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Running for Public Office A Nurse’s Perspective

Evelyn D. Quigley, MN, RN

Saturday, January 17, 2015

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• Purpose– To inspire nurses to become more engaged in

public service by describing available opportunities

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• Objectives– Present supporting evidence for nurses’

engagement in public service– Explore a nurse’s perspective on running for the

North Dakota Senate– Describe public policy resources and opportunities

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• Supporting Evidence– Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA, 2010)• “Influence on social and public policy to promote social

justice” (page 29)

– Nursing’s Social Policy Statement – The Essence of the Profession (ANA 2010)• Describes six key areas of healthcare policy such as

“Expansion of healthcare resources and health policy and definitive planning for health policy and regulation” (page 5)

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• Supporting Evidence (continued)– Guide to the Code of Ethic for Nurses (ANA, 2010)

Provision 9• “The profession of nursing, as represented by

associations and the members, is responsible for articulating nursing values for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.” (page 121)

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• American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) - GOAL– By 2020, the AONE has established the goal of

having 10,000 nurses elected to serve on healthcare boards of directors.

– Charlotte Huff, in Trustee – “The Case for a Nurse, Why Every Board Needs a Nurse” - reported that when nurses weren’t at the table, boards were not informed about patient care, quality and safety operations. (Sept. 8, 2014)

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• Factors to consider in running for public office– Passion to do public service– Willing to actively campaign– Ability to raise funds– Visibility within the District and Fargo– Evidence of experience and knowledge on issues

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• Advantages of being a Nurse Candidate– Nurses are well respected by society– Nurses comprise a large work force– Nurses are exposed to broad populations of

citizens – culturally, economically and educationally

– Nurses can apply their practice of assessment, organizational skills, and business acumen

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• Candidacy for 2014 ND Senate Race in District 41– Highlight the formal/legal process of candidacy– Describe the Senate campaign

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• Process for Candidacy– Announce candidacy to District party and be

available to be vetted– Promote candidacy through the media (The

Forum, Feb. 24, 2014)– Seek nomination at District Convention

(Feb. 2014)

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• Process for Candidacy (continued)– Once endorsed by the District Convention, apply to

the ND Secretary of State for the Primary Election on June 10, 2014• Certificate of Endorsement• An Affidavit of Candidacy• A Statement of Interest• Campaign Disclosure Statement• Political Committee Registration – Friends of Evelyn

Quigley, Deb Mathern, Treasurer (March 22, 2014)

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• Process for Candidacy (continued)– Secretary of State confirms requirement being

met and allows for the name to be placed on June Primary Ballot (March 28, 2014)

– Secretary of State detailed Campaign Finance reporting (April 24, 2014)

– Secretary of State sent Official Notice of Nomination – evidence of certification as a nominated candidate and able to have name on ballot for General Election on November 4, 2014

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• Senate Campaign Plan for District 41 Personal– Detailed resume with all professional and

community activities– Photos for brochures, direct mailing, debates, etc.– Clear statement “elevator speech” about reason

for running

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• Business Plan – using business practices - project revenue, expenses, timetables & accountabilities– Define media campaign– Design door-to-door canvassing

• Appoint Support Resources– Treasurer– Volunteer Coordinator– Media Coordinator– Logistics Coordinator– Webmaster

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• Do Fundraising– Send out appeal letters seeking funding and

volunteer support– Seek endorsements– Have events

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• Door-to-Door Canvassing– Purpose: Increase visibility with the District and

identify key issues concerning citizens– Major concerns in District 41• Flood protection• Support for greater infrastructure in the western part

of the state• Access and affordable healthcare• Investment in education and the workforce• Property tax relief

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• Media Campaign continued– Radio ads– Newspaper ads and Letters to the Editor– Endorsements

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• Interviews and Debates– 2014 Voter Guide interview published in The

Forum – Sunday, October 19, 2014– League of Women Voters candidate debate –

October 22, 2014– Chamber of Commerce Candidate Cracker Barrel –

October 23, 2014

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• Public Policy Resources & Opportunities for Participation– North Dakota Center for Nursing – www.ndcenterfornursing.com– Advocacy link

• ND Legislative Overview• How a Bill Becomes a Law• Legislative Lobbying Overview• Legislative Update and Calendar of Events• Hosting Nurses Day at the Capital – March 11, 2015• Policy Briefs

– Community Paramedic Policy Brief– Tobacco Tax and Tobacco Free Schools Brief

– North Dakota Nurses Association Legislative Update– Attend the League of Women Voters Legislative Updates held in

various communities

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