Veteran Republican Party pollster and strategist Steven Kinney of Public Opinion Strategies shares his insights on Campaign 2008. Specifically, the pitfalls GOP candidates should avoid during this unique political environment. Kinney, who has served as pollster for numerous Republican candidates in general election battles dating back decades, offers sage wisdom and key insight in campaigning during what is most likely the most difficult a time the Republican Party has faced since 1974, which was an election year immediately following the Watergate Scandal and the ensuing resignation of President Richard Nixon.

Kinney reminds his readers that young voters will be voting this year and standing away from President Bush (a new nationwide survey today pegs his support at a mere 25% approval) is not only prudent, but absolutely vital to the overall plan for Republican Party success.

For center-right bloggers, I would also like to call special attention to Steven Kinney's pointed and crystal clear call for avoidance of  "Making any jokes, analysis, or comment about Barack Obama's race or name. No matter how harmlessly meant, it will create an epic firestorm in the press and the media."

It is my pleasure to provide the Red County San Bernardino's readership with Mr. Kinney's counsel and advice. I encourage all Republican candidates, news makers and opinion leaders to pay heed.

From Steve Kinney: "The Election of 2008"

THE ELECTION OF 2008

Ten Do's For 2008
Do.......

1)  Have an edge to your message. Even in the positives - this is no time to be warm
and fuzzy.

2)  Be the candidate of change. Even if you ARE the incumbent.

3)  Be independent. Both in messaging and targeting.

4)  Make a list of issues of where you differ from the President and the GOP
establishment, and be prepared to talk about them.

5)  Talk about the economy, and show some "heat." Voters are upset; they want to
know you "get it."

6)  Have a message about energy and gas that is more than just "more domestic
drilling." That's not enough. Talk about alternative energy options such as wind
and solar, as well.

7)  Don't just be opposed to your Democratic opponent's plan to immediately
withdraw from Iraq. Talk about the need for continued drawdowns as the situation
continues to improve, and the need for Iraq to pay the bills with their oil
money.

8)  Run against Congress. Even if you ARE a Member of Congress.

9)  Target younger voters. This IS the year - they WILL vote.

10)  This is a "persuasion" election. Assume you have to convince voters to support
you, not just get them to the polls.

Ten Don'ts For 2008
Don't.......

1)  Mention George W. Bush. If you do, don't hesitate to tell voters where you and
the President differ on issues.

2)  Assume that the "change" wave won't affect your district. It will.

3)  Expect the GOP brand or the national political environment to change between
now and the election.

4)  Run the same campaign you ran in previous years and expect the same result.

5)  Make the passive choice when you are deciding between an aggressive campaign
option and a status quo/weak campaign option.

6)  Stop working until after the polls close. There are going to be a LOT of
heretofore safe Republicans who barely survive. . .or who barely lose.

7)  Don't tell people statistics in an effort to try to "prove" the economy is
better than they think it is. The economy IS what they think it is.

8)  Make any jokes, analysis, or comment about Barack Obama's race or name. No
matter how harmlessly meant, it will create an epic firestorm in the press and
the media.

9)  Let your Democratic opponent get up a head of steam - D's have the wind at their
back this election. Block their path. Demonstrate they are wrong for the job.

10)  Beat yourself. Raise money, define your opponent early and push the contrast
through election day.