Developing an effective presence in today's political environment

In this article (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/47969.html), POLITICO explains how the REALTOR Party is the next wave in developing an effective advocacy effort.

As this article explains, "some experts envision a day when industry groups will not only hit up their individual members, but their corporate accounts for campaign cash as well – and then target their spending in ways that have less to do with Democrat or Republican, and more to do with who is pro or con on their big issues."

“The business community is figuring out they need to be their own best advocate,” said Greg Casey, president of the Business Industry Political Action Committee, which helps companies set up voter registration and education programs aimed at their employees. “There is a lot going on. In some cases, the Realtors could be the model.”

Added Jan Baran, a Republican campaign finance expert who consults with corporations: “Realtors, auto dealers, lawyers, they are going to want to be politically effective, and a large measure of their influence is that they are present everywhere.”

“Electing and re-electing REALTOR friendly candidates is an integral part of protecting the industry. During the election, REALTORS were the driving force in triggering the candidates’ understanding that stable and sustainable housing markets are the central component of our economic recovery.”

"The Realtors’ campaign differed from that of such large trade and business groups as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in that it was built around one industry and targeted at a subset of candidates with clear records of advocating on housing issues while serving in Congress, a state legislature or on the job."