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
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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
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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
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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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