The (Underrated) Key that Gets Politicians to Yes

It’s been said that the fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. And it’s true that chocolate chip zucchini bread has delivered me from many a grumpy mood. For politicians, though, the fastest way to their heart is often through their district.

What, pray tell, does that mean? Toss an ice cube in your lemonade and let’s get into this powerful tool.

Ours is a representative democracy; America is carved up into 435 U.S. House districts and 50 U.S. Senate districts (also known as states) that politicians are elected to represent in Congress. And these districts are all unique: some grow potatoes, some export petroleum, some have working waterfronts, some build airplanes, some build cars.

Here in my own Maine, blueberries and commercial fishing would be a much bigger deal than in, say, Montana. A U.S. Senate candidate in Louisiana might be a little off-base running on crop subsidies for corn farmers, but totally on point if she were running in Iowa.

The more we know about a politician’s district - the major employers, industries, economic drivers, demographics - the better positioned we are to frame an ask that lands itself logically in the politician’s political landscape.

Want more support for small businesses in a district with a lot of blueberries? You could talk about how blueberry farmers and folks who sell blueberry jam, ale, juices will be able to grow their businesses, hire more people, generate more revenue.

It goes without saying, but what the heck, let’s say it anyway: only use credible data and true stories. While plenty of folks play it fast and loose with the facts these days, we need not be among them.

A short message from me: This ad-free, free of charge newsletter (a monthly contribution is most welcome!) grows largely from readers like you forwarding it to 1-2 friends. If you know someone who could use a democracy pick-me-up, please send this along to them with my great thanks!

For those who aren’t satisfied with the 101 level and want to walk upstairs to the 201 level, here’s how to turbo charge your strategy.

The more we know about a politician’s district and the more we know about what a politician prioritizes in the district, the better positioned we are to frame an ask that lands itself logically in the politician’s political landscape as they see it (which is not necessarily the same as the way we see it).

Politicians are dropping clues all over the place about what matters to them.

• Who do they get earmarks for? Those are likely district priorities for them.
• Who do they quote in press releases? Those are likely district voices they value.
• Where do they do ribbon cuttings or site visits? Those are likely areas that matter to them.

Let’s say I want my Senator to increase funding for the PAWS (Pet And Women Safety) grant program, which makes it possible for victims of domestic violence to shelter with their pet/s.

First, I might want to find out what the unmet need is in the district and how jacking up funding could help meet that need (and make the Senator look like a hero if he did that).

Second, it could be helpful to see if the Senator has gotten funding for any shelters using the PAWS program, or at least visited one of those shelters.

It’s easy for politicians to say no to stuff. What we’re doing here is making it a little easier for them to say yes.

So the key hidden in plain sight to get politicians to yes is roughly the same as it would be for getting anyone to yes: frame an honest ask that aligns with what matters to them.

Did someone forward this to you? Welcome! I’m delighted you’re here.