John DiSanto faced a popular incumbent that had the support of public employee unions and trial lawyers, giving him a significant financial advantage. We had to tell John’s story and make contrasts with the incumbent in an environment where we knew we would be outspent significantly, in a seat that voted for Barack Obama in 2012.
Before even taking on our Democratic challenger, Red Maverick had to get Jen Kiggans through a tough contested primary. Jen was the final candidate to announce and had less than a week to get her signatures together to get on the ballot. Red Maverick jumped on board and led the charge to get Jen across the finish line as a first time candidate running against the establishment choice with significantly more campaign funds.
Red Maverick Media was then proud to quarterback the strategy and messaging for Jen Kiggans’ general election
campaign as well. As the general consultant and mail vendor, our firm played a critical role in ensuring our strategy would overcome the national sentiment against Republicans and the fact that we were almost outspent 2 to 1.
Red Maverick Media not only ran the campaign side of things but served as the liaison between the Republican State Legislative Committee (RSLC), Republican Senate Caucus, outside groups like the NRA, NFIB and others who were putting time, money and resources into getting Jen elected.
As general and media consultants, we were responsible for shaping the message and turning it into media to be delivered to potential voters. We introduced John in an ad that featured him riding his motorcycle. We then followed it up with an ad answering attacks by Teplitz with John shoveling manure, which was featured in the NY Times.
We ultimately had to draw contrasts between John and Teplitz, highlighting the fact that John was a successful businessman, community servant, and outsider vs. Teplitz who was a career politician, bureaucrat, and someone who had taken a job at a law firm that lobbies the senate after being elected. We also made the contrast that John would stand up for voters and Teplitz stood with those funding his campaign and voted with Wolf 96% of the time.
Despite being significantly outspent and running against an incumbent that started out with approval ratings well over 50%, John DiSanto defeated Rob Teplitz on Election Day 52%-48% to give Senate Republicans a veto proof majority in the chamber - their biggest majority in history.
DiSanto won because he ran the better campaign in one of the most classic swing districts in the state. DiSanto was able to defeat a popular incumbent with a huge money advantage because he worked hard, raised money, and delivered his message in an effective and targeted way.
John DiSanto defeated Rob Teplitz on Election Day 52% - 48% to give Senate Republicans a veto proof majority in the chamber - their biggest majority in history.
