CASE STUDY: ELECTION 08: INSERTING A LAW FIRM INTO THE POLITICAL DIALOGUE

Client:

Assignment:

Position McKenna Long & Aldridge's Atlanta-based Government Affairs group as political insiders and thought leaders with potential clients who are affected by political changes.

Strategy/Implementation:

Having signed on this firm as a client mere months before a historic election, Jackson Spalding immediately began identifying political reporters covering the campaigns. As we learned about their planned story angles, we began offering specialists from McKenna Long & Aldridge as potential sources. For many reporters, we became the go-to agents for breaking news commentary - such as on-site commentary from both party conventions to Obama's Vice Presidential pick on a Saturday. Our ability to deliver spokespersons also allowed us to position our clients for in-depth analysis as well. In a state filled with prominent politicians and academics steeped in Southern politics, we were able to place McKenna Long & Aldridge experts at the top of the media source list by anticipating likely stories and working quickly to bring them to life before and after the election.

Results:

McKenna Long & Aldridge's Government Affairs staffers were featured in election coverage in leading print and broadcast outlets across the state before the election. They also commented live on election night and during a senate run-off afterward. Media hits included National Public Radio (NPR) on election night and Capitol Impact the day before the election. Our clients also participated in run-off coverage in Savannah, Atlanta, Athens and Macon.