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If participants in this year’s campaign management seminar use what they learned, they’re more likely to win their races, according to the seminar’s presenter.

"If they (participants) follow this plan, they’ll win" said Brad Eckert, AFBF director of public policy and primary presenter at the Campaign Management Seminar 2003 held in late September near Columbus.

Co-presenter Linda Johnson, AFBF senior director of policy implementation, said the program was originally geared to getting more Farm Bureau members involved in the election process.

"The more (Farm Bureau members) who choose to run for office the better," she said. The seminar also helps Farm Bureau identify "agriculture-friendly" candidates.

"We don’t have to sell (promote) the great materials we provide," Eckert said. "What we sell is that this (method of running a political campaign) works."

About 30 candidates, spouses or campaign managers participated in the bipartisan program that was developed by AFBF. The two-day seminar included a case campaign where participants were divided into groups and made decisions for a fictitious candidate. Those decisions were entered into a computer program with each team learning how its decisions impacted the case campaign.

For participant Harry Snyder, a 2004 candidate for Ohio’s 88th district House seat, the experience was "priceless."

"I’d always heard about the quality of this program," Snyder said. "You learn the basics of a political campaign. I’m walking away more focused. This was well worth my time."

Huron County Clerk of Courts Susan Hazel attended to learn how to run her first bid for election. She was appointed to her post to fill an unexpired term.

The seminar gave Hazel "lots of specific ideas and emphasized the importance of being prepared," she said.

Also participating in the program was Bob Wilson, AFBF senior director of leadership development.

"When (participants) get done with the school, they understand the theory behind every decision they make during a campaign," said Deering Dyer, OFBF director of political education. "What they learned at this seminar will help them make better decisions and run successful campaigns."