The Inside Scoop on Campaign Consultants

Campaign consultants are like lawyers. They don't like to talk about their fees or how much money they make. Or give away the "tricks of the trade."

But in some rare moments of frankness, veteran California consultant Parke Skelton gives some honest insight into the practices of consultants. Also hear State Senatorial consultant Cortni Pugh of Hilltop Strategies and former State Senator Noreen Evans offer advice on how to hire a consultant for your next campaign.

This webinar was presented by Close the Gap CA, an organization dedicated to seeing more women in the California Legislature and is given here by permission. Enjoy and learn:


http://closethegapca.org/webinar/

And once you hire your consultant, cook up some Campaign Trail mix to fortify your precinct walking and wow your volunteers:

Yields 9 cups Units US

• 8 cups air popped popcorn
• 1 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
• 7 tablespoons butter
• ¹⁄₄ cup dark brown sugar
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°. In a large bowl, toss together the popcorn, peanuts and pumpkin seeds.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in the brown sugar and cayenne until bubbling and thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour over the popcorn mixture; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer to a foil-lined baking sheet. Form small clumps of the popcorn mixture and bake until toasted, about 40 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.