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Dear USGLC Board Members,

Last night, we watched what originally seemed impossible - then implausible - become the inescapable with Donald Trump all but securing the GOP nomination. I marvel now when I think back to our Impact 2016 launch and our worry was Rand Paul, the isolationist.

Looking ahead, we will see one of the most unusual general election debates on foreign policy with the GOP candidate running to the left of the Democratic nominee on these issues. We have work to do to ensure that the candidates, including those running for Congress, and the voters understand the importance of global development and diplomacy. Frankly, we will need your help.

A few updates (some good, some need work):

1. Senator Cruz. While he started out as a challenge during his Senate tenure, our work has led to some very important changes in his voice on our issues during this campaign. From our engagement with his team during trips to Africa, visits in Houston, and meetings along the campaign trail, Senator Cruz seems to have shifted his stance.

* Last night as he suspended his campaign he addressed the importance of internationalism saying: "Will we rise to meet the challenges that face our nation on the international stage or will we withdraw and cower timidly from the world?"
* We are hopeful that these new relationships will create opportunities as he returns to the Senate.

2. Donald Trump. Last week I shared a quick analysis of his foreign policy speech. While I never know what will come of these efforts, here are a few new outreach efforts with his senior team:

* We have secured a meeting with Trump's National Security Chair, Senator Jeff Sessions and his Chief of Staff.
* Derek Gianino, our Director of Strategic Initiatives, attended the recent RNC meeting in Florida, as a guest of two of our Africa trip participants. He met with Trump's top DC lawyer and operative who arranged additional team meetings.
* Governor Chris Christie continues to play a leadership role, and his Chief of Staff (who also participated on our Africa trip) has been central in providing openings.
* With Ben Carson tapped to lead the VP search, our outreach to him will hopefully pay off.

3. Petraeus in Playbook. Great shout out in POLITICO's Playbook last week on General Petraeus' addition to the USGLC:

* POWER PLAYBOOKER - "General David Petraeus has just joined the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's powerhouse 'brasstops' advisory group of over 160 retired three and four-star military leaders calling on policymakers to beef up foreign aid to keep America safe. Petraeus says that he's joined the USGLC's ranks because he's seen firsthand how ensuring resources for State and USAID helps 'improve our national security.'"

4. USGLC Growing Leadership and State Activities. We continue to have big wins in the states with lots of in-district events and candidate meetings.

* Joining our leadership: AEI's Senators John Kyl (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT); new Utah State Chairs Governor Jon Huntsman (R) and former Rep. Jim Matheson (D); and our new Alabama State Chairs Governor Jim Folsom (D) and former Rep. Jo Bonner (R).
* Big win in CO with Rep. Doug Lamborn (R) who two years ago refused to meet with us and this week sat on a panel before 150 of his constituents. Check out the coverage in the Colorado Springs Gazette<http://gazette.com/lamborn-speech-puts-arch-conservative-to-the-left-of-donald-trump-on-foreign-policy/article/1575260>.
* Big event coming in Utah next Monday with Rep. Chris Stewart (R) who serves on State-Foreign Ops, along with a series of small events in Florida, Wisconsin, and Ohio in the coming days.

5. On Capitol Hill. Last week, we held our annual Appropriations Lobby Day with visits to nearly 60 offices. Feedback has been mostly very positive with several members of Congress agreeing to weigh in with Appropriations leadership and a handful raising concerns with overall funding, including the controversy over Zika spending.

I will send a separate email about details for our upcoming board meeting, which is shaping up nicely.

Best,
Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC