6. Admit mistakes. When you goof up, and you will, admit it freely. We are a forgiving people. We don't expect perfection. We know you're human. But we don't like hypocrisy. Never, never, never compound your error by attempting a cover-up. The cover-up becomes a much bigger story and will be much more damaging than the original infraction.

7. Spend your political capital. Take on some tough issues that will benefit your constituents in the long run. Success in politics is 50 percent of the vote, plus 1. You don't need 70 or 80 or 90. Doing some hard things, even against public opinion, will win you long-term respect and support.

8. Be willing to walk away. Keep politics in perspective. Never let politics become so central, so dominant in your life, that you can't leave it behind, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Other things are just as important or more so. Have a life other than politics.

9. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Most political failures are failures of communications. Most political wins are triumphs of communications. I'm surprised at the number of politicians at all levels who are lousy at communicating. Getting your name in the paper once in a while isn't enough. Except for a few top positions, here's the reality: Most of your constituents don't know who you are and couldn't name you if asked. So you must communicate all the time, not just in election years. Hold town meetings. Send a newsletter. Direct citizens to your Web site or blog. Give speeches to service clubs, chambers of commerce, etc.

10. Interact with three constituent groups. (A) Opinion leaders (business leaders, ecclesiastical leaders, mayors, city council members, planning commission members, etc.). Make a list and communicate/meet one-on-one and in small groups as often as possible. Take them to lunch, stop by their office, let them know what you're doing and ask for their suggestions and advice. (B) Political activists. Party caucus attendees, precinct officers, state and county delegates, and neighborhood activists. Make a list and communicate with or meet with them regularly. Call them. Listen to them. (C) Active voters. It's easy to obtain a list of active voters. Send them regular newsletters. Invite them to town meetings and events. Get their e-mail addresses and send them legislative updates. Let them know you're listening and you care.

11. (bonus) Have fun! Political involvement is a great opportunity, a great experience. Enjoy every minute.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, he served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.