GUIDELINES

For Evaluating Prospective Candidates
The following list identifies characteristics of the ideal candidate. The Northern Virginia Green Party Steering Committee does not expect any candidate, particularly a new candidate to be strong in all areas. However, this framework should help the Committee identify the areas in which we can be most helpful. Further, these guidelines should help candidates assess the work they need to do to be successful.

Personal Base

• Individual networks
• Organizational networks
• Knows the community
• Active in the community
• Support from family/employer
• Knows the issues
• Personal long-range vision
• No skeletons
• Strong resume

Personal Factors

• Makes a good impression
• Speaks well in large and small groups
• Handles complexity & adversity well
• Appeals to the core voters
• Appeals to non-core voters
• Prepared (psychologically) to run as an underdog
• Clarity and consistency on issues
• Willing to raise difficult issues

Political Skills

• Relationship with Green Party elected officials
• Relationship with Green Party leaders
• Membership/leadership in the Green Party
• Campaign experience – running campaigns, working in campaigns
• Political vision – able to plan long-term
• Responsive to Green Party values

Campaign Strength

• Good staff
• Good volunteers
• Good organization
• Ability to raise money
• Good match-up against likely opposition