You say the statewide political races this year are good news for job-seekers. What kinds of jobs are we talking about?
Over the past few decades, campaigning has grown increasingly complex and increasingly specialized. There’s much more demand for specialized skills across a wide array of areas that include fundraising, polling, media management and media strategy, to name but a few. And this is above and beyond things like field organization and grassroots mobilization that campaigns have always had a need for.
Does the new Supreme Court decision loosening the restrictions on corporate giving help create these jobs?
Absolutely. The speculation is it will introduce a lot more money into the political process. We’re likely to see spending top $200 million for races in New York state alone. That’s phenomenal when you think that in 2004, the presidential candidates spent that.
Are there workers from specific industries whose skill sets might be a good fit?
Campaign finance regulations often require very specialized training in accounting and financial management, so accountants coming out of the business world might find opportunities in campaigns. Similarly, the legal environment in which campaigns operate has also become increasingly complex, so lawyers will find opportunities to help candidates interpret and apply election law, campaign finance law and other legal and regulatory details.
How can people find these jobs, beyond having a direct connection to a candidate?
One possibility is to look at industry sources — magazines devoted to professional politics, associations like the American Organization of Political Consultants. And, of course, staying active in the community is probably the best way to stay alert in terms of what’s going on and taking advantage of what might be available.
Who pays better, Democrats, Republicans or Greens?
It probably won’t be the Greens, but I think the parties are pretty competitive.