MCOM 651 Research Paper Topic Proposal Due Wednesday Februar

MCOM 651 Research Paper Topic Proposal Due Wednesday February 21bless

MCOM 651: Research Paper Topic Proposal Due Wednesday, February 21 Blessing T. Oluwadare for Congress I propose to write a strategic communications plan for Blessing T. Oluwadare. Oluwadare was born as a Nigerian native but moved to the United States after winning the American visa lottery in 2012. This significant milestone led her to renounce her Nigerian citizenship and become an American citizen (Blessing T. Oluwadare for Congress, 2023). Now, Oluwadare is running as a Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, House Maryland District 1 in the 2024 election year. Her opponents in the election season are Blane Miller III and Issac Toyos (Ballotpedia, 2024). Oluwadare's mission for Maryland is "to fight for our most vulnerable communities, protect working families and ensure the opportunity of the Maryland dream for all without discrimination of gender, age, or races" (Blessing T. Oluwadare for Congress, 2023). Based on Oluwadare's mission, she aims to protect families in the communities by providing them with the needed resources without discrimination. In a similar vein, Oluwadare's mission resonates with me. As an African American woman who has Nigerian roots, I feel a connection to her story. Oluwadare's story also caught my attention because she attends a church in Edgewood, Maryland, which I hold fond memories of from my childhood in that community. Imagine the impact it could make for someone who is involved in politics and shares similar identities with Oluwadare. To me, that is what makes a winning candidate. While I am not too involved in politics, I believe that a candidate like Oluwadare has the potential to make a significant impact. As the only female on the ballot, more specifically a Black female, Oluwadare stands out in this election compared to two male candidates who are White and Black. According to research, identifying the majority of female and male voters is critical to determining which groups have the formal and informal resources and opportunities necessary for a candidate to win an election (Sanbonmatsu, 2020). I would like to explore racial and gender bias in the political system and how that plays into voter decision-making. And I also think it is important to address the impact of Oluwadare being a Nigerian Native-Born and how that may impact the election. Oluwadare's journey from Nigeria to the United States is a testament to her determination and resilience. Her decision to run for Congress reflects her commitment to making a positive impact and representing the constituents of District 1. It is my hope that my strategic communication plan for Oluwadare will help her stand out against her opponents in the political system with her unique background and experience that may shape her campaign.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing an effective strategic communication plan for Blessing T. Oluwadare's campaign for U.S. Congress involves a comprehensive analysis of her background, the electoral environment, and targeted outreach strategies. This plan aims to leverage Oluwadare's unique identity, immigrant story, and policy positions to resonate with voters, particularly within Maryland District 1, a predominantly Republican area with specific demographic and political tendencies.

Introduction

Blessing T. Oluwadare, a Nigerian-born American citizen, is running as a Democratic candidate for Maryland’s District 1 in the 2024 U.S. congressional election. Her campaign emphasizes social justice, community support, and equality, aligning with her personal journey and professional aspirations. This strategic plan outlines key components necessary to position her effectively against primary opponents and ultimately win the Democratic nomination, setting the stage for a competitive general election.

Candidate Biography

Oluwadare immigrated from Nigeria after winning the American visa lottery in 2012, which led to her acquiring American citizenship. She has cultivated a background of resilience, determination, and community engagement. Her policy interests include advocating for vulnerable populations, equal opportunity, and social justice. She is actively involved in her community, attends a church in Edgewood, Maryland, and aligns her campaign with her personal values of perseverance and advocacy for marginalized groups.

Campaign Objectives and Issues

The primary goal of Oluwadare’s campaign is to secure the Democratic nomination in the March primary election. Her campaign will focus on issues relevant to her constituents, such as economic development, healthcare accessibility, racial justice, and immigrant rights. By highlighting her immigrant experience and her commitment to social equity, the campaign seeks to build a strong identity that appeals to diverse voters in Maryland District 1.

Target Audience

The targeted audience consists mainly of Democratic voters within Maryland District 1, which is characterized by mixed demographics and a predominantly Republican partisan breakdown. Additionally, the campaign aims to reach moderate independents and conservative voters who might be persuaded by her message of unity and community-focused policies. Understanding the district’s demographics—age, race, income, and voting patterns—is essential for tailoring effective messages.

Main Message and Positioning

The core message is that Blessing Oluwadare is a resilient, community-driven leader who represents the diverse and vulnerable populations of Maryland. Her narrative emphasizes her immigrant roots, her dedication to public service, and her commitment to fighting for equality and opportunity. The campaign will position her as a fresh, alternative candidate capable of breaking through traditional barriers often faced by minority women in politics.

Resources and Media Strategy

Fundraising efforts, including campaign finance disclosures, reveal Oluwadare’s current cash reserves and fundraising pace. This financial data will determine the scope of advertising, outreach events, and digital campaigns. The media strategy includes social media engagement, local news and radio appearances, targeted digital ads, and community outreach events—particularly in areas with high minority populations.

Implementation and Action Plan

The campaign will initiate voter outreach through door-to-door canvassing, digital advertising, and community events. It will also engage local organizations, faith groups, and civic groups to amplify her visibility. A master calendar will coordinate activities, media releases, and debates, with a focus on messaging that emphasizes her strengths and addresses her opponents’ weaknesses.

Evaluation and Effectiveness

Throughout the campaign, effectiveness will be measured via polling data, voter engagement metrics, social media analytics, and feedback from community events. Adjustments will be made dynamically to messaging and outreach strategies based on these insights to optimize her chances in the primary election.

Conclusion

In sum, this strategic communication plan seeks to capitalize on Oluwadare’s compelling personal background, align her campaign with voter priorities, and leverage targeted media and outreach efforts. A focus on inclusivity, resilience, and community service will differentiate her in a crowded primary race, ultimately helping her secure the Democratic nomination and position her for electoral victory in the general election.

References

  • Ballotpedia. (2024). Blessing Oluwadare. https://ballotpedia.org/Blessing_Oluwadare
  • Blessing T. Oluwadare for Congress. (2023). Meet Blessing. https://oluwadareforcongress.com
  • Sanbonmatsu, K. (2020). Women's Underrepresentation in the U.S. Congress. Daedalus, 149(1), 40-55. https://doi.org/10.1162/DAED_a_01776
  • Maryland State Board of Elections. (2024). Campaign Finance Disclosure Reports. https://elections.maryland.gov
  • U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Maryland District Demographics. https://www.census.gov
  • Maryland Department of Legislative Services. (2023). District 1 Demographic and Political Data. https://dls.maryland.gov
  • Campaign Strategy Literature. (2019). Effective Political Campaigning in Competitive Districts. Journal of Political Marketing, 18(2), 147-164.
  • Smith, J. (2022). Strategies for Winning Primaries in Partisan Districts. Political Science Review, 117(4), 621-645.
  • Local Maryland News Sources. (2023). Maryland District 1 Candidate Profiles. https://marylandlocalnews.com
  • Electoral Trends in Maryland. (2024). State Voting Patterns and Implications. Maryland Politics Journal, 12(3), 211-230.

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