The Real State of the States ... I watch, listen and read so you don't have to (part 1)

Each year, I watch, listen or read the state of the addresses from every governor in the nation.  The annual ritual gives me better insight into the priorities of each governor and a sense of what issues or opportunities could arise from those priorities.  It allows me to better serve my clients and develop better advocacy strategies.  Simply put, it makes me a better state lobbyist.

This year I am starting what will be an annual tradition - highlighting the state of the state addresses.

In 2010, the country elected the largest class of new governors.   So in 2011, most governors had just received the keys to the mansion and were still finding their way around.  Fast forward four years, and the country elected the largest class of incumbent governors.  And now in 2015, many of those governors are considering their legacies via state of the state or inaugural addresses.  

This post is the first of three posts that will cover the 2015 State of the State addresses.  Two will cover speeches from incumbent governors.  A third will focus on newly-elected governors, as they outline the goals of their first (and maybe only) term in office.

Click HERE for Governing (www.governing.com) collection of video and/or text of all the addresses.

This week, I'm highlighting the two longest serving governors in America and the current chair of the RGA and next chair of the DGA, as they all won reelection in 2014.

• California Governor Jerry Brown (January 5, 2015)

Governor Brown's legacy is certainly secure as he enters the second term of his second stint as governor, and fourth term over all. Hard to believe he was sworn in for his first term 40 years ago. In his address, he highlighted the success of several programs including: two recent ballot initiatives (Save Water and Save Money), and his record paying down the debt.

"Over the next four years and beyond, we must dedicate ourselves to make what we have done work, to see the massive changes in education, healthcare and public safety are actually carried out and endured. The financial promises we have already made must be confronted honestly so they are properly funded. The health of our stat depends on it."

The governor's address touched on several programs in areas of education, healthcare and public safely (corrections). He touched on his next phase of pension reform program and his plans for funding long-term infrastructure - including a fund to invest in bridges and roads.  All part of what I believe Governor Brown believes legacy to be - returning the state to fiscal health.

One thing I learned?  Governor Brown was a former Jesuit priest.

• Iowa Governor Terry Brandstadt (January 5, 2015) 

Governor Brandstadt is another governor whose legacy is all but assured, even before he gave his record sixth traditional Condition of the State address.  Governor Brandstadt will soon become the longest serving governor in history.  Hard to believe he needs more of legacy than that.

However, after informing the audience that the condition of Iowa is strong, he dove into the theme of his address - "Together, we can."

"Together, we can," strengthen school safety; invest in rural infrastructure; make college more affordable; and make Iowa the most transparent government in the land.  Those represent the goals of the governor's agenda over the next four years. 

• Tennessee Governor Bill Haslem (February 7, 2015)

Governor Haslam started his state of the state address by saying it would be the shortest in state of the state in Tennessee history - mainly because he gave his second inaugural address two weeks before.  I pulled from both speeches to get a sense of what Governor Haslam would like to be most remembered for.

I think it is clear that Governor Haslam wants to be remembered for vastly improving the state's education system - both K-12 and higher education.  Both speeches and his budget priorities point to that.  The state has made significant statistical improvements over the last four years and the governor wants to continue them.  He also wants to ensure access to higher education and continue his program of making Tennessee community and technical colleges affordable (if not free) for every citizen of the state.  

The governor talked about how these important education improvements and reforms would lead to better jobs, economic growth and a better Tennessee for all. 

• Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy (January 7, 2015)

Governor Malloy led off on several significant accomplishments - raising the minimum wage, reducing the uninsured by half, and legislation aimed at reducing gun violence.  But his speech was all about transportation and infrastructure.

"To be competitive regionally, nationally, and internationally, we need a transformation. For our roads, bridges, rails and ports, even our walkways or bikeways. We need to change the way we commute, the ways our businesses move their products, and the ways we get around our cities and towns. It's time for a Connecticut to establish a collective vision for the next thirty years. A vision for a best-in-class transportation system."

Among some short term goals, Governor Malloy called for widening I-95 state-wide and fixing its entrance and exit ramps, and a significant improvement of the state's commuter rail lines and bus lines.  He also called for a transportation lock box, ensuring all transportation funds are actually spent on transportation projects.

Next week, I'll look at some of the 2016 presidential contenders.

What Am I Reading? February Edition

In an effort to get my blogging back into a regular cycle, I'm going to squeeze this in during February.  I am introducing what I hope will become a monthly feature - What Am I Reading?

Each month I pick five or six articles or blogs that I found interesting over the last month.  While most will be related to state and local government, startups or entrepreneurship, you might get a random post about Ireland, beer, sports or music.

First up ...

1984 with ... (in this case it was Whitney Rhodes, Pierce County, Assistant to the Auditor)

A series of blogs on by Emerging Local Government Leaders (ELGL)

Author (and subjects) - varied (@elgl50)

This series was born from ELGL's Webinar: Women in Local Government, which examined how and why the percentage of women in leadership positions in local government has held at 13% since 1984. ELGL surveyed those who registered, and published the responses to four questions.

I'm highlighting this because the 13% issue deserves more attention and discussion, and ELGL is becoming THE leader on this issue.  It's just one of the reasons I'm proud to be affiliated with such a great organization.

Please check out ELGL for more information on how you can join and get involved in helping local government break that 13% ceiling.

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Tesla’s Forgotten Co-founder Wants to Electrify America’s Garbage Trucks
Posted on Government Executive February 25, 2015
Originally published on Quartz
Author - John McDuling (@jmcduling)

"Ian Wright was one of the five original founders of Tesla Motors, so he knows a thing or two about electric vehicles."

If you know me, you might know that I am fascinated by electric vehicles - though sadly don't own one yet myself.  I love e-bikes and Tesla.  I have a client trying to launch a startup e-bike share company.  

So when I read electric garbage trucks (and I presume for other heavy equipment), I was intrigued.  It is an idea who's time has come.  Certainly a cost savings to state and local governments.  Huge reduction in both emissions and noise pollution.  So... probably one of those ideas that make too much sense for government.  I hope I'm wrong.

I liked it because it is the kind of idea that MOB Advocacy was founded for.  A startup, new to market with an innovative idea that can change the world, or just help the city.  All they need is some local government to take a chance on them -- and someone to help them get there.

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Who's Leading the 2016 Presidential Race?  Ask Futures

Posted on CNBC on February 25, 2015

Commentary by Brandi Travis, chief marketing officer of Aristotle (@bntravis)

"With scarcely a declared candidate, the 2016 election cycle is nonetheless in swing. Unsurprisingly, presidential contracts top PredictIt's 'most predicted' list."

I picked this article because I am a political junkie and I love the new PredictIt site.  For those not familiar with PredictIt, it is a platform that allows users to trade futures on political outcomes, essentially becoming a poll of the market.  Will DHS be forced to shutdown?  Who will be the next governor of Louisiana?  Who will be each party's 2016 nominee?  If you think you know?  Check it out.

I think it is a fun idea.  I hope it takes off.

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Getting to Yes

Posted on the Congressional Management Foundation on February 25, 2015

Author - Lauren Williams

"The beginning part of each year means one thing for many on Capitol Hill – fly-ins. From the largest corporations to the smallest non-profits, civic groups and grassroots advocates flood the steps of Congress." 

I am always interested in got my start in government relations in grassroots advocacy, organizing advocates across the country and I am always interested in reading about ways to do it better.  While this article is not groundbreaking, it based on survey data from actual Congressional office staff and it is very applicable for grassroots lobbying at the state and local level.  It is a great reminder as grassroots activities are going in state houses from coast to coast. What are their four tips to put you on your way to a good meeting? They are:

• Include constituents
• Know the schedule
• Be Flexible
• Keep the group small  

I'll add my own advice on what to do once you are there - keep it simple, stay on message, make one ask, and don't forget to follow up.  Do that and you will be fine.

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Students lobby in Annapolis for bill to prevent fracking policy across Maryland

Posted on The Diamondback Online, February 24, 2015

Author - Grace Toohey (@grace_2e)

"College students across the state convened in Annapolis yesterday afternoon to fight for stricter state environmental regulations."

I know, two grassroots articles ... but ...  whether I agree with the issue or not, I can read student advocacy articles all day.  Some of my earliest experiences with advocacy involve bus trips to Albany, NY to talk to law makers or administrators about issues like budget cuts, tuition hikes, and campus safety.  

I think it is important for students to be active.  It is a sign that these students understand how our government works.  They understand the power of the people.  And they are willing to take a stand for what the believe.  Good for them!

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That's my five for February.  What are you reading?

The Best NGA Meeting Ever?

This past weekend, I attended the 2015 Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington, DC.  I always enjoy NGA meetings.  They give me a chance to catch up with friends and former colleagues, to meet potential clients and learn about their issues and policy concerns, and most importantly to represent and advocate for MOB Advocacy's clients.

While I enjoy the sessions, I have attended enough of these meetings to hear the same challenges come up year after year.  Government needs to fix the way we pay for healthcare, government needs to do a better job of teaching our kids so that they can actually get jobs, and government needs to do a better job helping startups and small businesses because they are vital to the economy.

That last one is really why I started MOB Advocacy - to help startups and small businesses tell their story to government (whether that is directly in the statehouses, or at meetings like NGA, National Conference of State Legislatures or the Council of State Governments) in venues that are usually dominated by big businesses.

So why was this the best NGA meeting ever?  One word TechShop.  In one session, TechShop's CEO Mark Hatch showed the power that a startup can have at a meeting like NGA - and helped a nation of potential entrepreneurs and creative startups in the process.

Mark told story after story of the businesses TechShop's advanced manufacturing facilities (which might sound like a huge factory, but is really just a giant membership-based high-tech tool shop) are helping to launch everyday.  It was amazing!

Watch Mark Hatch's presentation here (Mark's presentation begins at 12:24)

And best of all - the governors got it.  Governor Doug Ducey, governor of Arizona for all of about thirty days was making a back of the napkin outline for a new job skills program that would partner with the Arizona TechShop.  And at least three other governors publicly invited Mark to help them bring TechShop to their state or territory.  I'm willing to bet Mark also got a few emails after from other governors asking the same thing.

Watch the question and answer portion of the program here.

Why was this so successful?  It is pretty easy to dissect.  One, Mark had great stories.  Two, Mark kept it simple.  Three, Mark had one call to action - bring TechShops to your states and let us do the rest.  And wha-la - a few more successful public-private partnerships are born.

I'll be the first to admit - NGA meetings aren't for every startup.  But if you are a startup that needs states to make policy changes for you to scale, or you are looking for pilot program with a state or states - then an NGA meeting is a great place to meet key staff to start those conversations without having to travel the country to have them.

And when it works -- it is beautiful.

Michael O'Brien is the Founder & Principal of MOB Advocacy, a nationally-scoped state and local government relations firm located in Washington, D.C.  Contact Michael O'Brien if you are interested in exploring whether your company is ready for the NGA.

Let the Litigation and Legislation Begin!

On Thursday June 5th, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles ordered Uber and Lyft to cease operations in the Commonwealth.  

This is just the next step in the on going battle between Uber, Lyft, Side Car and other peer-to-peer upstarts that are trying to disrupt the highly regulated and tightly controlled taxi industry.

I have been watching this battle evolve since Uber broke into the D.C. market last year, and have been closely following how this and other startup vs regulator & incumbent market issues, such as Airbnb vs regulators and the hotel industry, Ethical Electric vs regulators and utility companies, General Assembly vs regulators and (mainly) for-profit quasi-vocational schools and Tesla Motors vs state government and the automobile dealer industry, are playing out around the country.

Next it will be drones and driverless cars.

Each one of these examples tells a story.  They tell us that many of our state and local rules and regulations meant to regulate businesses seem to have been written in the stone age.  But in reality, they were mostly written for the marketplace as it existed, and the framework was designed to accommodate small changes as the need arose.  And that worked for a long time.  But now, we are seeing entrepreneurs who want to disrupt marketplaces and industries, and we have many industries that are prime targets for the shake up.  

Unfortunately, many of our state and local governments (especially regulators) are not ready to have that conversation.  But sadly, too many entrepreneurs also aren’t prepared to have those conversations either.  I don’t know if that is because entrepreneurs don’t understand the roles legislators and regulators play and the impact they can have on their businesses, or because often time government moves too slow for them, or because they simply believe its easier to ask for forgiveness that it is to ask for permission.  Regardless, we are not seeing open lines of communication between government officials and entrepreneurs.  

By the way, with regulators it is usually better to ask for permission, then ask for forgiveness when you don’t like the answer and go and do what you wanted to do anyway.

Among the responses to the VA DMV announcement was from Virginia State Senator, and 2013 Republican Candidate for Attorney General, Mark Obenshain.  He tweeted - 

But does the answer really need to be litigation AND legislation?  I would vote for legislation (or regulation) over litigation.  But as a state and local lobbyist, I might be a little biased.  

Look at Tesla, the lost a legislative battle in New Jersey a month or so ago.  They threatened (or maybe more than threatened) litigation.  The now have a second chance in the legislature, with a pro-Tesla bill passing committee last week.  They always have court to fall back on.  

But is litigation the right move for the rest of these disruptive startups?  If you are planning to be a disruptive startup, is it going to be right for you?  Like I said, I vote advocacy first.  But have a good lawyer on speed dial.

So, what is the solution?  I hope this tweet is a good sign.

What lessons can you learn from all of these stories?

First - Regulatory advocacy matters.  Strong knowledge of both the local regulatory landscape and national regulatory trends and best practice-type solutions is important, but its not enough.  Nothing beats taking the time to get to know your regulators.  You may not agree with them.  You may not get the answers you want.  But open lines of communication are critical to finding workable solutions.  Even if you have to find those solutions while asking for forgiveness.

Second - Legislative advocacy matters just as much in your regulatory advocacy efforts.  Why?  Legislators and staff probably have existing relationships with regulators, and are probably more willing to help.  In addition, most state legislatures hold some sort of oversight responsibility over the executive branch agencies.

Lastly - Your customers are the best advocates you can have.  Provide a service that your customers don’t just want, but demand, and you have a very powerful story.  Does any one care if Uber, Lift, and Side Car (or Airbnb, General Assembly or Tesla for that matter) enter a market if they have no customers?  No. These businesses are winning legislative and regulatory battles because they provide great products and services AND their customers LOVE them.

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.

Play Ball ...

I love baseball.  It was the first organized sport that I played.  I coached my son's t-ball team.  And really, there is nothing better than leaving work a little early and going to the ball park for a day game in the middle of the week.  So this year, I decided to see how see how interested state legislators are in baseball.  The result was so interesting, I decided to blog about it.

Did you realize there are more than 800 bills in state legislatures that mention the word baseball.  That number astounded me, as did learning the Illinois legislature introduced 95 of them.  But taking a deeper look, I found that these bills touch almost every sector of our lives. Some were obvious, like schools, kids, doctors, insurance, taxes and budgets.  But some I was surprised by, like medical marijuana, criminal law, interstate tax compacts.  You sometimes forget America's Pastime, the game that you played as kid, is really a huge, multi-billion dollar industry.

Throughout the course of the day, I learned things - like Commotio Cordis, which is an arrhythmia caused by a sudden blow to the chest. The average victim is 16, and 90% are younger than 25.  Baseballs are the number one cause.  There are bills in CA Bill ACR47 & IA Bill HF461 to raise awareness of this important issue.

I was reminded how strange the state code can be when bills come up because baseball is in the periphery somewhere, like NJ A3220, which is a bill titled "Concerns the promotion and protection of agriculture."

Some of my favorite bills were:

• Funding to support American Legion Baseball got a line item in the Alaska Budget Bill

• The Georgia Legislature introduced 30 bills introduced, including several recognizing recent Hall of Fame inductees. I tweeted about Tom Glavin because he pitched for the Mets.

• In New York, the legislature might ban the head-first slide and someday you might be able to visit the Baseball Heritage Trail.

• The Missouri, Tax Day is Jackie Robinson Day!

So check out the link - search for your state, or your industry, or your passion.  See if it has a link to baseball somewhere.

If after my exhaustive study on baseball and state legislatures, you still have any questions tweet me at @mob_advocacy, I'll see if I can answer them during the Nat's home opener.

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.

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.