Life-long campaign worker shares insight

Gail Nuckols has been working campaigns her whole life.

“I love politics. A lot of things are going on in the country that need to be fixed to make it better for everybody,” said Nuckols, who has worked on campaigns since high school.

These days the president of South Eastern Tulare County Republican Women (SETCO) is busy gearing up for the upcoming Nov. 6 election by volunteering at the Tulare County Republican Office at 211 N. Main St.

“We were very fortunate to get this location. People are aware we’re here,” stated Nuckols.

With bumper stickers, leaflets and pamphlets at the ready, she is able to answer any questions voters might have.

“A lot of people are confused on the propositions. We have information out there and we can just give you suggestions,” stated Nuckols, who added that it is important to vote no matter what party you affiliate with.

“It’s important that we support the country. It’s a free country. A lot of people can’t do this,” added Nuckols, who explained some of the mechanics of a campaign.

In order to have a campaign, a candidate must have three things. First, the money must be present.

“Money drives the machine,” stated Nuckols.

Then the candidate must have a base group of people who are willing to volunteer their time to rally more voters. Finally, the candidate must have a handler.

“The handler keeps a time line, sets up interviews and coordinates media,” added Nuckols.

As soon as the candidates are announced after the primary, the volunteers are set to work.

For example, she talked about Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

“We start working on where we’re gonna be and how we’re gonna support him [Mitt Romney],” stated Nuckols.

Locally, the workers have helped Assemblyman David Valadao who represents the 30th Assembly District.  

“We had two interns who solicited kids from the high school to call everyone in the district, both sides, and see where they are,” explained Nuckols.

She said that during election night it gets busy.

“People are in and out,” said Nuckols.

On that night the volunteers call voters to remind them to vote and others poll-watch which involves people sitting at the polls to make sure that voter fraud does not occur.

Her advice for future campaign workers is salient.

“The more people you have with the same idea the more power to get things changed,” added Nuckols.