4 Easy Steps To Enhance Your (And Our) Legislative Credibility

Over the next several months we'll be hearing a lot of campaign talk and promises from candidates seeking one of the Minnesota Constitutional Offices (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer) and candidates for the Minnesota House of Representatives (all 134 district seats are up for election in 1998).

Charitable gambling organization have a message to tell candidates this election year, and below are a few simple things you and your organization can do to make sure you are part of the electoral process, and to gain additional credibility with your next House member!

1. Get to know your next legislator by inviting legislative candidates in your area to one

of your organization1s regular meetings. Ask them questions about the issues that

concern you (taxes, regulation, etc.).

2. Let candidates get to know you by briefing them on your concerns and the role you

play in your (and their) community. Remember, many of theses candidates probably

don1t know much about charitable gambling. You need to educate them about your

charitable gambling problems and issues (particularly taxes). If they cannot attend your

regular meeting, ask them to meet with several members of your organization to discuss

your issues. Do not, however, endorse any candidate for public office.

3. Volunteer to work on legislative campaigns. Working on local campaigns is a great

way to really get to know your potential area legislators and establish a valuable personal

relationship. They need help with pounding lawn signs, door knocks and literature

drops, phoning, mailings, office work, etc.. Volunteer for what you would like to do!

4. Contribute to legislative candidates. You can contribute up to $50 ($100 with spouse

and joint return) and get all of your contribution returned to you from the state. It

doesn't cost you a dime and will let your candidate(s) know that you can be counted on to

help them get their message out.

Don't forget to get your message to our Constitutional Office candidates as well!

over the next few months and it is important that you take every opportunity to question

and discuss their stands on our charitable gambling issues (particularly the tax issue).

These two offices are pivotal for us and our future!

Doing any or all of the above is an investment in your (and our) future. Getting to know

those who represent you in St. Paul will greatly enhance your (and our) ability to work

with those elected officials during future legislative sessions!