Gaining Influence in D.C.: WE Sponsors Luncheon With Leading Authority on U.S. Elections and Political Trends

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Suzanne Zurn — 1 Comment

Is it true you should never talk about religion, politics or money?  Many people I know tell me they have heard that advice at some point in their lives.  It’s probably the best advice one can get before entering a new situation with unfamiliar people or in a business environment. 

However, if politics and money were off limits in Washington, D.C., there wouldn’t be much left for us to talk about.  We like to talk about politics — the people, the issues, the process and the tactics (including money) to gain influence over all of it.  On Dec. 14, Joe Farren and I will be talking a lot about some of those topics we were taught to avoid when Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE) sponsors the Women in Government Relations’ PACs, Politics & Grassroots Conference.  This is one of the leading conferences that trains public affairs professionals on running ethical, legal and effective political involvement and fundraising programs.

Certainly, this is one of those occasions where that old adage doesn’t apply. 

The November elections brought about some big changes in Washington, D.C., and, as a result, many corporations and associations are renovating their political programs in preparation for the 112th Congress.  The luncheon keynote address, sponsored by WE, is sure to be the highlight of the conference.  The speaker is Charlie Cook, publisher of The Cook Political Report, who is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections and political trends.  Cook will share his thoughts about the 2010 election and offer some insight into the new Congress and the 2012 elections.

Conference attendees will also get the latest news from the Congressional Management Foundation about what actually influences members of Congress and their staff.   In addition, conference attendees will hear from leading industry experts on how to keep an eye on (almost) every aspect of the policy debate through social media, comply with federal election commission regulations, and generate successful political action committee and grassroots programming.  

Suzanne Zurn
VP, Digital Advocacy
WE Studio D™ – Washington, D.C., office

Suzanne serves on the Board of Directors of Women in Government Relations and is former co-chairwoman of the PACs, Politics & Grassroots Conference.

The People Have Spoken – Now What?

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Michael Lock — 1 Comment

After voter frustration and disenchantment with Washington, DC seemingly reached a breaking point, Republicans stormed back in the latest election and took control of the House of Representatives. But what does this all really mean? Waggener Edstrom’s Michael Lock sits down with Joe Farren, Waggener Edstrom VP of Public Affairs, to discuss what this Republican resurgence means for Democrats and President Obama, trends that will emerge from this new Congress and what key policy issues need to be addressed.