Spin Doctors Prescribed a Faulty Rx

Seeing the results of yesterday's Annapolis election, I was reminded of a recent Capital article on local campaign consultants helping out Annapolis campaigns. I thought it would be interesting to go back and see how each of the coached candidates fared on election day.

SpinRx Management Systems/C.B. & Melissa Currier :
George Kelley - Lost

Scott Strategies/Lawrence Scott:
Michael Christman - Won
Doug Burkhardt - Lost
Laura Townsend - Lost
Gilbert Renault - Lost

Vickey Wilcher, Washington, DC Advisor:
Wayne Taylor - Won

So, of those mentioned in the article who had paid advisors, only 1/3 won. At least one, Republican George Kelley, fared considerably worse (18 percent) than even late polling numbers suggested he would (~25 percent). Though, it was no secret that Republican support for Kelley was weak at best.

Nevertheless, the article does offer a couple of important takeaway points. The first is that, if you're out of touch with your constituents, it really doesn't matter how much you pay someone to polish your image. The second is former Mayor Al Hopkins' sage (and free) advice that if you really want to win, you'll get out and knock on doors. "You don't need a campaign .... You need your feet and your fists. This is City Council, not a federal office or state office."