“Hot Shots of the 2008 Election”
MEADVILLE, Pa. – March 17, 2009 – The Center for Political Participation (CPP) at Allegheny College will host a daylong conference, “Hot Shots of the 2008 Election,” on April 2 to explore lessons learned by young political operatives during the 2008 election.
“On both sides of the political aisle, races in 2008 were among the most intriguing in American history. That young people played an important role in the election is indisputable, but the nuts and bolts of what they did and how they did it has yet to be carefully explored,” said Daniel Shea, professor of political science and director of the CPP.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to talk to young campaign professionals to hear about their experiences firsthand. The stories they’ll share will have practical value for those pursuing any number of professions, not only politics but also public service, business, management, marketing, communications and journalism.”
Sarah Simmons, strategy director for senator and 2008 presidential candidate John McCain, will present the event’s keynote lecture, “Future Stars: What’s Ahead for Young Campaign Activists,” at a reception and dinner at 5:45 p.m. in the Tillotson Room of the Tippie Alumni Center.
Earlier in the day, beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Campus Center, a group of young professionals who worked in the key battleground states of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Maryland and New Hampshire will present a series of workshops on topics that include direct mail, grassroots organizing, finance and law, and campaign commercials.
At 4:30 p.m. in Henderson Auditorium of Quigley Hall, CPP Research Fellow and Assistant Professor of Political Science Melissa Comber will moderate a panel discussion titled “Impact and Implications: The Role of Youth in Campaign Consulting.” Specific topics will include political operatives’ experiences on choosing a candidate, working on the campaign trail and, when their efforts were successful, their candidate’s transition to office.
Panelists and workshop presenters are:
• Jon Black, RNC field operative working with several U.S. Senate races; a 2005 graduate of Allegheny
• Dan Conant, North Country field coordinator for the New Hampshire Democratic Party; a 2007 graduate of Allegheny
• Adam Fogel, Right to Vote director of FairVote, Center for Voting and Democracy, Takoma Park, Md.; a 2007 graduate of Allegheny
• Ryan Meerstein, John McCain 2008 Ohio State director; a 2003 graduate of Allegheny
• Ashlee Rich, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani’s lead pollster, now working as a senior research analyst for the Tarrance Group; a 2005 graduate of Allegheny
• Ben Swanekamp, regional coordinator, New York State Senate; a 2008 graduate of Allegheny
• Jason Torchinsky, partner with HoltzmanVogel PLLC, which specializes in campaign finance, election law, lobbying disclosure and issue advocacy groups. Campaigns & Elections magazine named Torchinsky a “Rising Star of Politics” in 2007.
The conference is free and open to the public, but spaces are limited and advanced registration is required. Register by March 30. For more information call CPP Project Coordinator Mary Solberg at 814-332-6202.
About Keynote Speaker Sarah Simmons
When keynote speaker Sarah Simmons, now 34, began working for McCain’s presidential campaign in January 2007, she didn’t envision being out of a job by July. But with the Arizona senator’s run for the White House reeling and out of cash, Simmons was forced into a summer and fall hiatus before the “Comeback Kid” brought her back on board.
To turn things around, she implemented a disciplined political strategy based largely on polling results. Managing television and radio messaging, Simmons focused her energy on developing the campaign’s message and delivering that message to key voter groups.
In 2006 Simmons was deputy strategist for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election as governor of California. She also served as an associate director in the Office of Strategic Initiatives in the Bush White House and was a senior project director for Public Opinion Strategies, where she managed survey research. In 2007 Campaigns and Elections magazine named Simmons a “Rising Star of Politics.”
About the Allegheny College Center for Political Participation
The Center for Political Participation is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the vital link between an engaged, active citizenry and a healthy democracy. To that end, the center seeks new strategies and mechanisms for promoting political participation among all citizens, with a particular focus on young Americans.
The Center for Political Participation opened on October 18, 2002 with the goals of helping all Americans better understand the importance of political action and getting involved. The center has established programs for three audiences: our students (campus activities), scholars nationwide (scholarly research), and citizens of the wider community (educational outreach).