My candidate lost. Now what?

An interview with political consultant and lobbyist Lee Hughes. Lee served in this capacity for a decade with Georgia-Pacific and, in 2003, left to create Hughes Public Affairs.  His clients have ranged from CSX Transportation to Gulfstream, from major hospitals to large non-profits. You can learn more about Lee at www.hughespublicaffairs.com

Q. The candidates openly supported by members of management for both our U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator were defeated. Obviously, we need to do business with these newly elected people. What is the best strategy for building a relationship from worse than scratch?
 
Hughes: Most candidates, in fact almost all candidates for federal office, run their campaign like a track star runs the 800 meters footrace.  That is to say that they run all out and are totally spent at the finish line.  Money talks and early money shouts, but money that comes in to payoff a campaign debt can fill the silence between you and the candidate that you didn't support. 

Contact the winner's campaign office if they haven't contacted you already.  Find out the details of the first post-election fundraiser and attend with as many company representatives as possible and practical.  There is no better way to begin repairing that relationship.

Q. Our business could benefit greatly from a government investment in public infrastructure, but in the past we haven't delved much into state or national politics. Do you have any advice on what first, baby steps we should take to start to reach out without looking opportunistic or desperate?
 
Hughes: Depending on your business, it's possible that there is a trade organization that is already looking out for your interests.  Join the appropriate trade association or the state chamber of commerce and get involved in their government affairs efforts.  In some cases a local chamber will be an even better option.  If none of these options work out for you, consider hiring a government affairs consultant or lobbyist.  There are different levels of service available, ranging from monitoring and reporting to very targeted advocacy, and the fees will range accordingly.  In some cases it is penny-wise but pound-foolish to opt against paying for lobbyng services.

Q. How do you see the healthcare debate playing out? Will this end up being a state-by-state issue or do we put our muscle into Senate and Congress?

Hughes: The states will probably take a wait-and-see-what-the-feds-do attitude for as long as they can since big change has been promised by President-elect Obama and the Congressional Democrats.  Beyond that no one knows how the healthcare debate will play out and if anyone tries to tell you they do then you should seek advice elsewhere.
 
Q. With all the regulations and trash talking about lobbyists and special interests, do you see an increase or decrease in the influence of groups like the Chamber of Commerce? Do the unions have an open door to this administration?

Hughes: Chambers of Commerce and similar groups will remain effective to the extent that they adapt to the new landscape.  Republicans have not always had a monopoly on support from the business community, and, despite some conventional wisdom, still don't today.  Unions are climbing into an upturn in the cyclical nature of their ability to influence, but that is as much because of the economy and high unemployment rates as it is about the political climate.  They will always be influential because they recognize the opportunities.  Shame on management if they concede to the unions just because the Democrats have the White House and the House and Senate for the moment.

Q. During the campaign, there were a number of arguments and clashes within our company about the presidential candidates. Now that the election is over, I'm seeing grudges and broken relationships carry over into work issues. Is there a way to address this in an open way within our company of 265? Or should we never mention work and politics together at a staff meeting?
 
Hughes: There is a reason that many families ban the discussion of politics at family gatherings.  It can be very galvanizing, especially when the talking heads on TV and radio encourage extremist views and discord.  companies should make it clear that personal attacks of co-workers are never tolerated, even in a political discussion seemingly unrelated to work.  
 
Just as a company should seek to effectively market their products and services, companies should also be involved in local and state and even federal politics when they see an opportunity to improve their bottom line.  They can often do that through by influencing the modification of laws or more favorable interpretation of  regulations or in other ways.  As you might expect, some organizations take it too far and expect all employees to share and express the same views as the company.