03/08/2008 by Steve Barclay.

An insight into US politics this week thanks to an invitation to attend the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) 35th Annual Meeting in Chicago. This is the largest individual membership organisation of state legislators in the US.  It is a non-partisan non profit making organisation with a membership of both Republicans and Democrats.  The majority of the membership is Republican, although the President this year is a Democrat.  Future US Senators and Congressmen are often recruited from the ranks of State Senators and Representatives who comprised the bulk of the delegates.

ALEC kindly invited seven UK Parliamentary Candidates to join them for this year’s conference.  It meant a chance to meet with their delegates, share ideas, and discuss the similarities and differences in the political approach between our countries.  It was a fantastic opportunity and proved to be a fascinating three days. 

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24/01/2008 by Steve Barclay.

Watching a pro was my sense as I listened to the former Chairman of the US Republican Party. You clearly will not get to hold such a post for six of President Reagan’s eight years in the White House, not to mention being the longest serving chairman of the Republican National Committee in the 20th century, without special talent.

Lunch today gave me a chance to see for myself.  I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Carlton Club to hear Frank Fahrenkopf’s take on the current US Presidential race. Frank has worked with all the US Presidents and challengers over recent years as co-chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates. It is rare to get such a behind-the-scenes glimpse of US politics, and a real privilege to listen to him.

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