This week we’re taking the show international with featured guest Alexander (Sasha) Kravtsov, Director General of Nexus Eurasia in Moscow. We discuss Sasha’s experience representing Russian clients in the U.S. and U.S. clients in Russia and the former Soviet Union; how advocacy and strategic communications compare between the East and West; and Russian perceptions of American politics.
AP: Democrats mute calls for Va. resignations with power at risk
I spoke to Nick Riccardi from the Associated Press about the political fallout in Virginia as the commonwealth’s top three constitutional officers face increasing pressure amidst a crescendo of scandals:
The subdued response from national Democrats shows how their zero-tolerance approach has put them in a bind. The party has prided itself on policing its own and hoped to contrast that record with the GOP’s tolerance of misbehavior by President Donald Trump. Now the party will have to decide whether to stick with its principles or retain its political power.
“The party’s put in an odd position,” said Liam Donovan, a Republican strategist who, like much of the political world, watched Virginia’s developments with astonishment Wednesday. “Let’s say they live by their standards and clean house. The stakes are very real now because the line of succession goes through the other side.”
Read the full piece in the Charlotte Observer here.
The Lobby Shop Episode #77: Shutdown Aftershocks w/ David Drucker of the Washington Examiner
If January set the tone for 2019, we’re in for a wild year! On today’s episode, the team chats with David Drucker, Senior Political Correspondent at the Washington Examiner, about the shutdown ending, what could happen when the three weeks runs out, and what this means for the political landscape in the new year.
WSJ: From Beer to Casinos, Businesses Turn to Solar, Wind Power
I spoke to Tim Puko of the Wall Street Journal about the factors driving record corporate investment in renewable energy:
Congress is cool toward more tax-credit extensions and legislation more broadly, lobbyists and bankers added.
“In 2015 industry came in and said this is what we need to reach maturity with our technology,” said Liam Donovan, at the law and lobbying firm Bracewell LLP. “You can only go back with that argument so many times.”
Read the full piece here.
The Lobby Shop Episode #76: Shutdown Reality with FBIAA President Tom O’Connor
2019 is shaping up to be a strange year in Washington, and today’s episode is here to answer all your questions on the government shutdown. Our guest this week is FBI Agents Association President and FBI Special Agent Tom O’Connor, who weighs in on how this shutdown is impacting national security.