As I said in an earlier thread – Paul Thibault is clearly one of the best – if not the best – politician in Lancaster County.

His press conference is an example of using one of the best employed strategies in Politics 101. But before I talk about that – this best politician is in contrast with Lloyd Smucker who is clearly a newbie. It clearly shows in his response to my request to reveal the donors that he is bragging about. Anyone with any experience in campaigns would EXPECT that the press/the public are going to ask who your donors are if you are going to brag about the large amount of money you “raised”. Based on his response, I can only think of two thing – he didn’t actually raise the money (he might be counting money promised) OR he knows that the names of the donors will raise eyebrows! Either way it screams newbie all the way!

As for Paul? Hats off for execution! Paul has this HUGE problem of tax increases and expansion of government. He knows that these facts will be used against him- what do you do?

Maxim #1 “When you can’t fight it – feature it!”

Say you are known by some to be a drunk. When you are announcing your campaign, you bring up your PREVIOUS drinking problem and talk about how that’s going to make you a better person etc…

Now when your opponent bring up the drinking he looks like a jerk!

So how does this apply to Paul Thibault? Paul’s problem of tax increase is mitigated by HIM bringing the subject up! He says – I may have raised taxes but Jim Huber raised them even more! And besides – I had to spend money because Harrisburg was at fault!

I don’t know if voters will buy it, but it sure shows Paul’s skill and ability!

What struck me most about the event is the modest number of people (including a number of non-voters) but also the recycled signs from his county commissioner races. I know his campaign was in debt but couldn’t he afford a few hundred for some “Thibault for Senate” signs?! As a good dutch man, I appreciate the sentiment in cutting off “FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER” and using the top part of the sign “THIBAULT”. However, from this observant view, it looks cheap and frankly missing a chance to show-off the new signs!

While these events typically only have a handful of people, this is the largest public event that Thibault had since announcing. Remember his announcement that he’s running? Yowza – just Paul himself! No backdrop, no signs, no music with a BIG BIG BIG entrance. Is this an older more mature Thibault? Or is it just a “sign” that his campaign without the power and prestige of the courthouse is not catching on fire?

Time will tell.

rh

I looked at this article this morning and said to myself, oh, that's a big crowd, is that all the supporters he has. It probably is. I know that I don't want Mr. T the big spender in Hbg for 4 years.

I had a nice chat with Steve McDonald last night and he seemed to be very knowledgeable about what is going on in Hbg. He also feels very strongly about big government. He sees a need to downsize the gov and the budget. He seemed very receptive to several things that I think are important. Nice down to earth guy. Smucker and Tbow are going to have to go a long way to change my mind from voting for Mr. McDonald.