This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: Name: Rod Wright
Party: Democrat
Age: 61
Education: William Jewell College, Washington University
Job: President, Unicom ARC, a political consulting firm in St. Louis.
Clout: For three decades, Wright has consulted with political campaigns at all levels in the region. In the 1980s and 1990s, he worked on Democratic campaigns, along with the occasional Republican (Jim Talent, Franc Flotron). He abandoned work for individual candidates some years ago. He now works primarily for school districts and other municipal governments whom he advises on connecting with voters on ballot issues such as school propositions; and using community engagement models to plan more effectively.
Current campaign: Ballot propositions in Illinois for county sales tax increases for schools.
I know I’ve done a good job when…: “ …I’ve got former clients recommending my services, and hiring me to work again. Nothing makes you feel better than repeat work from a former client.”
Beyond November: The Republican Party is potentially going to be ripped in half, particularly if Romney loses. It’s become a political advocacy group for the Christian right, and a lot of Republicans are very unhappy. Where that goes is really going to be interesting. Among Democrats, there’s a battle looming for the heart and soul of the party over Wall Street.
Other issues: How the country is going to address money and politics, with an increasing amount of contributions coming from fewer and fewer people; and whether or not voter suppression efforts (by Republicans) will continue and how the courts will respond.
Biggest political disappointment: John Ashcroft defeating Kenny Rothman for Missouri governor, 1984. “I don’t think any election affected me personally more … He (Rothman) would have done amazing things for Missouri.”
Political hero: Harry Truman. “He is still raging hot among Democrats. The times are calling for somebody as decisive as he was.”
Most important race in November: U.S. Senate races in Missouri, Massachusetts and other close states.
Underrated race: Missouri lieutenant governor. The controversy surrounding Peter Kinder state expenses has been “way under the radar.”
Biggest primary surprise: Peter Kinder’s weak showing.
Akin prediction: “I don’t think he’ll hold up. Senator McCaskill will get re-elected.”