The 2010 Mid-Term Elections and Implications for Dow
The political landscape was dramatically redefined as a result of the 2010 mid-term elections. Described by many as a tidal wave election, Republicans scored a net gain of 63 seats in the House of Representatives, six seats in the Senate and five governorships. 54 House incumbents lost – 52 Democrats and two Republicans. It is the largest number of House incumbents defeated in any general election since at least 1952. In addition, Republicans won control of both chambers in half of the states’ legislatures. Democrats still control the White House and the Senate.
Implications for Dow
In this era of political fluidity, there are several implications for Dow. The political “center” is shrinking, leaving each party more captive to their more ideological wings. There were key changes to committee leadership in the House. For example, two of the most powerful House committees, the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee, are now led by Michigan Republicans Dave Camp and Fred Upton, respectively. Dow will be engaged in getting to know the 112th Congress, especially those constituent members, educating them on issues important to Dow and the industry and establishing Dow as a thought leader and credible partner on strong public policy.
2011 Dow Priorities
As the 112th Congress convened on January 5, 2011, there was a lot of chatter on what the agenda would be for the next two years. Exit polls showed that 63% of the electorate considered the economy as the most important issue facing the country and that the highest priority for the next Congress should be deficit reduction*. Others noted job creation as the highest.
Dow’s interests include educating the new Congress about Dow and our issue priorities. Our federal priorities include: promoting American manufacturing; passing energy policy; reform of our chemicals management law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); passing the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement; corporate income tax reform and regulatory reform. Each of these issues will require us to be vigilant, engaged and at the table.
The tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords could change the Congressional agenda. For example, we may see more debate on topics like mental health and gun control. The shooting has brought attention to the state of public discourse and whether it is inciting violence. There’s been a lot of heated rhetoric about heated rhetoric. Congress as an institution works better when members of both sides know each other and can disagree passionately on policy without seeing each other as evil enemies. Principled compromise is the essence of our democracy and is essential to solving the biggest policy challenges. Unless we all speak up and offer sensible solutions that can attract bipartisan support, only the angry voices will be heard and little will be accomplished.
Dow Helps Chart “Roadmap for Growth”
On December 8, 2010, the Business Roundtable, an association of the CEOs of America’s leading companies, released its “Roadmap for Growth,” a pro-jobs economic strategy. The Roadmap project was led by Dow chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris, and it lays out a set of policy recommendations that will help American business to invest in economic recovery. Policy recommendations focus on improvements in fiscal, tax and regulatory policy; education; market access; energy and the environment. You can read more at: www.businessroundtable.org/ studies-and-reports/roadmap-for-growth.
Learn About the 112th Congress
The most successful corporate government affairs programs involve a combination of direct advocacy, political contributions and grassroots activity, coupled with reputation and coordinated community activities.
Please continue to watch www.dowfriends.com and The Dow Action Network at www.dowaction.com to learn more about the 112th Congress, your officials at the state and local levels, the issues important to Dow, opportunities to connect with your Member of Congress by taking action and attending local events, and 2011 state-level get-out-the-vote activities in your area.