Early last year, shortly after the 2000 elections, the Distinguished Gentlemen, Lloyd Doggett announced that he would not seek reelection for his House seat in 2002. This revelation came as quite a shock to Doggett supporters, but it was a pleasant surprise to a well-known Texas Senator such as myself. Being a Democrat who is well liked and respected within the Texas Senate, it was a clear calling for me to throw in the towel and run for his position within the House of Representatives. Two months ago Texas held its primary for seats in the House, and after a long and hard fought battle, I procured the nomination of my party. The 2002 elections are sneaking up on us, and in order to be successful in them, my staff and I have devised a "game plan," describing my strategy for the upcoming general election. In order to devise this plan, my staff and I had to answer four specific questions dealing with my campaign. These questions will be discussed throughout my essay. My wish is that other political hopefuls will be able to take this essay and learn from my successes as well as my mistakes.
             The first question I came upon before making my strategy was when and how do I want to spend my money. When would be the best time strategically to spend my money, and on what should I spend it on? Fortunately for our campaign we had done a great deal of fundraising prior to the primaries, and had to spend very little of it during the primaries because of our weak opposition. We therefore are anything but short of money, and can spend our money freely. But when would be the best time to spend it? History has proven to us that by spending your money early on in the race you increase your chance of success. The logistics of this are obvious for several reasons. First of all, it is essential to get your name out and known towards the beginning of the race. If people barely know you four or five months before the election, then you are ...