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Dear Board of Directors,

I’m in Appleton, WI today for an event with USGLC champion Rep. Mike Gallagher – finally made it to our friend Mark Green’s old district. Few quick updates:

1. RUST BELT STRATEGY. Appleton is the first of our Rust Belt pilot project events – and we expect to learn what works and what doesn’t. A few tidbits to give you a flavor:


* The venue is not our typical hotel ballroom, but this time we’re at a vocational tech college (of course, the college has a partnership with State Department, strong foreign student population, and is ‘all in’ with our message).

* The Appleton Mayor, a Republican, will kick off the program with a compelling story about his global travels with Sister Cities, including working to reduce chemical weapon stockpiles in Russia!


* The program will feel different – no stage, high stools integrated among the tables to create an approachable two-way conversation. Loads of local business leaders from the Fox Valley region, an area hit hard from manufacturing losses in this blue-to-red state. Thank you to John Ellenberger for joining us.


* Will keep you posted of lessons learned before we head to Youngstown, Ohio next.

2. MID-TERM MOMENTUM. Derek Gianino just returned from Nashville, having organized a very important meeting with Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who is running for Senator Corker’s seat.


* Rep. Blackburn has had a very mixed voting record on the International Affairs Budget so we showed up with our power team – World Vision, AIPAC, and several of her local supporters from the military and business community. She knew them all – was clearly impressed and listened.


* Blackburn appeared very “set” in her skeptical beliefs about foreign assistance, stating it must be effective and accountable. But as the meeting went on, she talked about her close relationship and reliance on Rep. Kay Granger on these issues and how she is moved by her faith – grateful for the humanitarian and relief work that churches, like her own, do overseas.


* As our business leaders talked, Blackburn shared her concerns about the leadership vacuum we’re ceding to China in developing countries, noting that China is even investing in women’s health clinics in Afghanistan.


* At the end, she wants to ensure foreign assistance is focused on metrics, accountability, and deliverables, but agreed there is a need. She may continue to be a difficult vote should she be elected to the Senate, but we had many of her supporters in the room for over an hour with her chief strategist and chief of staff and they’re eager to engage more with USGLC. Bottom line: these meetings are really important!

3. SHAPING THE DEBATE IN A CROWDED NEWS CYCLE. Two hot-button issues this week provided openings to shape the debate – through a cautious, but smart and strategic implementation:


* On Syria, we saw a hook with the troop withdrawal announcement – an issue the USGLC does not and would not touch. As you’ve surely seen, the Administration also suspended and is now reviewing a $200 million commitment for civilian stabilization aid (funds from the International Affairs Budget).
* Here was our press opening: a potential cut to development and diplomacy funds for post-conflict aid is opposed by all the generals –Mattis, Dunford, and Votel.
* Working behind the scenes, we provided our messages plus key facts and quotes to the numerous national security/foreign policy pundits that are filling the airwaves on this topic – driving the message that our military leaders strongly support resources for civilian-led stabilization programs in Syria and Iraq.
* We tried to get a few of our four-star military leaders on conservative press and we were confirmed twice on FOX and Friends for tomorrow but got bumped – will keep trying.
* I put out a statement yesterday<http://www.usglc.org/newsroom/usglc-ceo-civilian-stabilization-programs-syria-non-negotiable/> on the suspension and review of the $200 million stabilization aid, largely for Capitol Hill consumption. So far, strong comments from Senator Graham and Rep. Lowey.

* On the Border, we had to be even more nuanced – because under no circumstances will USGLC have a position on a wall or troops on our Southern border.
* But here was our opening: As you know from our last board meeting, our new conservative media consultants have encouraged us to look for hot news to “ride” by providing tidbits to pundits and producers. As we know – the cable networks have to fill A LOT of time, and need interesting related stories.
* Working behind the scenes, we sent brief facts and message points to friendly pundits on cable news about the “root causes” of migration from Central America and the success of Plan Columbia.
* Watch for Scott Jennings and a few others to mention these talking points if the topic comes up in the next few days.

Exciting News for Board Meeting. Very pleased to share that we’ve confirmed House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy as a guest at our May 22-23 Board of Directors Meeting. He was scheduled to attend our fall meeting, but had to cancel at the last minute to travel to Las Vegas after the shooting.


* The truth is that the timing of our meeting couldn’t be more important.


* McCarthy is the main conduit talking with the President about his idea to rescind funding from the recently passed FY18 Omnibus – potentially including international affairs programs.


* And remember, McCarthy continues to be talked about as a possible next Chief of Staff – he had dinner with the President just last night.

If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please reach out to Emily at ebenovitz@usglc.org<mailto:ebenovitz@usglc.org>.

More soon,

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC