Showing posts with label legislator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label legislator. Show all posts
The Maersk Deal... a Shift in the SC Governor's Race?
As you probably know, we like to harp on how substantial a role public relations plays when it comes to politics, campaigns and the political climate. Positive public relations and perceptions equate to gold, particularly in a state like South Carolina where the partisan divide remains profoundly distinct and scars from political scandal still bleed profusely.
As we begin digging tooth and nail into the heat of the 2010 election, South Carolina candidates no doubt long ago began seeking the constituent rapport, image-boosting press coverage and essential political endorsements that are so synonymous with crafting a solid public image. It's no secret that to get elected, you have to be liked... by a lot of people.
Senator Larry Grooms, a Republican candidate for Governor, has until recently been trailing behind in the Republican primary, particularly in regards to fundraising. Two of his opponents, Henry McMaster and Gresham Barrett, already hold notably prominent positions in the state Attorney General's Office and in U.S. Congress, respectively.
But Grooms might already see the tide shifting considerably in his favor thanks to his role in a recent deal with Denmark-based Maersk.
Back in 2008, Maersk, a shipping line located in Charleston, announced its intentions to pull its business from the state because of failing efforts to renegotiate a deal with port labor unions. Grooms got involved in the Maersk deal, hosting meetings not only in his offices but also in his home down in Charleston. Grooms co-authored a port restructuring bill, the passage of which played a pivotal role in convincing Maersk that remaining in Charleston would be financially sound. On October 22, 2009, Maersk announced it would not leave but rather enter into a revised contract with the State Ports Authority through 2014.
If Grooms can capitalize on this recent profile boost and his role in aiding South Carolina's economy, he can truly lionize his place in the Republican primary for Governor. He needs to have viral links to articles spotlighting his involvement making the internet rounds; he needs supporters writing letters to the editor on his behalf; he needs laud and congratulations circulating all over Twitter and other social media. Grooms truly needs to get the word out about his involvement in the deal, especially to his constituents. And while some people eat up South Carolina politics each and every day, the majority don't... and as a result probably don't even know about Grooms' involvement. PR opportunities offer a limited window of maximization opportunity, and now is his time.
SCHotline Blog's Michael S. Smith II wrote an in-depth piece on the subject that is a must read; view the article here.
Turning Bad Press into Opportunity: How Can Politicians Turn The Wheel?
Politicians walk a precarious wire. As public figures, every move they make in public and private becomes subject to scrutinization by constituents and the media at large.Joe Wilson's You Lie outburst earlier this fall during President Obama's speech wound up being a gold mine for the South Carolina Congressman. Facing condemnation from much of his own party and people across the country, he hired professional public relations pros who were able to tweak his message and tuck him into every social media channel across the country. His hired guns revived his campaign and then some, netting campaign funds that currently reach into the millions of dollars range.
And meanwhile... also in South Carolina... yet more controversy has erupted.
On October 18, Orangeburg's Times and Democrat ran an editorial page column by Republicans Jim Ulmer Jr. an Orangeburg County chairman, and Edwin O. Merwin Jr., Bamberg County chairman. The column, meant to highlight U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint’s stand against congressional earmarks, inflamed some readers due to a comment about Jews perceived by many as stereotyping. By October 20, the ire ignited into a statewide story, even landing on national news sites such as The Huffington Post. Following critical comments by Joel Lourie, a Jewish South Carolina legislator, Ulmer and Merwin issued apologies alongside SCGOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd and Senator Jim DeMint.
Ulmer and Merwin have a heap of options when it comes to neatly re-packaging their reputations following this fiasco, but what is the course of action they ought to pursue? As leaders, are they now in the pile of "damaged goods", or can they repair those cracks?
Ultimately, having begged public forgiveness, they may opt to sit quietly by the sidelines in humiliation until the public moves on to the next tumultous story of the day. Over time the story will certainly wane and some people may forget, but as far as reputations go, the issue could leave a stain.
They could hire a team of PR experts to work the media field and work on more positive, image-boosting stories. If they hire the right folks to manage the right message and atone for the negative perception of the Times and Democract column, they could even see their status elevated to leaders of their party on the state level.
Or perhaps Ulmer and Merwin could become their own best public relations spokespersons and make the news show rounds, inviting the public to engage in conversations about stereotyping and other similar issues in South Carolina. By taking the bull by the horns, they could potentially unfetter themselves a bit from their sticky situation. But until then, how the latest South Carolina political blunder plays out in full remains to be seen.
More:
Reaching Out to Your Legislator (Part II)
Reaching Out to Your Legislator (Part II) – Powerful Tips for Writing to Your Legislator that Will Get YOUR Letter Noticed
When you’ve been moved by an issue enough that you decide to write to your legislator, make your effort worthwhile by going that extra mile to craft your words so that your letter is the one that makes them stop and pay attention. Legislators on both the state and federal level get mail and email every day from constituents like you, and while they represent your interests, it’s your job to churn out that dynamic letter that will make the legislator and/or his or her staff take notice. Here are some of Brett’s Best Tips do just that:
1. Who are you? Make sure you identify yourself off the bat. Why you are passionate about this issue? Include information about any key connections to the issue or any related organizations you are part of (but no bragging, please). This is also the appropriate time to let the legislator know that you are from his or her district. Legislators like to hear from their constituents, and are more likely to act on constituent opinion.
2. Be specific. If you are writing about a particular bill, reference that legislation not only by its bill number, if you have that handy, but its name and a brief description. Legislators see a whopping amount of legislation each year. You can take the bull by the horns and help them out by more clearly identifying your cause.
3. Simplicity reigns supreme. Always keep your letter to one page or less, be as brief as you possibly can while still providing the adequate information. If you have personal examples or details you wish to share, by all means do so, but don’t unnecessarily prolong your point.
4. Common courtesy always counts. Address them by their proper title (such “Senator” or “Representative” followed by name) and include their mailing address at the top of the communication regardless of whether you are sending a physical letter or an email. And please, please don’t threaten them or berate them, or tell them that you supported their opponent in the last election.
5. Get to the point. Specify the response you are looking for from them, be it a policy change, legislation, or a simple follow-up from them or their staff. (and then thank them!)
Remember that it’s usually a best practice to only write to the representatives or senators who represent your district. The fact that they are from your geographical area has much more pull when it comes to getting results. Almost all legislators can be contacted via email as well as regular postal mail, and you can oftentimes send them a message via the internet. To find out how to contact your Congressional senators and representatives, visit the Congressional Directory. To find your South Carolina legislators’ addresses or email information, visit the South Carolina statehouse website and click “Find Your Legislator” on the left-hand side.
When you’ve been moved by an issue enough that you decide to write to your legislator, make your effort worthwhile by going that extra mile to craft your words so that your letter is the one that makes them stop and pay attention. Legislators on both the state and federal level get mail and email every day from constituents like you, and while they represent your interests, it’s your job to churn out that dynamic letter that will make the legislator and/or his or her staff take notice. Here are some of Brett’s Best Tips do just that:
1. Who are you? Make sure you identify yourself off the bat. Why you are passionate about this issue? Include information about any key connections to the issue or any related organizations you are part of (but no bragging, please). This is also the appropriate time to let the legislator know that you are from his or her district. Legislators like to hear from their constituents, and are more likely to act on constituent opinion.
2. Be specific. If you are writing about a particular bill, reference that legislation not only by its bill number, if you have that handy, but its name and a brief description. Legislators see a whopping amount of legislation each year. You can take the bull by the horns and help them out by more clearly identifying your cause.
3. Simplicity reigns supreme. Always keep your letter to one page or less, be as brief as you possibly can while still providing the adequate information. If you have personal examples or details you wish to share, by all means do so, but don’t unnecessarily prolong your point.
4. Common courtesy always counts. Address them by their proper title (such “Senator” or “Representative” followed by name) and include their mailing address at the top of the communication regardless of whether you are sending a physical letter or an email. And please, please don’t threaten them or berate them, or tell them that you supported their opponent in the last election.
5. Get to the point. Specify the response you are looking for from them, be it a policy change, legislation, or a simple follow-up from them or their staff. (and then thank them!)
Remember that it’s usually a best practice to only write to the representatives or senators who represent your district. The fact that they are from your geographical area has much more pull when it comes to getting results. Almost all legislators can be contacted via email as well as regular postal mail, and you can oftentimes send them a message via the internet. To find out how to contact your Congressional senators and representatives, visit the Congressional Directory. To find your South Carolina legislators’ addresses or email information, visit the South Carolina statehouse website and click “Find Your Legislator” on the left-hand side.
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