Recruiting the Right Policy Champions

The journey to legislative victory is like navigating a maze: filled with twists, turns, and unexpected allies. In our quest for DC voting rights in the early 2000s, finding the right champions became our guiding principle.  

For many reasons – DC being a Democratic city, Republican control of Congress at the time, the need to get 60 votes in the Senate for a voting rights bill – we were laser focused on developing bi-partisan support for our work. So, when Congressman Tom Davis expressed interest in our cause, we were overjoyed to have found a Republican champion. 

Recruiting champions isn't just about finding supporters—it's about building trust. We worked tirelessly to earn the trust of Davis and his staff, enlisting the support of credible organizations and emphasizing how his constituents would appreciate his engagement with us (we knew that many of them worked in DC and had an affinity for the city). Despite his initial skepticism, we persevered, engaging in constructive dialogue, and earning Davis's support.  

But our recruitment didn't stop there. Working closely with our lead champion, DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, we also enlisted the support of Senator Joe Lieberman. Having Davis and Lieberman’s support made it easier to recruit Senator Orrin Hatch and Jack Kemp, a Republican senator and Vice-Presidential candidate, respectively.   

These legislative champions were critical because they could recruit other supporters and get us votes. Norton secured the support of Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer. Kemp converted long-time opponent, Congressman Dan Burton, into a supporter and convinced Mike Pence to vote for the bill. Davis helped recruit other Republican supporters.  

Combined with outside pressure, the inside engagement of our champions nearly led to success with the passage in the House and Senate of different versions of the DC Voting Rights Act. Unfortunately, a “poison pill” pro-gun amendment to the bill ultimately ended our advocacy campaign.  

As we reflect on our journey, we're reminded that success in the legislative arena hinges on building relationships, understanding the legislative cycle, and empowering champions. With the right allies by your side, legislative action becomes possible.  

Here are five core lessons that may be useful when thinking about the importance of recruiting legislative champions:  

1.  Importance of Champions: Success in legislative endeavors hinges on champions who commit to advancing your cause tirelessly.

2.  Relationships and Power: Cultivating relationships with influential figures, like committee chairs and/or senior legislators, is critical for progress.

3. Trust with Staff: Building trust with the staff of champions is vital—they are invaluable allies in navigating the legislative landscape.

4. Understanding Dynamics: Champions offer crucial insights into legislative dynamics, aiding in strategic navigation.

5. Aligning Policy and Messaging: Securing the support of the right champions means choosing messages and policy positions that align with their interests.

This latter point is crucial and is explored in another Civica blog – Mastering the Art of Message Framing. 

To start a conversation with us about recruiting a champion, fill out our form or send an email to connecting@civicaconsultants.com. You can also find more details about the DC Voting Rights effort and the lessons we learned in Winning the Inside Game: the Handbook of Advocacy Strategies.