Using Survey Information for Campaigns: John Kirchner, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

1. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Candidate Surveys and
Questionnaires

2. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Purpose
• Candidate Endorsements
– Provides a basis by which to endorse candidate(s)
• Voter/Member Education
– Even if a chamber does not endorse, they have an
opportunity to inform their members where
candidates stand on critical local/state/federal
business issues.

3. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Who to Survey
• Local
– City
– County
– School board
• State
– House/Senate legislative districts
• Federal
– US House/Senate

4. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Obstacles/Solutions
• Obstacles:
– Seen as too political
– Pushback from candidates
– Pushback from chamber members
• Solutions:
– Plan ahead and get buy-in from
board, government affairs committee, etc.
– Strength in numbers – partner with other local chambers

5. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Survey Results
• What to do with survey results:
– Publish in newsletter/e-newsletter
– Publish in newspaper
– Mail/distribute to members

6. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Importance
• Why are surveys important?
– Voter/member information
– Demonstrate value of chamber to
members/community
– Hold candidates/elected officials accountable
– Use in addition to candidate forums when not all
members can attend
– We survey members for events, programs, etc,
whey not candidates?

7. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Resources
• Local
– Members and key stakeholders
– Other local chambers
• State
– State Chamber/CCE
• Federal
– US Chamber

8. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Questions?

9. U . S . C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Thank You
John Kirchner
Executive Director, Midwest Region
(612) 619-2048
jkirchner@uschamber.com