MOB Advocacy's Commitment to Community -- Giving Back This Holiday Season

Not sure if it was guilt from many years or Catholic school, or inspiration from one of MOB Advocacy's partner's BillTrack50 giving away one free year of state and federal legislative monitoring service or just sitting around in my Georgetown Law sweatshirt reminiscing about my days raising money for the many pro bono programs and clinics they ran, but I decided that next year MOB Advocacy was going to give back.

So that was how our new pro bono program Commitment to Community was born on Giving Tuesday 2013.  Beginning January 2014, MOB Advocacy will contribute at least 5% of its billable hours to serve one or more non-profit clients.

I know what you are asking, "Isn't pro bono what law firms and lawyers do?"  You are right,  MOB Advocacy is not a law firm. And while I have written laws, I am not a lawyer (who knows, maybe someday). But I modeled my program on the Pro Bono Institute's Pro Bono Challenge anyway.

What are the rules?  Well, it is pretty subjective. The organization does have to be a 501(c)3 maybe a (c)4.  And the organization has to let me know they want to be considered.  Other than that, I am pretty open. We can talk about a long-term or short-term project. It can cover any topic.

You need ideas?

• If you need help with specific state legislation, or you have an idea for legislation that should be passed everywhere.
• Your organization is launching a local, state-wide, regional or national grassroots advocacy campaign
• Your organization, board or volunteers need help with a state or local advocacy day or need advocacy training
• You want help analyzing and tracking state and local legislation or regulations.

Or if you have no idea what kind of help you need/MOB Advocacy can offer, just let me know and we can see if there is a good fit.

I am very excited, and most importantly we already have applicants.  Watch in January when we announce who will be selected.

Happy Holidays!!

About Michael O'Brien...

Michael O'Brien is the founder and principal of MOB Advocacy. He has more than ten years experience as a state and local lobbyist. Michael has lobbied governors, mayors, legislators, state and local agencies and regulators in more than 40 states.

Before starting MOB Advocacy, Michael was the the national state and local government affairs department for RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment). Prior to RISE, Michael launched Molina Healthcare's political and grassroots advocacy programs, created strong public-private partnerships as director of The Washington Center, and developed a federal, state and grassroots advocacy program for The National Conference for Community and Justice.

About MOB Advocacy...

MOB Advocacy is a full-service, multi-state government relations firm located in Fairfax City, Virginia. Founded in 2012, MOB Advocacy has quickly become a recognized leader in state and local government relations.

MOB Advocacy's clients range from established corporations, tech start-ups, nationally recognized non-profit and advocacy groups. Our clients chose us because MOB Advocacy offers the full range of solutions of a large government relations firm with the personal service of a boutique firm. Mob Advocacy helps its clients to navigate the complex world of state and local legislative and regulatory affairs, procurement bureaucracy and appropriations processes to achieve their organizational goals.

... We Are Just Getting Warmed Up

The 2013 elections just ended (well, we still have two AG candidates moving forward with transition teams in Virginia), but as the title implies ... We Are Just Getting Warmed Up - for 2014 that is. If people (including me) can start looking at Governor Christie's chances for 2016, then certainly it is not too early to look at 2014 and its 34 governors races.  Candidates are already lining up in a few widely anticipated open seats, and several incumbents are facing strong challengers.  I pulled together a Top 10 (and it was difficult to pick only 10) Races To Watch List of those I think will be the most interesting.

The MOB Advocacy Top 10 Races to Watch...

Arizona (Open Seat) - Democrat Fred Duval, a Washington and Arizona insider, will have a difficult race against who ever comes out of the Republican primary.  Arizona is one of those states where Democrats are hoping to flip from red to blue.

Colorado (Incumbent Governor John Hickenlooper running) - Earlier this year, Colorado saw a number of legislators targeted in a recall effort after a strict gun law was enacted.  Will that sentiment hurt Governor John Hickenlooper in 2014? Colorado has been blue the last few elections, but Republicans point to the successful recall movement and the defeat of the ballot measure to increase taxes as a sign that Colorado is moving back to red.  Former Congressman (and '08 Republican presidential candidate) Tom Tancredo is among the list of credible candidates.

Florida (Incumbent Governor Rick Scott running) - Former Republican Governor Charlie Crist (2006-2010) will face off against current Republican Governor Rick Scott, in what could be the ugliest and most expensive race in 2014.  Governor Scott is among the most vulnerable incumbents, but Crist (if he comes out of the Democratic primary) will be running for his third party in four years.  He started his unsuccessful Senate as a Republican before deciding to run as an Independent and is now running as a Democrat.

Illinois (Incumbent Governor Pat Quinn running) - Governor Pat Quinn probably could not have survived a Democratic primary, so he got lucky when Attorney General Lisa Madigan decided not to challenge the sitting governor.  It will be interesting to watch if any of the Republican candidates start to gain momentum in what could be a winnable race for a credible candidate.

Massachusetts (Open Seat) - There is a crowded Democratic field led by current favorite, Martha Coakley.  Keep an eye on Juliette Kayyem, who has great experience and a story that can really connect with voters.  I think she can surprise people, much like Governor Patrick surprised a lot of Massachusetts insiders eight years ago.  Many Republicans were hoping for former-Senator Scott Brown, but instead will probably get 2010 nominee Charlie Baker, who will have a tough time in a very blue state.

Maryland (Open Seat) - The big race is the Democratic primary, where Lt. Governor Michael Brown faces Attorney General Doug Gansler.  State Delagate Heather Mizeur should be a distant also ran against these two big names.  The primary will probably be much more interesting than the general, but we will see who comes out of a very crowded Republican field.  I am watching former Marine and business leader Charles Lollar.  He might be able to make the general a competitive race.

Pennsylvania - (Incumbent Governor Tom Corbett running) - Governor Tom Corbett is one of the four Republican governors the Cook Political Report is listing as a toss-up.  Former Rep. Allyson Schwartz and Katie McGinty, a former secretary of the Dept. of Environmental Protection under Governor Ed Rendell, are among the many Democrats looking to take on Governor Corbett.

South Carolina (Incumbent Governor Nikki Haley running) -  It looks like a rematch of 2010, with Governor Nikki Haley once again facing former State Senator Vince Sheheen.  Governor Haley is not the most popular governor, but is probably safe in a very red state.  I think South Carolina voters are going to be left hoping they could vote for "None of the Above."

Texas (Open Seat) - The Texas governor seat the most anticipated open seat race of the year.  Democrat Wendy Davis is on a meteoric rise, and will raise a lot of money around the country.  There is an interesting mix running for the Republican nomination.  Depending on the candidate, The Republican primary winner SHOULD prevail in November - but it could be close.

Wisconsin (Incumbent Governor Scott Walker running) - Governor Scott Walker will be running for his second term, though thanks to the 2012 recall election he is running for Governor for the third time.   His numbers are better, but the Governor is still potentially vulnerable.  Businesswoman Mary Burke is emerging as a top Democratic candidate with a compelling story of helping grow a small family business (Trek Bicycles) into an international market leader.

The Best of the Rest...

• Connecticut - Governor Dan Malloy (D) is vulnerable, and the Nutmeg State has shown its willingness to elect Republican governors in the past.  However, I think Governor Malloy will be in a safer position next November than he is now.  A lot depends on who is the Republican nominee.
• Maine - Democrats are out to prove that Governor Paul LePage's win in 2010 was a fluke.  They have have a strong candidate in popular Congressman, Mike Michaud.
• Minnesota - Former State House Speaker Kurt Zellers is among the handful of Republicans that could defeat Governor Mark Dayton next November.
• Ohio - I would have put this race in my top ten, but Governor John Kasich's (R) numbers are looking a little better.  I think the bigger fight will be whether or not Medicaid gets expanded.  The Legislature had attempted to block any expansion, but last month Governor Kasich announced he was going outside of the Legislature to expand Medicaid.  Let the court battles begin.
• Rhode Island - Another that was difficult to keep of the top ten.  With Governor Lincoln Chaffee announcing he will not run again, it is anyone's race.  I'll will reserve judgement until I see who comes out of the primaries.

I said it last year, but I will say it again... 2014 looks like it will be a very interesting year for state and local politics.  Keep an eye out later this year, as MOB Advocacy will be sponsoring an Election Day contest to see which of our readers can call the most Governors races.

About Michael O'Brien...

Michael O'Brien is the founder and principal of MOB Advocacy. He has more than ten years experience as a state and local lobbyist. Michael has lobbied governors, mayors, legislators, state and local agencies and regulators in more than 40 states.

Before starting MOB Advocacy, Michael was the the national state and local government affairs department for RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment). Prior to RISE, Michael launched Molina Healthcare's political and grassroots advocacy programs, created strong public-private partnerships as director of The Washington Center, and developed a federal, state and grassroots advocacy program for The National Conference for Community and Justice.

About MOB Advocacy...

MOB Advocacy is a full-service, multi-state government relations firm located in Fairfax City, Virginia. Founded in 2012, MOB Advocacy has quickly become a recognized leader in state and local government relations.

MOB Advocacy's clients range from established corporations, tech start-ups, nationally recognized non-profit and advocacy groups. Our clients chose us because MOB Advocacy offers the full range of solutions of a large government relations firm with the personal service of a boutique firm. Mob Advocacy helps its clients to navigate the complex world of state and local legislative and regulatory affairs, procurement bureaucracy and appropriations processes to achieve their organizational goals.

Its Over (finally) ...

It's over! (finally)...  Otherwise known as my 2013 post-election wrap-up.  Let's take a look at what happened or didn't happen this Election Day.

Virginia

Virginia continues to show why it is turning into a perennial swing state.  Eight years of Democratic control of the Governor's Mansion, then four years of Republican control, and then a race that was supposed to go down to the wire.  And it did, though I not what I had guessed a couple weeks ago. Terry McAuliffe is now the governor-elect, defeating Tea Party favorite Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

With no surprises Ralph Northam won the Lt. Governor's race and the race for Attorney General was too close to call.  Less than 500 votes separate Republican Mark Obenshain from Democrat Mark Herring. A recall will decide the winner, which may not be decided before Decemeber.

I think this election shows that Virginia is less conservative that people thought two years ago, and that while there are pockets of very conservative voters, moderates have a great chance to win any state-wide race.  If you can paint yourself as a credible moderate, especially a moderate Republican, you are going to have a chance to win.

A lot will be made about Robert Sarvis, and if he cost Cuccinelli the election.  I think in the end, I think some early Sarvis supporters "came home" to Cunncinelli, and at the same time some soft McAuliffe supporters felt safe enough to cast a protest vote.  In the end, I think he was a non-factor.

I think more telling than the Sarvis factor, is the Republican's lack of primaries or competitive primaries in the recent past.  There is a lot of value in developing the kind of ground game needed to win a primary, and then building on it for a general election, rather than starting from scratch.  I think you get better candidates with primaries.  If nothing else, it is good practice for the general.

More telling that both Savis and the lack of primaries - Would Lt. Governor Bill Bolling have made a difference as the Republican nominee, or even with a strong endorsement of Cuccinelli?  I think he would have.


New Jersey

In New Jersey, there were no surprises.  Governor Chris Christie cruised to victory, while the legislature stayed safely in Democratic control.  The most interesting thing that I saw, was the first public sighting of what may turn out to be the Republican 2016 Presidential ticket.

You can see #TheGov and Governor Martinez (R-NM) singing each other's praises on the stump - talking about leadership and the ability to work with Republicans, Democrats and Independents.  Two Republican governors from traditional blue states could make a strong (and unconventional) ticket.

The knock against Governor Christie is going to be that he had no coattails.  Let's be honest, he was never going to have any coattails in New Jersey.  It is too Democratic, and the Republican party does not have the GOTV apparatus needed to facilitate a real coattail effect.  But once Governor Christie is out on the trail, his message could play very well in some swing districts with tight races in states with better party support.  We'll know more when we see how effective Governor Christie is as incoming chair of the RGA, and see if he can at least keep if not grow the number of Republican governors.


In little surprise Democrats dominate mayoral races (i = incumbents)...

• Atlanta - Kasim Reed (D/i)
• Boston - State Rep. Marty Walsh (D)
• Charlotte - Patrick Connan (D)
• Cincinnati - John Cranley (D)
• Cleveland - Frank Jackson (D/i)
• Detroit - Mike Duggan (D)
• Houston - Annise Parker (D/i)
• Miami - Tom Regalando (R/i)
• New York - Bill de Blasio (D)
• Pittsburg - Bill Peduto (D)
• San Francisco - Ed Lee (D)
• Seattle - State Sen. Ed Murray
• St. Paul - Chris Coleman (D/i)

Republicans do well in New York (in races outside of NYC) ...

• Republicans took over the majority in Erie County (Buffalo, NY area) Legislature.  

• In Nassau County, current County Executive Ed Mangano defeated former County Executive Tom Suozzi in a rematch from four years ago.  

• In Westchester County, County Executive Rob Astorino, the man being described as New York's Chris Christie, was reelected in a heavily Democratic county.  The bad news for Mr. Astorino is that he immediately became the favorite to challenge well-financed and popular Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

Some interesting ballot measures in 2013...

• Colorado proved once again that very few electorates will ever vote directly to impose a tax on themselves.  The state-wide ballot measure to invest $1 Billion in education failed.

• Texas voters approved a $2 Billion water infrastructure plan, but that was taxes people already paid.

• Washington state joins California by mandating labels for GMO food, with the anti-Monsanto bill. 

• New Jersey voters approve minimum wage hike, and tied future hikes to inflation.

• In a few city-wide ballots: Seattle rejected a plan to provide public financing for campaigns, Houston voters condemned the AstroDome and Cincinnati voters reject pension reform.

Bad News for Big Coal...

Four candidates backed by opponents to a proposed coal export facility have won seats on the seven-member Whatcom County (Washington) Council. The election of the Carl Weimer, Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan and Ken Mann probably means the end of the plant which would have shipped as much as 48 million tons of coal to China.  

As we know, while the 2013 cycle is over the 2014 and 2016 cycles are just getting warmed up.  So look for our 2014 preview in our next post.

About Michael O'Brien...

Michael O'Brien is the founder and principal of MOB Advocacy. He has more than ten years experience as a state and local lobbyist. Michael has lobbied governors, mayors, legislators, state and local agencies and regulators in more than 40 states.

Before starting MOB Advocacy, Michael was the the national state and local government affairs department for RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment). Prior to RISE, Michael launched Molina Healthcare's political and grassroots advocacy programs, created strong public-private partnerships as director of The Washington Center, and developed a federal, state and grassroots advocacy program for The National Conference for Community and Justice.

About MOB Advocacy...

MOB Advocacy is a full-service, multi-state government relations firm located in Fairfax City, Virginia. Founded in 2012, MOB Advocacy has quickly become a recognized leader in state and local government relations.

MOB Advocacy's clients range from established corporations, tech start-ups, nationally recognized non-profit and advocacy groups. Our clients chose us because MOB Advocacy offers the full range of solutions of a large government relations firm with the personal service of a boutique firm. Mob Advocacy helps its clients to navigate the complex world of state and local legislative and regulatory affairs, procurement bureaucracy and appropriations processes to achieve their organizational goals.

Down to the Wire -- What a Difference a Year Makes

We are just under two weeks away from Election Day, with state legislative and gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia and some big mayoral races in Boston, Detroit, New York and others.

One year ago, I thought the gubernatorial races could be interesting and closely contested.  At least I was right about interesting part.

A year ago New Jersey was about to get hit by Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the Jersey coastline. To make matters worse an early snow storm (and Congress) delayed recovery efforts.  A year ago, Newark Mayor Corey Booker was still considering challenging Governor Christie, in what would have been an epic battle of political heavy weights.

Hurricane Sandy allowed Governor Christie to demonstrate strong leadership in a crisis, which allowed the governor to begin to move ahead of any potential Democratic challengers.  It didn't hurt that he was able to embrace President Obama for the president's leadership before, during and after the storm.  It didn't hurt that Christie called out Speaker John Boehner and House Republicans for holding up Sandy Relief funds in a game of political chicken.  It didn't hurt that Mayor Booker opted for a Senate run, rather than face the popular governor.  And it didn't hurt that Governor Christie was able to keep Mayor Booker off the November ballot by holding a special election for an open Senate seat in October.  All of that has Governor Christie coasting to an apparent victory.

So instead of an close and interesting race, we are left wondering what might have been.  And wondering how much does Christie have to win by to be considered a credible candidate for president in 2016.

A year ago Virginia was looking at an ugly gubernatorial race involving two very polarizing candidates - former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.  No two candidates were as hated by the base of their opponents as these two candidates.

A year seems like a very long time ago for Virginia Republicans.  In February this year, Governor Bob McDonnell's (R) crowning legislative achievement, a much-needed transportation bill, passed after being embraced by the Demcorcatic candidate and denounced by the Republican one.  Over the summer, Governor McDonnell became engulfed in a scandal regarding his relationship with Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams.  The scandal also threatened to derail the Attorney General's campaign for governor.  To further add to Cuccinelli's problems, Virginia Republicans nominated a little-known, far-right candidate for Lt. Governor.  The surprise nomination of E.W. Jackson forced Cuccinelli, a very conservative Tea Party favorite himself, to cancel post-convention press events.  Even Northern Virginia Republican icon, former Delegate Vince Callahan endorsed the former DNC chair.

So we are instead of a close race, we are left wondering if we can read anything into the Clintons stumping for their old friend in the final weeks of the election.  What does a big McAuliffe win mean for Secretary Clinton and her decision to run again in 2016?

A lot of political pundits are saying these elections could be a bellwether for 2014's midterms, when 36 states (and three territories) will hold gubernatorial and legislative elections and when Congress (most likely just the Senate) could be up for grabs.  Some are even saying these 2013 elections will have an impact on early front-runners for 2016.

As of right now, 2014 should be interesting with many closely-contested races.  There are some very vulnerable governors out there - Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy (D), Florida Governor Rick Scott (R), Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett (R).  And a few interesting open races -- Maryland, Massachusetts and Texas are shaping up as interesting primaries and possibly interesting general elections.

I am looking forward to an politically interesting 2014.  Will 2013 be a bellwether?  All I can say is, what a difference a year makes.

Yes, There Is An App For That, My favorite new civic-engagement startups for 2013

I recently attended #govfest, an event put on by Fosterly and I was amazed by the number of startups working in the public sphere.  I know it has been a growing trend for a while now, but seems to have exploded recently (in what feels like the last few days).

When I started working in state and local government relations there were few choices for vendors of any kind.  Most of us were doing bill tracking by hand and few were lucky enough to hire one of two or three big multi-state lobbying firms.  I am not sure if all the state legislatures were even on line when I did my first nation-wide tracking project - looking for and tracking bills related to disparities in healthcare and other issues.  You get the picture.

Then I discovered Capwiz and fell in love with the idea of e-advocacy (not sure if that is an official term).  I was an early adopter and was constantly amazed by the new tools and services they kept rolling out.  There were a few others advocacy platforms that took off about that same time, but to me Capwiz was the far and away best in its class.  

Outside of Capwiz, there seemed to be a lull.  Maybe not really a lull, more accurately I was just uninspired.  I know it wasn't a complete lull because one day I was listening to a speaker talk about the future of grassroots advocacy and they said that it was not going to be long before we would be asking, "What is our FaceBook strategy?" (maybe they actually said MySpace, which could explain the lack of inspiration) when planning grassroots campaigns.  And then came Foursquare.  And Twitter.  It seemed like every year something new would come out that was considered a "game changer" that I never believed would really catch on for advocacy.

One day someone told me about POPVOX.  Right away I knew they were different.  POPVOX seemed to be ground breaking.  No longer would we send emails or faxes or letters to the hill, but real data.  And I got my first smartphone.  And open government started to happen.  Mayor Bloomberg's right hand man Kevin Sheekey launched BGov.  And Mayor Corey Booker became a superhero on Twitter.

That brings me to where I am today, which is again "all in" on tech and startups, and especially tech startups, for government relations, civic engagement and advocacy.  These startups are everywhere.  There are some great new grassroots platforms - VoterVoice (not really new, but recently launched their DC office) and Votility.  New state legislative and regulatory tracking services like my favorite startup - BillTrack50 (which was recently named one of Denver's Hottest Startups).  And apps for EVERYTHING!  State and local governments have their own apps for news and information (Delaware has a great app), to legislatures (I really like Ohio and Utah), to procurement sites (Virginia's eVA is a great example) and everything in between.

Here are a few of my favorites that I have been introduced to this year (most in the last couple of months) ...

• TrendPo - Not really an advocacy tool, but a great way for elected officials and candidates to see how well they are connecting with the public - in case the single digit approval ratings weren't enough of a clue.  JD Chang and his team are going get famous calling races based on social media scores.

• Capitol Bells - A new all-mobile app for grassroots advocacy.  Let's you vote right along with your Member of Congress.  It is unique in that the data goes right to the Member, because your Congressman downloaded the app to keep track of votes.  They have some kinks to work out, but I think they are onto something.

• FiscalNote - These guys are brand new, I haven't even seen their beta yet.  However, I get intrigued when one startup comes up in conversations five or six times in one night and each time by a different person.  I get really intrigued when the founder tells me he can tell if a bill is going to pass or not by the second reading. 

• CitySourced - I recently tweeted that if Mayor Booker were an app, he would be CitySourced. Citizens report problems to local governments, they get properly routed and fixed.  I just hope that when responders email their responses to citizen activists they simply use the immortal words of Mayor Booker, "I got this!"

• PollVault - Also, brand new. An election information site that matches the views from groups you trust to the best candidate for you to vote for.  Just in time for the big New York City mayoral race and gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia. 

So there are five very different startups but all doing great things in the public/civic sphere.  I am excited to see what is coming next!

RIP Dr. Alan Rosenthal

I just read the New York Times obituary for Dr. Alan Rosenthal.  If you have been involved in state government at any time since before I was born and virtually anywhere in the country you have probably met him, read one of his books, took his class, heard him speak or simply watched him modernize your state legislature.  I met him on a number of occasions and talked with him in depth a handful of times (we share a strong dislike for term limits).  I wouldn't say I knew him well, but few people have had as big an impact on my career as Dr. Rosenthal.  I will miss him.

The man was a giant in the study of state government.  He really helped push the professionalism of state legislatures - calling for professional staffs, non-partisan legislative budget offices and pay for legislators.  It is hard to believe Connecticut had a biennial legislature not that long ago  (and my guess is many Nutmeg State residents would gladly go back to those days).

There a many reasons that I will remember him.  I loved his books - The Third House is THE book on state lobbying.  He had a unique insight to state government and access that rivaled anyone I know.  He loved to share stories with anyone that would listen, which is probably why he wrote so many books.

But the one reason I will always remember him, is because he is most responsible for shaping the way I look at state government.  It is why I love working with state legislatures and legislators so much.  It is why Dr. Rosenthal never stopped being a cheerleader for state legislatures.

People in state government loves to refer to Justice Brandeis' quote about states being the laboratories of democracy.  To Dr. Rosenthal, states legislatures were more than that. To Dr. Rosenthal, the legislatures were the drivers of democracy.  In one of my favorite books Engines of Democracy, Dr. Rosenthal compares state legislatures to the little engine that could.  The engine/legislature pulls democracy over the big hill into the station. But instead of the cheers that the little engine got in the story, this train is more likely met with indifference or even jeers.  Dr. Rosenthal never stopped cheering that train when it got into the station, because he knew what hard work it took to get there.

In a fitting tribute - the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) set up a site of testimonials to the late, great Dr. Rosenthal.  Please take a look here and here.

For my tribute, I am going to go back and read a book or two, and continue to be cheerleader for state legislatures - the true engines of democracy.