What an Election? So... Who Do You Know?
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Once again the pundits were wrong….”it’s going to be a close race…a squeaker!” Who needs term limits when every once in a while you get – maybe – more than 20 new legislators in a group of 100? I have often and frequently marveled at the small ranks of “seasoned” legislators at the Virginia General Assembly. And this year, it appears that we have lost a couple of very good moderate Republicans and legislators who were friends of the industry.
Time to make new friends.
When I first joined the staff of IIAV, members introduced me to Senator John Chichester while he was President Pro-Tem of the Senate. They introduced me to Delegate Harvey Morgan – Chairman of the Commerce and Labor Committee and Delegate Frank Hargrove – an insurance agent with significant respect from legislators on both sides of the aisle. It was a great start to the political representation I needed to do on the behalf of the association and you, the IIAV members professionally.
Through the years I’ve made some great relationships in the Legislature and seen legislators come and go. I was devastated, for example, when Senator Phil Puckett decided not to run for re-election. I not only appreciated Sen. Puckett as a highly respected legislator…but dare I say it, a friend.
It’s time to meet new friends. I met one of the new Democratic legislators, who is an impressive young man, when my cousin hosted a fundraiser for him. I have to say, however, I was a bit jaded when I spoke with him because his district was so gerrymandered as a conservative district, I truly didn’t believe he could prevail. Surprise!
Now I’m asking for your help. Again, we have at least 20 new legislators coming to the House of Delegates. Joe Hudgins and I will be spending almost the first week just introducing ourselves to the new legislators. One thing that lobbying and the insurance industry have in common is that it’s a relationship business. We have to gain the confidence and respect of the legislators and that’s through meeting them one-on-one and hopefully with friendly introductions.
Do you know a legislator? Do you know any of the NEW legislators? If you do, please call me at 804-747-9300 or send me an email at Rbradshaw@iiav.com.
Having said that, we’re getting into the holiday season now and are ready for the new year. And the new legislature convenes in early January. Let’s not let this time pass however without telling those you care about how important they are to you. I have been honored to help represent one of the greatest organizations in the Commonwealth with some really great professional members. I thank you for this privilege and wish each and every one of you a wonderful holiday season and a productive New Year!
Sincerely,
Robert N. Bradshaw, Jr., MAM
President & CEO
