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William B. Travis

William Barret Travis was only 26 when he was shot to death while leading the defense of the Alamo. The young attorney had forecasted his own death at an early age. It turns out he was right.

While in the Alamo, William B. Travis found himself in an impossible situation. The structure was far too vast to defend with the troops at his disposal, so much so that he had been ordered to abandon the position. He shared co-command with a dissipated old drunkard, Jim Bowie, who spent most of his time in bed slowly dying of alcoholic pneumonia. Travis sent out numerous calls for aid (the most inspiring of which is below), but was answered in the end only by a handful of volunteers from Tennessee, led by a famous Congressman, Davy Crockett, bearing a long rifle and longwinded advice.

Nevertheless, Travis’ 13-day defense at the Alamo slowed the advance of the Mexican Army, allowing for the creation of the Texas government and the organization of a new Army under Sam Houston. He is a true hero of the Texas Revolution, and the patron figure of our Campaign Academy.

Victory or Death.

Fellow citizens and compatriots; I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual Bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country. VICTORY or DEATH.

William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.

Dear Campaign Operatives,

We originally began this Academy because we believed that many of the other programs did not prepare participants to hit-the-ground-running on a campaign. Our school does not offer a general overview of the campaign process; rather, it equips you with the basic training you need to take the reins of a political campaign. Be warned, if you come to this Academy, there is a very good chance you could leave with a job.

This year marks the 9th time we have hosted the Academy. Our alumni have gone on to work at all levels of the political process: managing major campaigns, working in political advertising and consulting, and launching careers as political staffers and government relations professionals.

We hope to see you at this year’s Campaign Academy.

Matthew Brownfield
Partner, Murphy Nasica and Associates

Fellow Campaign Professionals,

We make it a priority to invest in our team members. The William B. Travis Campaign Academy is one of the ways we seek to invest in your future. The education offered at our school will aid in developing your overall effectiveness as a political operative.

Attendees of our school not only gain a more extensive education, but it also provides opportunities to work with our firm. If you have worked with us before, or you would like to, this school will increase your value as a candidate to us and to others who are hiring.

Stephanie Terek
Director of Grassroots, Murphy Nasica and Associates

So, What is the William B. Travis Campaign Academy?

Founded in 2011, the William B. Travis Campaign Academy has helped hundreds of political operatives get their start in electoral politics. The goal of the school is simple: provide young political operatives with the basic knowledge they need to be successful in their first or second political posting. The instruction is very practical and hands-on. Instead of talking about canvassing doors – we go canvass doors. We do not just demonstrate political technology – you get to use it.

For students who are already familiar with the basic campaign operations, we are offering the advanced program that plunges students in the middle of a fictional campaign scenario. Students make decisions about targeting their campaign, and they prepare voter contact plans – all while using political data from actual elections.

Participants in both schools will benefit from an excellent group of guest speakers, who discuss analytics, press relations, fundraising, digital operations, crisis management, polling, and many other topics foundational to a political career.

A Little Bit About Murphy Nasica and Associates

Originally founded in Texas, Murphy Nasica and Associates (MNA) is a political consulting firm that serves clients at every level of government: municipal, state, and federal. The victories that began in the Texas Legislature have stretched across the rest of the country. MNA has assisted clients in every region of the United States.

From 2015 through 2018, our Grassroots Department operated in 20 states, winning numerous races. Our skilled staff uses information from our analytics team to create award-winning grassroots plans that deliver victory for our clients.

Alongside our Grassroots Department, our Creative Department develops high-quality mail, print, television, and radio advertisements. From 2015 through 2018, our Creative Department showcased its talents by mailing over 12 million innovative mail pieces, and creating television advertisements that reached over 15 million people.

Murphy Nasica and Associates offers an internship program every summer to aspiring campaign operatives. Our internship program assists interns in gaining political experience and growing a professional network. We help our interns get their first jobs in politics, including working in the Texas Capitol, managing local municipal races, canvassing for Congressional candidates, and even professional work at MNA.

Murphy Nasica and Associates has proudly sponsored the William B. Travis Campaign Academy since 2011.

Past Speakers

Craig Murphy
President, Murphy Nasica and Associates

Brandon Alderete
Texas Association of Realtors

Scott Braddock
Editor, The Quorum Report

Matt Brownfield
Partner, Murphy Nasica and Associates

Cari Christman
Executive Director, Red State Women

Donna Garcia Davidson
Donna Garcia Davidson Law Firm, Texas Ethics Attorney

Representative Jay Dean
Texas State Representative, District 7

Justin Epker
Partner, Murphy Nasica and Associates

Chuck Hahn
President, West Coast Campaign Management

Wayne Hamilton
President, San Jacinto Public Affairs

Tyler Hargrave
Director, The Prosper Group

Eric Hollander
Campaign Manager, Ted Cruz for Senate Campaign

Chris Homan
President, Marathon Strategic Communications

Dr. Ross Hunt
Partner, Murphy Nasica and Associates

John Jackson
Campaign Manager, Texans for Greg Abbott

Alex Johnson
Political Director, With Honor PAC

Brian Mayes
President, Mayes Media Group

Jamie McWright
President, Associated Republicans of Texas

Steve Michael
Chief Political Officer, Victory Enterprises

Danny Mittnacht
Chief of Staff, Texas State Representative Jay Dean

Sylvia Nugent
Fundraiser

Leslie Pardue
Political Director, Texas House Leadership Fund

Chris Perkins
Partner, Ragnar Research Partners

Ben Pollock
Account Director, Catch Digital Strategy

Ryan Rhodes
Iowa State Director, Ben Carson for President Campaign

Nicole Schlinger
President, Campaign Headquarters

Clayton Stewart
Political Director, Texas Medical Association

Evan Stewart
President, Majority Hunter

Scott Stewart
Political Director, Texas Chemical Council

Tabatha Vasquez
Legislative Director, Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell

Kyle Whatley
Executive Director, Republican Party of Texas

9th Annual William B. Travis Campaign Academy

The 9th Annual William B. Travis Campaign Academy will be held from July 9-10, 2019.

Both schools will take place July 9-10.

LOCATION
Springhill Suites Dallas Rockwall
2601 Lakefront Trail
Rockwall, TX 75032

EXPENSES COVERED
Hotel room
Most meals

REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirement for acceptance into the Beginner School:
An interest in campaign strategy and logistics.
Minimum requirement for acceptance into the Advanced School:
Some paid political campaign experience.

Deadline to apply: June 15, 2019

Apply Now


Space is limited. If you have any questions, please contact Dustin Tropp at [email protected].

Testimonials

"As a past attendee, and organizer of the William B. Travis Campaign Academy, I can tell you that this Academy teaches the ins-and-outs of campaigns. The hands-on training allowed me to work with real campaign technology and voter data. I had the ability to work with other campaign operatives, develop a larger professional network, and engage with an amazing group of speakers about the ups-and-downs of the campaign experience. The Academy was a memorable experience, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn the basics of campaigns, or further hone their campaign skills."

Tabatha Vasquez
Legislative Director, Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell

"The Campaign Academy taught me all that goes into a campaign. From developing grassroots plans to engaging voters at the door, campaigns are incredibly complex. Each speaker was an expert on the different aspects of a campaign, and provided me with insight on the intricacies of the campaign world. I was also surrounded by other young campaign professionals, which was perhaps the most entertaining experience of the Academy. Going to the William B. Travis Campaign Academy was definitely worth the time, and provided me with knowledge and memories that will last a lifetime."

Ben Pollock
Account Director, Catch Digital Strategy

"The WBTCA is a tremendous opportunity for individuals looking to get involved in their first campaign or to further develop a particular expertise in campaigning. I am glad to have worked alongside Murphy Nasica on several tough campaigns. Murphy Nasica has an intelligent group of individuals associated with their organization and MNA has a strong presence not only in Texas, but nationwide. If you’re looking to get involved with campaigns, start with the Campaign Academy."

Laramie Stroud
Campaign Manager for Chairman Charlie Geren and WBTCA Alumnus

"Murphy Nasica’s campaign school is a great way to get immersed in all things campaign; from methodology and statistics, to block walking and voter outreach. Whether you are new to campaigning, or a campaign veteran, the campaign school experience will increase your knowledge and effectiveness to help you better manage and staff campaigns."

Kory Curtis
Clerk, Texas House Committee on Investments and Financial Services

"True courage is completing the things you say while cowardice is just saying the things you wish to complete."

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