Tell them anything. Let them personally know, Marcus, how highly you admire them and value their counsel, their friendship, their affection - and their vote. That is, fawn on the voters, butter them up, play the game. Another thing, Quintus went on, don't be overly conscientious or careful in your electioneering. Be generous, even lavish, with pledges of booty, bounty, jobs, contracts, public works - of favors you can bestow once in office.
Human nature being what it is, all men prefer a false promise to a flat refusal.
At the worst the man to whom you have lied may be angry. That risk, if you make a promise, is uncertain and deferred, and it affects only a few. But if you refuse you are sure to offend many, and that at once. Quintus covered all the angles. Your rivals for office are certain to resort to bribery and other underhanded tricks.