(November 17, 2008) More than 120 people attended the California Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Council November retreat, which took place November 12-14 at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, focusing on the “New Political Era.”

The New Political Era agenda focused on the results of the 2008 election, a look ahead at the major policy issues facing the business community in 2009 and the governor's race in 2010.

Public Affairs Council Chair Tim McCallion, West Region president of Verizon, presided over the two-day gathering.

The first panel of the day was moderated by Beth Miller, a partner with Wilson-Miller Communications. Panelists included (from left) Beth Fouhy with the Associated Press, Chris Lehane from Fabiani & Lehane, Ruben Navarrette of the San Diego Union-Tribune and Dan Morain of the Los Angeles Times.

Thursday kicked off with Jan van Lohuizen, president of Voter Consumer Research, presenting  a major overview of the 2008 election.

Following the election overview was a presentation on issue advocacy media by Larry McCarthy, partner with McCarthy Marcus Hennings LTD. McCarthy discussed the impact of issue advocacy on the 2008 election and previewed 22 campaign spots from around the country.

The first panel of the day was a lively discussion of the impact of the media on the 2008 presidential campaign, moderated by Beth Wilson, a partner with Wilson-Miller Communications. Panelists included Beth Fouhy with the Associated Press, Ruben Navarette of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chris Lehane from Fabiani & Lehane and Dan Morain of the Los Angeles Times.

The Honorable Willie Brown, former California Assembly speaker and mayor of San Francisco, was the keynote speaker on November 13.

The luncheon keynote speaker, the Honorable Willie Brown, former California Assembly speaker and mayor of San Francisco, provided an animated commentary on topics ranging from President-Elect Obama’s campaign strategy to anticipated gubernatorial candidates in California’s 2010 election.

Following the luncheon, Rick Claussen, a partner with Goddard-Claussen, made a presentation about Proposition 11, the initiative campaign and the future of redistricting.

Panelists from the afternoon presentation featured (from right): Doug Herman of the Obama for President campaign/The Strategy Group; Roger Salazar from Acosta Salazar and spokesman for DNC; John Fund, columnist of the Wall Street Journal; and John Peschong, western states campaign director for the McCain for President campaign.

The final panel of the day discussed the inside story of the 2008 elections. The Honorable Jim Brulte, a principal with California Strategies, moderated the panel, which included Doug Herman of the Obama for President campaign/The Strategy Group; Roger Salazar from Acosta Salazar and Spokesman for DNC; John Peschong, western states campaign director for the McCain for President campaign; and John Fund, columnist for the Wall Street Journal.

Attendees were treated to a special dinner on Thursday featuring political consultant Dick Morris.

Attendees were treated to a special dinner on Thursday at the aquarium at SeaWorld, featuring political consultant Dick Morris, who is credited with guiding former President Bill Clinton’s successful re-election campaign in 1996. Morris offered insights on the Obama, McCain and Clinton campaigns and outlined a roadmap to the President-Elect’s first 100 days in office.

Friday morning began with a presentation by Jeanne Cain, CalChamber executive vice president for public policy, who outlined a California policy update from the 2007-08 legislative session and summarized the final status of top priority bills for the business community as offering insight to the current special legislative session and what it means for the business community.

Following Cain’s presentation was a series of California election updates. The first update featured the 2008 statewide initiatives and was presented by Frank Schubert, a partner with Schubert Flint Public Affairs. Joe Shumate, a principal consultant with Joe Shumate & Associates, offered insight on the 2008 legislative races.

The conference then closed with two presentations on the 2010 governor's race. Political consultant Garry South, current advisor to candidate Gavin Newsom, mayor of San Francisco, provided a wide-ranging and very informative look from a consultant prospective. 

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner offered an interesting and informative commentary on the 2010 gubernatorial election from a candidate’s perspective. Poizner outlined his initiatives in the insurance commissioner’s office and how he would apply them to the state if he were elected governor. His insights on the global economy and California were particularly well received by the members.

Planning for the 2009 conference is already underway. For additional information on the council and how to become a member, please contact Rob Lapsley at rob.lapsley@calchamber.com.