1. Engaging in Local Elections: Lessons Learned
Pat Dando
President & CEO
San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce

2. COMPAC Chamber’s political arm Established 25 years ago
Coalition between business & labor
Objective:
Support City Council Candidates & Public Policy Proposals that enhance economic development

3. San Jose Political Dynamics
Mid-1990 labor groups gain control
Advocated social agenda
City Mandated Living Wage Ordinance
Labor Peace Mandate
Community Benefits Initiatives
Business/Labor partnership falters
Imbalance on the San Jose City Council

4. COMPAC Takes A Stand Had to be bold to succeed
Aggressive Fundraising for 2006 Election
COMPAC $50K
August Barbecue – Raised $300K
Large Donor Solicitations - $100K
Partnerships

5. June 06 Primary Election Endorsements announced Mayor’s Race
Two City Council Races
Conducted Extensive Polling
Refined & Adjusted Strategy
Implemented Issues Based Outreach:
Eminent Domain
Backroom Dealing/Closed Process
Labor Peace
Sitting Mayor Indicted

6. Reaction to COMPAC Broad reaction to COMPAC’s efforts Press
Labor Groups
Chamber Membership
Democratic Party
Labor candidate messaging & strategy impacted

7. June 2006 Outcomes San Jose Election Commission
Rules against COMPAC – June 1, 2006
June Election Victory
Mayor’s Race:
Business friendly candidate finishes first
City Council Races:
Seat 1: COMPAC’s candidate won outright
Seat 3: COMPAC’s candidate finished first

8. 2006 General Election
Federal Court overturns Election Commission – September 2006
City of San Jose appealed to 9th Circuit
Initiated Independent Expenditures
Mayor’s Race
Two Contested Council Races
November Election Victory

9. What’s Next US Supreme Court Ruling Precedent to guide appeal
Federal law prohibiting “issue ads” featuring candidates for election is First Amendment violation
Continued fund raising
Negotiations with City of San Jose

10. Lessons Learned Fund Raising Extensive Communication Polling
Trustee Commitment
Hang Tough