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My previous post about "targeting" generated this email question...

Matt,

I was reading your piece on targeting. In your experience, would you consider the "Swing Voters" that you target ato be D's and R's who vote in General Elections but not the primary because if they are voting consistenly voting in that party's primary, then they are solid D's or R's? Is this fair to say?...

Here' s my response:

In a word: Yes.

First, a distinction: The blog I posted today about targeting has more to do with how presidential candidate's and party committee's focus on certain states (and ignore others). Your question involves a political candidate who focuses on certain voters (and ignores others).

Both can be effective ways of utilizing your limited resources to get "more bang for your buck."

Of course, this is a major decision that involves many strategic factors... Having said that, here is my general advice for targeting voters in a general election:

1. Start with a list of likely voters (for example, people who have voted in 2 of the last 3 elections).

2. Eliminate Republican and Democrat Primary Voters

3. Target the rest

By doing this, you will be focusing your resources on eligible, registered, likely, persuadable voters.

Technically, a "swing voter" is defined as someone who votes Republican sometimes and Democrat sometimes. This is different than a "ticket splitter," which can be defined as someone who (on the same ballot) votes for a Democrat and a Republican.

Don't get too hung up on that. Go with the formula I gave you above, and you will be good.