Big Wins in New Hampshire
We want to congratulate our clients in New Hampshire who had their names on the ballot in Tuesday’s Primary; win or lose, running for public office is a noble cause.
To our clients who came out victorious, we look forward to bringing home another win in November.
Russell Prescott: US Congress (NH-01)
Victoria Sullivan: NH Senate District 18
Joe Alexander: NH House of Representatives Hillsborough 29
Katy Peternel: NH House of Representatives Carroll 6
Mike Biundo: Introducing Nicole Schlinger
As we mentioned when we started this series of bringing experts to you in our newsletter, we have had the opportunity to work with and against some really good people in this business. The goal of this series was, and still is, to share others’ experiences with our newsletter subscribers. The idea is that we are all better when we learn from each other.
Nicole is a leader in the voter contact and public affairs arenas. She has built an impeccable name in our industry and a strong business. I have had the opportunity to work with her and against her over the years. While our companies compete in the phone space, we thought she was an important voice that needed to be heard. I met Nicole back in 2011 when I was serving as Rick Santorum’s Campaign Manager, and I have admired her and her company ever since.
Nicole Schlinger: Amplify your Public Affairs Campaigns with Effective Phone Strategies
As we enter a busy campaign season, lawmakers are particularly tuned into their constituents’ concerns and opinions. This period offers a unique opportunity for public affairs professionals to mobilize grassroots support and ensure their issues are top of mind as legislative sessions approach.
Here are two strategies that have consistently proven effective:
Highlight Voting Records with Patch-Through Calls
Patch-through calls are an excellent way to bring attention to a lawmaker’s voting record—whether you want to commend their stance or encourage them to take action. This approach not only educates constituents but keeps your issue in focus, regardless of whether the call is transferred.
Some believe it’s best to wait until a vote is imminent to launch patch-through calls, but our experience suggests a sustained effort can be more impactful than a last-minute push. Engaging constituents early builds momentum and can create lasting pressure on lawmakers.
For example, in West Virginia, a pro-freedom organization aimed to pass an income tax cut that had stalled. Through a series of patch-through calls, West Virginians urged both lawmakers and Governor Justice to act.
Over six weeks, we facilitated:
- 728 calls to the governor
- 9,928 calls to key lawmakers
Ultimately, the bill passed, resulting in the largest tax cut in nearly 40 years. The lesson here is that when legislative sessions begin, having a mobilized grassroots effort can make all the difference.
Engage a Large Audience with Telephone Town Halls
Telephone town halls are another powerful tool for reaching a wide audience, spanning multiple districts. This method, once mainly used in political campaigns, is also common in public affairs. It’s an effective way to engage supporters, recruit volunteers, and even deliver messages directly to lawmakers.
For instance, a recent telephone town hall we organized for a school choice campaign in South Carolina showed impressive results:
- 69,198 people were contacted
- 5,287 joined the call
- Average participation lasted 10 minutes
Using recordings from town halls can also be a strategic way to demonstrate constituent support directly to lawmakers.
As lawmakers solidify their priorities, it’s the right time to activate grassroots support. By employing proven tactics like patch-through calls and telephone town halls, you can ensure your issue remains front and center. These methods not only educate and mobilize constituents but also help build a strong base of advocates ready to make an impact.
New Ascent Gives Initiatives
We’ve been fortunate enough to see our company grow over the years. This growth has allowed us to give back and support causes that hold a special place in the hearts of our staff. With that, we proudly announce the second quarter of our Ascent Gives initiative.
This quarter, we are donating to two causes that hold meaning for our team. The first found its way to Mike’s inbox. His friend Devin O’Malley is participating in the 5th Annual Beltway Brawl, a charity boxing event hosted by Haymakers for Hope. The entirety of donations directly benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Devin is documenting his journey through his Instagram, and more information about the event can be found on the Haymakers for Hope event page.
The second cause we’re supporting this quarter comes from myself, actually. The cause I submitted to help is the National Fibromyalgia Association. I live with chronic pain; some days are more complicated than others, but the general public often overlooks invisible illnesses. When you “don’t look sick,” it is harder for others to see your pain as tangible. Fibromyalgia is written off as made up often, but I assure you, the effects are genuine. I have watched my mom, one of the strongest women I know, struggle with it for the majority of my life, and I have dealt with its impact for years.
Please join us this quarter in support of these two worthy causes.
