Why is Research so awesome?
Because we are the meat of the sandwich, the flavor of the tea, the hot of the fire. The knees of the bees. We make the world go round.Ratings
What do I do when checking over SIG's to release internally or live?
- Since we only deal with publicly available ratings, if a group does not have publicly available ratings or scorecards available, but the SIG has already been entered into admin, re-check the group and make sure it is released internally.
If an organization has a PAC, do I create a new SIG_id or can I include the PAC information (rating and endorsement) within the "parent organization"?
- We do not create a new SIG_id for a PAC that belongs to a parent organization. For example, the Gun Owners of America PAC may endorse and rate officials. That PAC rating/endorse information would be put into the main organization's SIG_id.
The national organization I am working on has a state specific branch, what do I do?
- If the state specific branch rates/endorses statewide, state legislative, gubernatorial candidates and officials, then we would create a new SIG_id for that state specific branch. If the state specific branch simply rates congressional and presidential candidates and officials, then the ratings/endorsements will be added under the national organization, not a separate state branch (but only add those officials if the national organization has not done so). So, if the national organization already endorsed "president x" then there is no need to re-endorse president x.
Bios
If you are unsure about whether a position is elected, paid, voluntary etc...GOOGLE to figure it out or ask a staff member.What if there are two dates ending in a common year? i.e. 1994-2000 and 1999-2000
- The date beginning with 1999 should be put above that with 1994 because 1999 is more recent.
What is the correct date ordering?
- It should go present, dated through present, past dated, no dates, retired, and then former.
- Employee, Target Corporation, present
- Intern, Project Vote Smart, 2011-present
- Chief Executive Officer, Walmart Corporation, 2004-2008
- Research Associate, Project Vote Smart
- Legislative Intern, Senator Patty Murray, retired
- Former Employee, Washington State Legislature
Where should I put a delegate to a national convention?
- This position would go in Political experience. This position ultimately has a say in who will become the nominee for the presidency...which is kind of a political position, no?
Clarify Democratic caucus membership vs minority/majority caucus membership. Does this go in political (leadership position in bio section) or does it go in Caucuses, Committees, and Task Force since it's a "caucus"?
- Basic Membership of these Democratic/Minority Caucuses should go under "Caucuses/Non-Leg Committees" section. However, if they are a 'Leader' or a 'Chair' or a 'Ranking Member', then I would include these leadership roles in the caucuses in the Political field.
- Policy Chair, Democratic Caucus, 2012-2014 = CCTF because they are not a leader of the entire Democratic caucus, this person just chairs a sub section of the full caucus
What if the person was in a leadership position of a legislative committee? Where should I put this information?
- When you assigned a committee to someone, you have the option to choose 'Chair/Vice-Chair/Ranking Minority Member' etc. You can choose their leadership status for the committee here.
Should I include the parent committee if a representative is part of a subcommittee?
- No. By selecting the subcommittee the parent committee will automatically be included.
If someone is a State Committeeman for the Colorado Republican Party, what field does this go in and how is it formatted?
- It goes in CCTF because it is a non-legislative committee. They are not assigned by the Speaker of the house or Senate leadership to sit on this committee in order to draft legislation that will be brought to the floor for a vote...therefore, it is a non-legislative committee. It would not go in organizations because it is considered a group of people that have the same interests AND they potentially have the power to persuade a legislative/policy making body with their opinions (unlike the Random County Republican Club, which does not have the power to persuade a policy making body).
- Member, State Committee, Colorado Republican Party OR Member, State Committee, Republican Party of Colorado (either one, depending on how each state refers to its party).
Where does Chair, Clark County Republican Party go? Political, CCTF, or Org?
- CCTF, double check the wiki for more questions like this (research/biographical guide/category of interest)
Where does Member, Board of Directors, Virgin Valley Water District go?
- Since this individual is a member of the board of directors of the county water district, it should go in CCTF. They have some power in the local county water distribution (and sanitation, I guess)...which means they will likely make decisions as a governing board to alter/improve the water system of the district. From a simple google search, http://vvh2o.com/about-us
What should I do with college information?
- Only include college related info if person is currently active such as a Fraternity/Sorority
