Roll Call: GOP HONES GOTV

GOP Hones GOTV

May 23, 2005
By Chris Cillizza, Roll Call Staff

...According to a memo composed by RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman, a copy of which was obtained by Roll Call. "Local races and, in particular, special elections, give the RNC the opportunity to test new and improved targeting and tactics that we have been working on to improve since the 2004 election," Mehlman wrote.

...Republicans have credited their recent gains in the House and Senate, as well as Bush's successful re-election bid, to the "72-Hour Program" -- the party's turnout plan, which was created during the 2002 cycle.

...Prior to the 72-Hour Program, Democrats were usually credited with better get-out-the-vote campaigns, primarily due to the efforts of organized labor. Historically, Democratic candidates frequently outperformed polls conducted in the days leading up to national elections.