Ep. 3 The time before pulling nomination papers is important for conversations behind the scenes to plant seeds for support among those influencers in the community. The timing and preparation to actually take out nomination papers, readying for a conversation with reporters and some basics on campaign finance. Now, identifying influencers is a bit different in politics. For instance support from an affable, well-known postal worker may be the best endorsement there is in a local race. City Councilor Helen Moon also talks about how growing that network will be the first steps in being an effective elected official over time. Oh, and she credits her mailman as a key source of support in her ward. Reporter Amanda Drane says that candidates who are actually prepared to say why they are running makes for a better interview. So be ready with your message and why you are running. And then, campaign finance. We offer the basics here. There are plenty of rules that you'll have to follow - so you'll need to understand the finance rules overseeing your election process. You don't want to make yourself vulnerable to attacks by your opponent by missing a  deadline or breaking a rule by accepting the wrong kind of contribution, among other possible violations.