CANDIDATE SELECTION 

The criteria for eligibility use viewpoint-neutral criteria to determine candidate participation in Chamber Forums.

Candidate Criteria

The Chamber of Commerce  will exercise its “good faith judgment” in applying factors to determine “significance.” The criteria for eligibility use viewpoint-neutral criteria to determine candidate participation. The burden rests with the candidate to make a showing of compliance with these criteria. The following are examples of criteria used by the Chamber  to determine which candidates are invited to a forum:



• The candidate meets a pre-established level of popular support in an impartial, credible public opinion survey (or average of a number of surveys) a predetermined number of days before the forum.
• The candidate’s party has a mathematical chance of winning.
• The candidate has met requirements to be registered and is on the ballot
• The candidate has achieved newsworthiness and competitiveness as determined by the committee weighing such factors as: column inches on newspaper front pages, coverage on news programs, public attendance at political rallies, recognition by leading political analysts and editorial boards.
• The candidate’s party received a threshold percentage of support in the most recent election.
• The candidate represents a party that is historically relevant.
• The candidate is actively campaigning for office.
• The candidate has organized a threshold number of campaign rallies.
• The candidate and/or party have developed and publicly presented a policy platform or manifesto.
• A candidate has raised and spent a threshold amount of campaign funds.
• A candidate's previous fundraising experience.
• A candate has met a threshold  for Signature  collected on nominating petitions.
• Distribution of volunteers and contributors, presence of a headquarters, campaign staff/firms, an informative website, issuance of position papers, and campaign appearances.
• Previous political experience.