
Al Jackson, Ketchum senior vice president of public affairs, served as panel moderator. His questions included the following:
- The news in the last couple of weeks for Republicans seems to be pretty good on the economic front. The Dow Jones industrial average is above 12,000 now, interest rates seem be fairly solid and gas prices are down to about $2 a gallon. Is there a possibility this is going to attach to the Republicans?
- If you’re talking to Democrats who are running these days, what do they have to do or make sure they don’t do?
- We all remember ‘94 and the vulnerable House Democrat – a Democrat from a district that really was changing. Is there a profile for a vulnerable Republican this year in the House?
- A couple of weeks ago, we heard a lot about Republican strategy – to make this a series of local elections. Not a referendum on the Bush administration or leadership, but local candidates running against each other. It was felt that was the strongest way to hold a Republican majority. Is that the right strategy? Is that still the strategy for them?
- For assumption’s sake, let’s assume the Democrats control at least the House or Senate. From a business standpoint, what’s that going to mean?
- What’s the best outcome for you this election if you’re a candidate running for president in 2008?

Rob Flaherty, Ketchum senior partner and managing director of the
Global Corporate Practice, introduced the election-panel presentation:
“In our business, we’re supposed to be anticipating the next best thing. Clearly, this is probably the most significant midterm election since ’94. This event is specifically designed, including the members of our panel, to bring the worlds of the boardroom and the (capital) beltway together to explore what the implications of this election are for the world of business as well as across the political spectrum.”
