Political research is the foundation of knowledge and information that a successful campaign is built on.  This foundation includes information about the candidate and a candidate’s opponent. Muller & Associates provides research in the following areas:

Self-Research:  A key to any winning campaign is to really know your own candidate and any potential vulnerabilities they may have.  Through comprehensive research involving voting records, public records, newspaper articles, campaign finance documents, and any other pertinent information, Muller & Associates will provide your campaign with a comprehensive record of your candidate that highlights accomplishments and vulnerabilities.  Muller & Associates will then work with your campaign in a very involved manner to incorporate this research into your speeches, debate prep, polling, and media.

Opposition Research:  Opposition research is designed to highlight the vulnerabilities of your opponent(s).  Muller & Associates will again provide your campaign with a comprehensive record of your opponent and will highlight vulnerabilities to be used throughout the campaign.  Muller & Associates will then work with your campaign to use this information in the most effective way possible.

Other Research:  Oftentimes campaigns or organizations also need information on hot-topic issues, specific 527 or political groups, key contributors, or other information pertinent to the race.  Muller & Associates will provide thorough research on any of these topics.

Some Ways Research Is Used

Research plays a critical role in developing a campaign’s message in many ways and should be integrated into a campaign from the very beginning to election night.  

Rapid Response:  In the fast-paced environment of a campaign, it is essential that you can get accurate information out, whether it is about your candidate or setting the record straight after opponent’s charges.  The ability to shape that first news story can change the entire context of a potential attack. With complete documentation and press-ready research your campaign will be prepared for whatever may come.

Press:  A campaign’s press department and research department will often work very closely together.  It is imperative that every time the candidate or a candidate’s spokesperson goes on the record what they say is accurate.  Additionally, the press department is often the front-line when it comes to rapid response.  Therefore, to maintain credibility, they need to be able to depend on having accurate and timely information based on sound research.

Paid Media:  Paid advertisements through television or radio are often a campaign’s biggest expense.  These advertisements reach the most people and can be effective in swaying voters.  However, with so much riding on your advertisements, it is crucial that these advertisements are accurate and are conveying the most effective message to the voters.  This again is based on a foundation of research.  Research also plays an important role in helping to refute any advertisements put out by your opponent or third parties. 

Polling:  From the first poll to the last, research is used to help develop topical and timely questions in order to accurately gauge voters’ moods.