are on the ground to continue building upon efforts after the election has gone and organizations have packed their bags moving on to other projects.

I mean it when I say to all those who have come in from out of state: thank you. We all want to win and I KNOW there are hearts of gold behind these movements.

Some of the populations we all wish to impact are so unique and finicky (homeschool community, faith based vote, college students, voters in general!) that in order to maximize impact you need to work with people who already know this arena.

In the future when outside groups partner with groups that already exist in the state — outside groups will be even more successful. You can save money and energy. You will be made to look like a hero. You will be an answered prayer to groups already kicking butt on the ground but perhaps in need of extra human and financial resources.

Just a word of wisdom for the future.

Carry on!