Just a week away, the 2006 midterm election promises to bring significant change in the national political landscape. Indeed, it could prove a watershed election – with as many as 40 House and 10 Senate seats in the balance. While it may be difficult to predict the voter turnout or where the economy will head, whatever the outcome of this battle for control, the political agenda undoubtedly will change considerably.

To discuss the implications on your business and customers, we assembled a distinguished panel of veteran political analysts who have their pulse on this year’s election for another of Ketchum’s Global Perspectives Series. This issue of Perspectives Extra distills each of the participants’ observations about the election outlook and its potential consequences for all of us.

The participants were Mike McCurry, former press secretary to President Clinton; Alan Murray, assistant managing editor of The Wall Street Journal; former Rep. Susan Molinari (R., N.Y), president of Ketchum Public Affairs and chief executive officer of The Washington Group; and moderator Al Jackson, Ketchum senior vice president. Ketchum Senior Partner Rob Flaherty, managing director of the Global Corporate Practice, introduced the Navigating the 2006 Election session to the audience.

Please be sure to read the Election Night Viewer’s Guide. This handy guide includes some of the closest races. Their outcome will determine the battle for control of Congress.

While I won't make predictions on whether the Democrats or Republicans will emerge on top, our panelists certainly offered their thoughts. It’s interesting fodder as you consider the possible impact on your company, industry, state and, of course, the country.

We are pleased that with our corporate communications and public affairs expertise, we can offer forums like this one that affect all of us. As usual, I look forward to your feedback. Please write me at ray.kotcher@ketchum.com.

Ray Kotcher
Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Ketchum