Republicans ride simplicity, momentum to victory

Frontiersman editorial board

Big sigh. By Wednesday morning, successful candidates were out on street corners waving "Thank you" signs, and the less fortunate were at home, probably feeling relieved that at least the ordeal was over. The ordeal, of course was a campaign season that seemed a mirror image to the month of March. The election season this year came in like a lamb and went out like a lion.

While candidates and those supporting or opposing one ballot measure or another were fairly quiet and civil in the beginning, the last two weeks, and especially the last four days were intense, to say the least. The Murkowski campaign was perhaps where that change of gears was most evident, and the opposition to Ballot Measure 2, the proposed move of the legislature to the Mat-Su Valley, was close behind.

Republicans around the country have employed a similar tactic, stepping up the intensity of their campaigns in the 72 hours before election day. As pro-Murkowski television, radio and print advertisements stepped up, including appearances from President George W. Bush and calls for a "Republican team" from well-known locals like Sarah Palin, you could almost feel the Murkowski-Lehman ticket gaining momentum. Murkowski's message was simple and easy to grasp, if non-specific, and that may have helped, too.

The same tactic was employed by those who opposed the Legislature move. A lot of money was spent to tell us that it would cost too much to move the legislature. Apparently no expense should be spared to keep the legislature where it is. Whatever the reasons, the anti-move people operated an intense campaign while the pro-move people seemed to fade into the shadows.

If there are lessons to be learned from this election -- nationally and locally -- those lessons are centered upon timing, momentum and message. Democrats seemed to maintain a consistent pace throughout the campaign season, while Republicans started slow and then sprinted to the finish line. Republicans also seemed to be focused, and they made their message simple and uncluttered with specifics. The Democrats, on the other hand, hadn't settled upon a common vision, and when they talked about solutions, it was tough talk, and it was often laden with specifics. It was the kind of talk that scares voters off or bores them.

Republicans seemed to understand that a clear and simple message delivered in a last-minute blitz will grab voters and will hold their attention for long enough to carry the day. Whether that speaks well or ill of our system, it is a reality the Democrats may be well-served to learn.