|
Following the success of the Republicans in the 2010 elections, things looked kind of bleak for Democrats across the land. But then Wisconsin happened. Governor Scott Walker, a Republican, supported bills in the state legislature that limited collective bargaining rights of some unionized government employees. The move sparked weeks of large protests, and the absence of some Democratic lawmakers, until the changes were pushed through. So ended act one of the great drama.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin began an effort to recall Republican state legislators allied with Walker, with six of them facing opponents in new elections in July and August. As part of the campaign, a #10 mailer was dropped to raise additional funds. The front of the mailing shows stacks of paper and a picture of the governor with the teaser: "The petitions are in. The recall has begun. Stand up to Scott Walker today." The opposite side of the envelope, save for the address window and the party logo and address in the corner card, is a striking photo of demonstrators massed outside the capitol building in Madison. To Democrat supporters, it's a powerful 1-2 opening combo that lets them know that the party is taking action and needs their help.
The letter inside is only three pages long, simply reminding the voters of what's already happened, and the need to prevail to preserve the middle class, promising "we won't let them get away with it". The stakes are high, the letter continues, not only for Wisconsin, but also because of similar battles going on elsewhere.
Ultimately, the Democrats succeeded in recalling only two of the six legislators. But the fight goes on; a new recall push has been launched, this time, of Walker himself, as well as other legislators. Moreover, the controversy has galvanized supporters of both sides in other states as well.
|
Secrets of Direct Marketing Testing
PURLs for Profit
