Profile:Titulia covers Todd Richards

Profile:Titulia is a new column started at the Express covering Titulians and telling their story.

The first profile subject is senior LRP political strategist and campaigns director Todd Richards.

Little known behind the scenes numbers man Todd Richards has been the force of electoral strength for Titulia’s largest political party. In every campaign the Liberal Republicans have led, Richards hit the jackpot each and every time. With two successful elections under his belt, there’s no end in sight for the continued success of the centrist political movement in the republic.

The Express thanks Mr Richards for agreeing to speak with us as part of our latest Profile:Titulia lifestyle column.

Ed: Todd Richards thanks for the interview. You’re kind of a mystery man when it comes to Titulian politics. Former presidents have praised you, pointed to you and yet you never take a bow. Excuse my being abrupt-is that modesty or embarrassment?

TRichards: Thank you. I always loved numbers and data analysis. At school I pondered a future in mathematics or statistics though it soon became apparent it shrouded by true calling in law. I enjoy Titulia because it keeps up my passion for demography and electoral strategy. I like my low profile intact and to be a small part of the larger engine and by remaining focused on one goal the more concentrated the end result is.

Ed: Right from the start since the LRP’s registration you’ve had the lead hand in shaping the increased success of every campaign contested in the journey from opposition to government. I’m sure others would like to know what are the magic ingredients to a good campaign?

TRichards: I don’t believe it’s possible in a web creation like Titulia to adhere to any specific formula or checklist though I do stick to constant electoral principles that contribute heavily towards political success in any sphere. A consistent, clear and coherent campaign message has set the LRP apart and I take past results to confirm its value.

Ed: The first campaign you directed was for former Liberal Republican president Leah Carmody. You brought a first time party against a popular opponent in at 40%. The next you ran came in at 46%, followed by Norton’s third and successful run at 53%. The last LRP run you took it out for 60% of the vote going to Renee Buchanan.

Out of all the strategies you took to the candidates what was the greatest deployed?

TRichards: Like before when you used the cooking analogy, a good chef never reveals all. I am truthfully modest about any role I played that contributed to the strength of these campaigns. A lot of the reason I find was the efforts of the candidates in the field. I pitched in from a marketing and strategy take and I can only wish that it had helped. There’s never any way of knowing for sure how successful individual efforts are. It’s the group effort that matters.

Ed: What advice would you give to any political aspirant who might one day want to run for office?

TRichards: Above all be clear in the campaign’s message. Over the course of the campaign period walk softly and slowly. The slightest error can easily bog the vehicle and stall momentum.

Titulian politics in particular reminds me of the Battle of Gallipoli between the Australians and the Turks. The greatest single casualty take was the moment they landed and it was inevitable. Our soldiers needed to take the hill, similarly with the American plight on Okinawa. When the opportunity presents that’s when you should advance.

Sometimes there is no option but to push forward even if it’s unwise though the best manoeuvre is to not needlessly rush. Watch your opponent, know your opponent and seize the opportunity when it presents.

Ed: Great advice. This has been an interview with the Liberal Republican Party campaign director and senior strategist Todd Richards. Thanks a bunch.

TRichards: Thank you and congratulations on the success of your paper.

Ed: appreciated.

Check up next week for our exclusive with former Titulian president and now deputy LRP president TJ Norton, LRP secretary Malinda Noble and commentary from none other than Todd Richards himself.