Public Affairs Council 2008 Post-Election Primary Conference

Government affairs specialists from throughout the state gathered on February 21 for the California Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Council’s 2008 Post-Presidential Primary Conference.

The conference agenda kicked off with Rob Lapsley, CalChamber vice president of public affairs, welcoming the group.

Next, Public Affairs Council Chair Tim McCallion spoke to the conference attendees. McCallion, who is also west region president of Verizon, presided over the day-long gathering that focused on what went right, and what went wrong in the February 5 primary elections.

Ken Khachigian, former speechwriter to President Ronald Reagan and senior partner for Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, then proceeded to do a major presentation on the 2008 presidential election.

Khachigian also served as moderator for the morning presidential election panel on the California primary. Panel members were Duane Dichiara of the Romney for President campaign; John Peschong of the McCain for President campaign; and Eric Beach of the Giuliani for President campaign.

Following the election panel was a presentation on the California Voters First redistricting initiative. The presentation included Cynthia Bryant, director of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Office of Planning and Research; Richard Claussen of Goddard Claussen Strategic Advocacy; and Zabrae Valentine, policy director of California Forward.

The luncheon keynote speaker, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, provided lively commentary on the state’s long-term health and prosperity. He outlined how California needs to improve in several categories, from education to its position in the global economy.

The post-luncheon panel discussed term limits. Bill Hauck, president of the California Business Roundtable, moderated the panel, which included Kevin Spillane of the No on Proposition 93 campaign; Steve Maviglio of the Yes on Proposition 93 campaign; Greg Lucas of California’s Capitol Blog; and Allan Hoffenblum of Allan Hoffenblum & Associates and publisher of the California Target Book.

For additional information on the council and how to become a member, please contact Karissa Beck at karissa.beck@calchamber.com.

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner was the keynote speaker on February 21.		The conference's keynote speaker, Steve Poizner, and Council Chair Tim McCallion.
Rob Lapsley, CalChamber vice president of public affairs, kicks off the speaker agenda.		Public Affairs Council Chair Timothy McCallion welcomes guests to the 2008 Post-PresidentialPrimary Conference.
Ken Khachigian, former speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan, discusses the 2008 presidential election before serving as moderator of a panel discussion on the California primary.		The panel discussing the California presidential primary are (from left) Eric Beach of the Giuliani for President campaign; Duane Dichiara of the Romney for President campaign; John Peschong of the McCain for President campaign; and Roger Salazar, Acosta/Salazar LLC.
Making the presentation on the California Voters First redistricting initiative are (from left) Richard Claussen of Goddard Claussen Strategic Advocacy, Cynthia Bryant of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Office of Planning and Research; Zabrae Valentine, policy director for California Forward.		Poizner comments on the state's position in the global economy.
Public Affairs Council Chairman Tim McCallion (right) talks with Cynthia Bryant (middle) of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Office of Planning and Research, and Zabrae Valentine, policy director for California Forward.		The Term Limits Panel was moderated by California Business Roundtable President, Bill Hauck. Panel members included (from left) Allan Hoffenblum of Hoffenblum & Associates; Steve Maviglio of the Yes on Proposition 93 campaign; Kevin Spillane of the No on Proposition 93 campaign; Greg Lucas (right) of California's Capitol Blog.
Ken Khachigian is also a senior partner for Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP.

From top-left: Eric Beach of the Giuliani for President campaign; Duane Dichiara of the Romney for President campaign; John Peschong of the McCain for President campaign; Roger Salazar (right) Acosta/Salazar LLC.

Explaing the California Voters First redistricting initiative are (from top-left) Richard Claussen of Goddard Claussen Strategic Advocacy, Cynthia Bryant of of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Office of Planning and Research and Zabrae Valentine, policy director for California Forward.

The Term Limits Panel: (from top-left) Allan Hoffenblum of Hoffenblum & Associates; Steve Maviglio of the Yes on Proposition 93 campaign; Kevin Spillane of the No on Proposition 93 campaign; Greg Lucas of California's Capitol Blog.