(Chuck Muth) – Imagine Republicans in the Nevada State Assembly not only getting out of their super-minority in November, but actually getting to 21 (or more seats) and ripping control out of the Democrats’ hands. Man, would THAT upset the apple cart! Gov. Lombardo has already endorsed five high-quality Assembly candidates in targeted, highly competitive districts – and a sixth is rumored to be coming out any time now. I know it’s a longshot, but if a couple things break our way he could run the table. That would cut the Democrats’ current super-majority of 28-14 to 22-20. Which means picking up just ONE non-targeted seat could give Republicans a 21-21 tie – something that hasn’t happened since Gingrich’s “Republican Revolution” in 1994. As John Lennon famously put it, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us…” Well, today’s the day! If I had a nickel for every time a Republican told me they wanted to volunteer to help elect more Republicans only to see the GOP drop the ball or give them “busy work” that doesn’t really help elect more Republicans (“Here, lick these envelopes”) … I’d able to afford a car newer than 2006! Look, when it comes to the ground game the Republican Party, and too many campaign managers/consultants, do door-to-door voter contact wrong because, as they say, “This is how we’ve always done it.” Yeah. And how’s that worked out for us? Remember 2022? How many times did you hear about how the GOP knocked on “hundreds of thousands” of doors…only to lose the U.S. Senate race by fewer than 8,000 votes while over 175,000+ active registered Republicans stayed home and didn’t cast a ballot? In addition, as much as I oppose automatic mail-in ballots and vote harvesting, those are now the law of the land. We either adapt and change how we do things or get flushed down the “jon ralston” again this November. So here’s the exciting news in case you want to get off the sidelines and into the game with me this year… Ove the last three election cycles, I’ve been directly involved in winning three races that “everybody” said couldn’t be won. We did it by disrupting “the way things have always been done” and doing things differently. Well, people have been telling me that Assembly District 8 in Clark County can’t be won by a Republican. And when I’m told something can’t be done, THAT’S what I like to sink my teeth into. Like how “everybody” told me we couldn’t get the voter files cleaned up. But our Pigpen Project has proven those nay-sayers wrong, too. Anyway, while most candidates and their “professional” campaign managers refuse to try doing things differently, Kelly Chapman – the Republican running in AD8 – is ready, willing, and able to try some out-of-the-box things in her race.
Truth be told, my area of expertise is decidedly NOT in field operations. However, I know some GREAT people who are willing to help Kelly put together a ground game that’s different from “how we’ve always done it” but has never been tried before (more on that in a minute). Is this of possible interest to you? If so, read on. Here are some things I’ve learned about Kelly over the past few weeks working with her at Campaign Boot Camp. First, if you haven’t met her yet, you’re gonna LOVE her. She’s charming, intelligent, informed, has a great sense of humor, and terrific people skills. You meet her and you just can’t help but like her. She’s one of the most impressive candidates I’ve come across in recent years. She’s a former casino pit boss for high-limit blackjack, baccarat, and roulette – so she certainly knows about our state’s largest industry from the WORKER’S perspective (meaning, voters), not the bean counters and the suits. Kelly’s also been attending my campaign boot camps for the past several weeks, so she’s put in the time and effort to get to know the things she doesn’t know. More importantly, she “gets” marketing and how important it is to be a “purple cow” that stands out from the crowd. In fact, the thing that impressed me most the first time I met her is that she’d already printed up decks of playing cards with her campaign info on the back.
I didn’t give her that idea. That was all Kelly. She has the mind of a MARKETER. And understands that elections are about persuading people to support and vote for you, not your boring “10-point platform for education reform.” (yawn) Plus, she doesn’t just talk about doing things, she IMPLEMENTS them. But Kelly’s is also realistic. She knows this is an uphill challenge. However, she’s completely unafraid of taking it on and, like me, would love to prove all the “experts” wrong and help protect Gov. Lombardo’s veto power. Now, about the race. The “experts” say it can’t be done because there are about 5,000 more registered Democrats in the district than Republicans. And a little over 18,000 non-partisans out of more than 47,000 total voters. However, only 20,517 people voted in this race in 2022 – far less than HALF of active registered voters – and the Republican only lost by 2,433 votes. In that race, the Democrat incumbent raised over $240,000 while the GOP candidate raised just over $24,000…a 10-to-1 spending advantage! But don’t let that scare you. The Republican, who didn’t mount much of a campaign, STILL came within 6 points of the Democrat. And as I teach in my campaign training workshops, you don’t have to raise as much money as your opponent; only enough to execute your strategic campaign plan. And Kelly won’t need anywhere near a quarter-million dollars to do so (we’re still drafting the budget). Oh, and she’s already “seeded” her campaign with $15,000 out of her own pocket. Still, a tough race. But “impossible”? Hell, no!!! Now, if you’re only interested in the presidential race, the U.S. Senate race, the three competitive congressional races, or the top-targeted legislative races…this AD8 race isn’t for you. If you’re faint of heart, averse to risk, and only want to work on cherry-picked, slam-dunk races…this AD8 race isn’t for you. If you’re worried about what Jon Ralston, the rest of the liberal media, and the Democrats (same thing) might say about you…this AD8 race isn’t for you. However… If you want to be part of something BIG and EXCITING by getting involved in a high-risk/high-reward campaign that’s gonna disrupt the typical “how we’ve always done things” mentality and maybe pull a rabbit out of the hat… This is where you wanna be! I know this is where I’m gonna be. I love a good fight. But even more importantly, I love proving the “experts” wrong. And if you’d like to join me on this adventure, here are three things you can do right now… 1.) We’re developing a new campaign e-newsletter – “Kelly’s Korner” – where we’ll be detailing her background, experience, and positions on issues, as well as breaking news and updates – including taking the fight directly to her incumbent Democrat opponent.
And, um, by the way…I’ve already heard there might be a skeleton or two in her opponent’s closet that didn’t pop out last time. If/when they do, voters in this district are NOT gonna to be happy campers about it. Kelly Chapman’s no shrinking violet. And definitely not just another pretty face. So the first thing to do right now is simply to sign up for her emails. Through those we’ll be letting you know how you can help spread “The Gospel According to Kelly” which you can then share on your social media accounts, etc. CLICK HERE (scroll down to the bottom-right) 2.) As noted earlier, Kelly’s put her money where her mouth is. She is, as pit bosses and poker players say, “all in.” And if her gamble pays off, she could be the all-important 21st Republican member of the 2024 Nevada Legislature. That would not only protect the governor’s veto, but force Democrats in the Assembly to share power with Republicans. Suuuu-weet! Now, I’m not asking you to also go “all in” on Kelly’s race…yet. We’re still organizing and developing a comprehensive written campaign plan and getting all our ducks in a row. But in honor of Kelly possibly being the 21st seat in the 2024 Legislature, would you please consider donating an opening ante of $21.24? Or, if you’re really intrigued with the prospect of being part of this new “Mission Impossible” campaign, maybe invest $212.40…or even $2,124.00? CLICK HERE (maximum donation if $5,000 for the primary) 3.) Of course, not everybody can afford to write a big check. But that’s OK. If you’ve been frustrated trying to volunteer to help Republicans in the past because the various party organizations would rather fight over silly rules and bylaws than actually get candidates elected… WE WANT YOU! The volunteer grassroots campaign we’re putting together will level the playing field with the Democrat incumbent. Kelly’s volunteer army will be The Great Equalizer against Mr. Money Bags. And not only will you be involved in doing some new things that will actually make a difference, I’m pretty sure we’re gonna make it FUN, too. So if you’ve ever wanted to be part of something big in politics, this is the place for you in 2024. We’re gonna host a short precinct volunteer recruitment and training meeting for Kelly’s campaign on Saturday, March 9 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. You don’t have to live in her district and no experience is necessary. In fact, since some of the things we’re gonna be doing have never been done before, the reality is that NOBODY (even me) is experienced in this arena. So you’re gonna feel right at home and I guarantee you’ll meet a lot of great, like-minded people. We can’t book a meeting venue until we know how many people want to attend. So if you’re possibly interested and can make it, please shoot an email to Kelly at Kelly@Chapman4Nevada.com. She’ll put you on the list and will update you on the location once it’s set. And while you’ve got her attention, feel free to ask her any questions you have. OK, that’s enough for now. I’ve been out-of-town doing campaign training workshops and other meetings in northern Nevada for the last five days and my boy “Koda” is bugging the heck out of me to take him up to the dog park for a little exercise. For those of you who want to join us in this venture, saddle up. We ride at dawn! Chuck P.S. Sorry, one last pitch for helping Kelly… Her Assembly district sits inside Senate District 11 – where Gov. Lombardo has already endorsed Lori Rogich – and this may be the ONLY district Republicans have a realistic shot at flipping this year and keeping the GOP Senate OUT of a super-minority. So even if Kelly isn’t successful in winning her own seat, if she can help drive up turnout in AD8, it just might help put Lori over the top. This is a team sport, folks. As William Shakespeare put it, “Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno.” (That means “One for all, all for one,” Ralston) DISCLAIMER I am NOT a paid consultant for Kelly’s primary campaign. I’m doing this one pro bono (that means “free,” Ralston). That’s how strongly I believe in her and this race’s possibilities. A FEW OF KELLY’S FAVORITE THINGS…
- Date of Birth: June 3, 1978
- Grew up: Las Vegas
- Favorite Activities: Roller Skating, Sunbathing on the Beach, Staying at Home with Family and the Dogs
- Favorite Holiday: Christmas
- Favorite Movies: Sixteen Candles, Coming to America, Purple Rain, Harry Potter
- Favorite Comedians: Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart
- Favorite Guilty Pleasure: Anything Real Housewives
- Favorite Musicians: Prince, Post Malone, Justin Timberlake, Lil Wayne, Luther Vandross, NKOTB
- Favorite Athletes: Tom Brady, Larry Bird, Rod Smith (Broncos)
- Favorite Food: Lebanese
- Favorite Vacation Spot: Cancun
- Favorite Decade: The 80’s
- Favorite Dog Breed: Weimaraner (I may be a bit biased)
FAMOUS LAST WORDS “The Irish tell the story of a man who arrived at the gates of Heaven and asked to be let in. St. Peter said, ‘Of course, just show us your scars.’ The man said, ‘I have no scars.’ And St. Peter replied, ‘What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?’” – Martin Sheen
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