I beat him first go (keep in mind, I used to play pol machine 2004, so don't feel bad). The strategy I used was to start the early game building campaign headquarters and fundraising in california. Don't stop until you're earning at least 300,000 a turn, preferably at 400,000-500,000. While doing this, also establish two facilities that will give you 7 political capital and 7 PR clout. With all of this done, you should be institutionally established.
Aim to get as many endorsements as you can with 7 clout a turn, and hire a consultant or two, and also two webmasters in one big state that washington is winning (i.e. texas). Also, make sure you hit every question mark you can find, your goal is to get a movie director (which will lessen ad creation costs). Once you've got enough awareness in the states you need to win, head over to that big state with the two webmasters, and start spamming tv ads on all the issues washington is hammering you on. Do this as many times as possible, and get your VP to hang around states you need more awareness in. If need be, creating ads in Texas might not put you over the edge in some states that go either way (i.e. ohio, south carolina), so as much as you can head over there and do some speeches.
End game, you want to keep spamming tv ads, although their location might change states depending on need, and get as many spin doctors and smear merchants as you can afford (maybe set up another building for +7 political capital). Remember, when you're paying 30PC for a spin doctor, sometimes it's alot cheaper to buy a fixer and remove one of Washington's spin doctors. It'll produce the same result.
I might have forgotten some things, but hopefully these general tips will help you get over the line and win the campaign
have fun!
