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Hoadley Wins Big in Kalamazoo Primary, Offers Simple Lessons for SD Democrats

How can Democrats improve their batting average in South Dakota? Campaign like Jon Hoadley. The Vermillion HS debate alumnus won his Michigan legislative primary Tuesday, beating a 20-year member of the local county board and another challenger by taking 59% of the Democratic vote in District 60, around Kalamazoo.

How does a transplant from South Dakota beat a party stalwart and lifelong resident of his district? Two important parts of his victory appear to be starting early and talking like a Democrat:

"When we started this campaign in December of 2012 ... we had a vision that said we need a Michigan that really was responsive to people; that invested in education; that built an economy that worked for everybody; that protected our environment and promoted social justice; and tonight, we showed that Kalamazoo wants that too," Hoadley said [Alex Mitchell, "'Job Well Done,' Jon Hoadley Tells Supporters After Securing Democratic Nomination for 60th House District," MLive.com, 2014.08.07].

Hoadley started almost two years before the general election for the same reason Mike Rounds did here in South Dakota: he intended to use that time to raise money. That plan paid off:

Hoadley distanced himself from Buskirk through a strong fundraising campaign in which he raised $138,462 during two election cycles from Nov. 27, 2012 to July 20, 2014. That total more than tripled the $45,599 raised by Buskirk during the same span [Alex Mitchell, "'It's an Upsetting Loss,' Says David Buskirk of Defeat in 60th District Democratic Primary," MLive.com, 2014.08.06].

Campaigning for almost two years and raising lots of money—that may not sound easy, but South Dakota Democrats who think winning will be easy will not win.

Folks seeking more detailed advice on how to win elections can hire Hoadley and his team at Badlands Strategies, his apparently successful public relations firm.

Hoadley now has to beat Republican Mike Perrin in the general. If this Perrin video from 2012 is any indication, the articulate Hoadley should mop the floor with him. Go get him, Jon!

10 Comments

  1. Deb Geelsdottir 2014.08.09

    Gotta find Democrats with the passion, work ethic, and wisdom of George McGovern.

  2. Roger Cornelius 2014.08.09

    Quite frankly, Madvillians need to take over the South Democratic Party.

  3. caheidelberger Post author | 2014.08.09

    Oh, Roger, we talk a good game, and we are right about 95% of things ( :-) ), but do we have any organizing ability?

  4. Roger Cornelius 2014.08.09

    Hey Cory,

    We certainly couldn't do any worse than what is not being done now.

    We can have grudz be the leader of the party.

  5. scott 2014.08.10

    the other thing that helped hoadley, is he doesn't live in south dakota anymore.

  6. Deb Geelsdottir 2014.08.10

    Hey Larry, I know Arlen Hansen. (The author of the letter Larry linked to.) I pastored his church in Houghton in the late 90s. He's very smart and very determined to make SD a better state. He's also a lifetime farmer, businessman and agricultural expert. You can believe what he says.

  7. Jon Hoadley 2014.08.13

    Thank you for the kind article. As a trainer, a consultant, and a campaigner, I can't stress enough: start early and raise the resources (human and capital) your campaign needs to win.

    I'm excited about some of the work happening in SD right now. I'd be happy to help in any way possible.

  8. Deb Geelsdottir 2014.08.14

    Congratulations Mr. Hoadley.

  9. caheidelberger Post author | 2014.08.15

    Jon, I hope a lot of South Dakota candidates get in touch with you and put your skills to work. We can use your services! Now win that general election!

Comments are closed.