A local campaign manager who’s new to the job is learning as he goes.
Michelle O’Neill reports Eric Anderson is running Esther Joy King’s Congressional campaign in Illinois’ 17th District. She's also a newcomer and a Republican.
King won the primary race, and her headquarters is located in East Moline, with field operations in Rock Island, Peoria, and Rockford.
Anderson says in the spring, he would have sent volunteers door-to-door.
But the coronavirus and lockdown delayed that, and supporters have been calling voters from home instead.
Social media and Facebook "live" have been huge assets for reaching voters.
No one is hosting big rallies or fundraising dinners.
And Anderson says he’s enjoyed the challenge of finding creative ways to introduce voters to King, such as hosting gatherings with ten people or fewer outdoors whenever possible, and with masks and social distancing.
Like many other candidates, Anderson and King are taking advantage of technology to hold online meetings with supporters and volunteers.
King’s democratic opponent is incumbent Cheri Bustos.
