Record Crowd Hears Peter Hart at ALL Annual Meeting

More than 130 ALL members and guests attended the 2009 Annual Meeting featuring political pollster and analyst Peter G. Hart. Hart provided an insightful and entertaining analysis of the current political climate, what it means for the president and the 2010 elections, as well as comparisons to previous administrations. He pointed out that the declining support of the American people is not limited to the government; confidence in all sectors has been declining, particularly in the banking, automotive and legal industries. Additionally, 57% of Americans surveyed blame both political parties for the lack of progress, and 46% favor creating a new, independent political party. On the health care issue and Afghanistan, the country is almost evenly divided. The majority of those surveyed still seem to think President Obama can affect meaningful change, although the same percentage recognizes that he faces larger obstacles than any president in recent history.

At the business portion of the meeting, Nominating Committee Chairman Brian Pallasch of ASCE offered the following slate of candidates, which was accepted unanimously by the leadership:

Officers

• President — Dave Wenhold, Miller/Wenhold Capitol Consulting

• First Vice President — Gina Bancroft, HP

• 2nd Vice President — Monte Ward, Advanced Capitol Consulting

• Secretary — Tom Bruderle, American Medical Group Association

• Treasurer — Kate Leonard, The Leonard Group

Board Members — 3 year terms

• Domenic Ruscio, Partner, Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis Associates, LLC

• Laura Perotta, Director of Government Relations, American Traffic Safety Services Assocation

• Jim Hickey, Vice President, Government Affairs, Day & Zimmerman

• (Hon.) Jim Walsh, Government Affairs Counselor, K&L Gates, LLP

Board Member — To fill unexpired two-year term

• Paul Kangas, Assistant Vice President, Federal Govt. Relations, Property Casualty Insurers Association

Welcome to the American League of Lobbyists (ALL) Web Site!

Welcome to American League of Lobbyists website. We are the preeminent national organization that represents government relations and public affairs professionals. Our mission is to "enhance the development of professionalism, competence and high ethical standards for advocates in the public policy arena, and to collectively address challenges which affect the First Amendment right to 'petition the government for redress of grievances.'"

As professional lobbyists, we perform a tremendously important service not only to our employers and clients but also to the public at large, in an ethical, legal and Constitutional manner. ALL members adhere to a principled Code of Ethics that focuses on promoting the highest level of ethical lobbying in the country. Additionally, the League stresses the importance of continued education of the lobbying community by promoting the Lobbying Certificate Program which helps those of all skill levels improve their knowledge of the legislative process and lobbying profession.

Over the next year, the American League of Lobbyist we will be working to educate people on the lobbying process, and why every American should be an advocate at some level. The government is too immense and complex, which makes it difficult for decision-makers to clearly see an issue from all vantage points and to identify the best course of action. Lobbyists serve as educators and information envoys to help legislators and the administration make informed and logical decisions. Lobbyists represent every walk of life in an effort to make sure their voices and issues are heard by decision makers.

The American League of Lobbyists believes that through transparency, continued ethical representation and a strong educational campaign, we will help Americans understand the critical roles that lobbyists play in our society. The right to petition the government is central to ensuring that this country will always be one of the people, by the people and for the people and lobbyists help convey that message.

Membership in the league is open to any full-time, professionally employed lobbyist, at either the state or federal level. Our membership keeps growing and we looking forward to providing more member value and opportunities to our members in 2009.

To join the League, click here. Also, feel free to send us your comments through the "Contact Us" page. Thank you for visiting our web site.
Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC
President of the American League of Lobbyists