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DAVID GREGORY AND BETH WILKINSON MAKE THEIR FIRST APPEARANCE ON THE POWER
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WASHINGTON LIFE
ROLAND FLAMINI ON THE INFLUENCE GAME POWER FEUDS SEE-AND-BE-SEEN TABLES LGBT RISING SOCIAL MEDIA STARS
POLLYWOOD BLOSSOMS! SALLY FIELD MARIA BELLO AND DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ON THE POWER TO TRANSFORM DICAPRIO MEETS CLINTON DESIRテ右 ROGERS AT THE CORCORAN BALL THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!
SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER From left: Hunter Bid en, n An Jord an, Jeremy Ben-m A i, Jean Case, Bill Clinton, John Fahey, o Dn Peebles
THE POWER
In a city where influence is everything, these one hundred individuals rise to the top. Some are wealthy, but many are not.They represent a wide variety of professional fields, from faith to finance; but they all share two common traits:They work outside the federal government and hold sway inside the Beltway. BUSINESS DON AND MEGAN BEYER Owners, Don Beyer Volvo DRIVEN3 Among the earliest supporters of Obama’s campaign, both Beyers served on the finance committee, and Don was an influential member of the Transition Team. NEXT TURN3 Rumors circulate that Beyer has been tapped to be the next ambassador to Sweden.
STEVE AND JEAN CASE Chairman, Revolution LLC; Chairwoman, The Case Foundation (respectively) HEALTHY OPTIMISM3 After expanding his portfolio to include health and finance companies, the AOL-cofounder raised almost $50 million in capital last month for a company that will compete with PayPal. SWEET SUCCESS3 Case owns nearly half of the Maui Land & Pineapple Co., where the trademarked “Maui Gold” variety is grown on tens of thousands of acres in Hawaii.
WESLEY COMBS AND BOB WITECK President and CEO,Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. (respectively) DYNAMIC DUO3 Combs and Witeck founded one of the area’s most innovative marketing firms; clients today include American Airlines, Ford, and IBM. AHA! MOMENT3 Their co-authored book, Business Inside Out was the first to identify gay consumers as a unique sector of the
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economy, and it remains the gold standard on marketing to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
It Plain: Standing Up and Speaking Out, were published in 2008. FAMILY TIES3 One of the most connected women in Washington Ann Jordan is White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett’s cousin.
JAMES A JOHNSON Vice Chairman, Perseus, LLC
TED LEONSIS
MANY HATS3 From Fannie Mae and Brookings to the Kennedy Center and Democratic campaigns, Johnson has been wielding power in diverse sectors for decades. LOWER PROFILE3 A role in Obama’s vice-presidential vetting process ended abruptly after it was reported that Johnson procured $7 million in loans from now-defunct Countrywide Financial Corp.
Founder, Lincoln Holdings LLC; Majority Owner, Washington Capitals
SHEILA JOHNSON
ACT II3 The renaissance man has moved on, from AOL exec to professional sports team owner, philanthropist and film producer. His documentaries, Nanking and Kicking It both made it to Sundance. ICING ON THE CAKE3 Leonsis’ NHL Capitals boast the league’s MVP,Alex Ovechkin, and recently advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.
CEO, Salamander Hospitality; Majority Owner, Washington Mystics
J W BILL MARRIOTT JR
DIVERSIFIED3 The first black female billionaire in America continues to expand her empire, which includes stakes in three professional sports franchises, a resort in Middleburg (Salamander Farms), a resort in Florida (Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club) and producer credits on two films. GOOD BET3 An early and ardent Obama supporter, Johnson served on the campaign’s Women’s Committee and traveled the country raising money for the candidate.
TRAVEL ADVISORY3 The hotel baron has been outspoken recently about the vilification of business-related travel and events, and the loss of nearly 200,000 jobs in the industry last year. RECESSION?3 Though Marriott International reported a $23 million loss in the first quarter of 2009, the company plans to build over 30,000 rooms this year.
Chairman and CEO, Marriott International
ABE POLLIN Chairman and CEO,Washington Sports and Entertainment
VERNON AND ANN JORDAN Senior Managing Director, Lazard Freres & Co. LLC THE WORD3 One of Washington’s best-known lawyers and power brokers, Jordan’s collected speeches, titled Make
LEGACY3 Pollin’s dedication to the community is reflected all over the city; this winter, take a stroll down Abe Pollin Way NW on Abe Pollin Day (December 3rd). A NEW
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ERA3 Following a tough season for his NBA Wizards franchise (19-63), Pollin has hired Flip Saunders as the new head coach, reportedly saying only four words to him: “don’t let us down.”
national campaign director at America Votes, can focus on advocating clean energy solutions. TARGET PRACTICE3 In 2008 the Sierra Club launched its largest-ever grassroots initiative; thousands of volunteers targeted five Senate races, 33 House races, and the presidential election.
DAVID RUBENSTEIN Co-founder,The Carlyle Group MAKING WAVES3 The king of corporate takeovers is making rare appearances on the press circuit these days to discuss buyout mistakes and economic recovery. ON DISPLAY3 Two of Rubenstein’s prized possessions: a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation (at the American History Museum), and a copy of the Magna Carta (at the National Archives).
BRIAN GALLAGHER President and CEO, United Way of America CHANGE AGENT3 Since 2002, Gallagher has dramatically refocused United Way’s national image and significantly raised its accountability. THE ROAD3 Gallagher estimates he spends about 70 percent of his time traveling the country to ensure the UW is living up to his standards.
GAIL MCGOVERN DANIEL SNYDER
HEALER3 The former executive at AT&T and Fidelity Investments joined the Red Cross after predecessor Mark Everson was forced to resign. GOOD EXPERIENCE3 With a $200 million deficit and staff cuts, McGovern will surely be aided by her private sector acumen as she works to restore the mammoth organization back to firm footing.
President and CEO, American Red Cross
BOB GREENSTEIN Founder and Executive Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities THE SAGE3 Greenstein has been called “a powerhouse for the poor,” by the Washington Post, and the think tank he founded has earned praise from both sides of the aisle for its talented staff and dogged advocacy. THE SCOOP3 Insiders say Greenstein had considerable input on Obama’s 2009 budget.
Owner,Washington Redskins; Chairman, Six Flags TOUCHDOWN3 With one of the highest-grossing football teams in the NFL, the pressure is on Snyder (and head coach Jim Zorn) to take the Redskins all the way. ROLLER COASTER3 Football aside, Snyder has his plate full – literally – as owner of the popular restaurant chain Johnny Rockets and board chairman of Six Flags, the world’s largest amusement park operator.
MICHAEL SONNENREICH Chairman and CEO, Kikaku America International ARTIST AT HEART3 This former president of the Washington National Opera and pharmaceutical company player knows his way around a guitar fret board, and remains a constant on the city’s arts scene. DOUBT3 While a member of President Nixon’s National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse, Sonnenreich was an early skeptic of the “war on drugs,” predicting that it would be unwinnable and alienate young people.
UNLIKELYENCOUNTERS
POWER FEUDS Guests will be twittering – in more ways than one – if they encounter these well-known adversaries together in the same room Sen. PATRICK LEAHY and former Vice President DICK CHENEY A long-running contretemps about Halliburton, Cheney’s former firm, came to a foul-mouthed climax when the pair clashed on the Senate floor in what was later called a “frank exchange of views.”
Vice President JOE BIDEN and former George W. Bush Advisor KARL ROVE Biden told CNN that President Bush once reminded him that he was a “leader” and that he had replied, “Turn around and look behind you. No one is following.” Rove called the story “fictional” on Fox News, adding that Biden was a “serial exaggerator.”
NON-PROFITS DEEPAK BHARGAVA Executive Director,The Center for Community Change ORGANIZER-IN-CHIEF3 Bhargava may not be the most famous Harvard-educated-former-community organizer in Washington, but as the leader of one of the nation’s largest grass-roots community advocacy groups, he has plenty of influence. NEXT UP3 The CCC is particularly involved in issues facing the poor, so expect to see Bhargava front and center in the upcoming healthcare debates.
BILL CLINTON Former President of the United States; founder, the Clinton Foundation DOMESTIC SPENDING3 The former President’s Harlembased NGO will forego foreign donations while Hillary is Sec. of State; but judging from a recent star-studded L.A. fundraiser, the foundation’s coffers won’t suffer greatly.
Speaker of the House NANCY PELOSI and Rep. JANE HARMAN The two Californians are longtime colleagues but have never been collegial, especially after Pelosi used her Speaker power to pass over Harman for another term as chairman of the House Committee on Intelligence.
ANTHONY LANIER and HERB MILLER The developers battled in court over control of the Shops at Georgetown Park. Miller’s victory may have been Pyrrhic, since he now has to find tenants in an economic downturn.
Mayor ADRIAN FENTY and Councilmember PHIL MENDELSOHN D.C. National Guard youth program funding and keeping District bars open late during the Inauguration are but two of their numerous squabbles.The only time they seem to agree is when a common enemy (Congress, the gun lobby) looms.
Redskins vice president of operations VINNIE CERRATO and Washington Post sportswriter JASON LA CANFORA Cerrato says La Canfora’s coverage is biased against the team; La Canfora maintains he is just calling the shots as he sees them. Now Cerrato has his own bi-weekly radio show and can play journalist, too.
CATHY DUVALL Political Director,The Sierra Club A NEW DAY3 Now that those in power no longer question the basic validity of global warming, Duvall, a former
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Justice ANTONIN SCALIA and Rep. BARNEY FRANK Frank called Scalia a “homophobe” on a gay website because of his opposition to certain legal rights for homosexuals. Scalia’s response has so far been limited by an exercise of judicial restraint.
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From left: Bob Witeck, Brian Wolff, Carter Roberts, Chris Matthews, Rusty Powell, Eugene Robinson, Hilary Rosen, Joe Solmonese
JOHN PODESTA President,The Center for American Progress DREAM TEAM3 As co-chairman of the Obama-Biden Transition, Podesta assembled an unprecedented team that included a number of CAP staffers. RIGHTEOUS FURY3 Podesta recently called for the impeachment of Jay Bybee, the federal judge and former Bush administration official who penned the now public “torture memos.”
JOHN PRENDERGAST Co-founder,The Enough Project SAVING DARFUR3 Prendergast’s Enough Project aims to end the genocide in Darfur in part by convincing Obama to add comprehensive peace in Sudan to his list of policy goals. TWO AT A TIME3 A former director of African affairs at the National Security Council and special advisor at the Dept. of State, Prendergast has written eight books on Africa and is currently working on two more.
DEBATE PREP3 The leader of one of the nation’s widest-reaching LGBT organizations stands to become significantly more influential as the battle over gay marriage goes national. SHOWTIME3 This former CEO of EMILY’s List regularly appears on Comedy Central’s Colbert Report and co-hosts The Agenda on XM Satellite Radio.
DOMINIQUE STRAUSS–KAHN Managing Director, International Monetary Fund MONEY MAN3 The former professor and member of the French Socialist party now directs efforts to rescue the world’s most vulnerable economies with a massive aid package of grants and loans. APRÈS LE DELUGE: Last year, the IMF board cleared Kahn of allegations of favoritism and abuse of power – just in time for him to focus on the economic crisis.
THE ARTS
BRUCE RIEDEL
G WAYNE CLOUGH
Senior Fellow,The Brookings Institution
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
SUPER SPY: This former head of analysis at CIA has advised four U.S. presidents, most recently co-chairing an interagency report on Afghanistan and Pakistan for the Obama White House.DIRE WARNING: Riedel is on record stating that a failed state in Pakistan would be the “worst nightmare of the century.”
MANAGEMENT < 3 The former civil engineer and head of Georgia Tech took over after a firestorm of criticism over his predecessor’s management style and spending habits. MODERN HISTORY3 Clough has overseen the placement of the entire 137 million-object collection online, and enlisted video gaming experts to collaborate with curators.
CARTER ROBERTS President and CEO,World Wildlife Fund
PLACIDO DOMINGO
ON MESSAGE3 This environmentalist is an expert in marketing conservation initiatives, having previously worked for The Nature Conservancy and several multimillion dollar companies. GO GREEN3 In March Carter and WWF organized Earth Hour 2009, in which over a billion people in 88 countries turned out their lights and electronics for an hour.
General Director,Washington National Opera
PETER SELIGMAN
MICHAEL KAHN
Chairman, Conservation International
Artistic Director,The Shakespeare Theatre Company
EARTH WATCH: CI is one of the largest non-profit groups dedicated to protecting the world’s most threatened wilderness and marine regions. GREEN AGENDA: Seligman has strongly warned President Obama to focus on species extinction, coral reef destruction, over-fishing, and tropical deforestation before a “tipping point” occurs.
THE BARD OF DC3 The erudite director/teacher has created a world-class theater for Shakespearean and other classical works, often featuring Kevin Spacey, Dame Judi Dench and other serious stars. STANDING OVATION3 In the past year, Kahn directed Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, Congreve’s Way of the World and Noël Coward’s Design for Living, and scored a coup by snaring Helen Mirren to star in a production of Phaedre.
JOE SOLMONESE President, Human Rights Campaign
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MET OUR MATCH3 The famed tenor can do no wrong, whether he is singing or directing for a company that has achieved world-class status since he took the helm in 1996. LESS IS MORE3 Recession era budget cuts have mandated less lavish costumes and sets, along with the November postponement of the much-anticipated Ring cycle.
MICHAEL KAISER President, Kennedy Center ARTMEISTER3 An impresario in every sense, Kaiser never fails to uphold the Kennedy Center’s reputation as a major national venue for music, theater, and dance. BUSY YEAR3 A cultural ambassador for the State Department, Kaiser put on the country’s first major Arab cultural festival, revived “Ragtime”, and simultaneously published a book and launched “Arts in Crisis” to help arts organizations.
ANNE MIDGETTE Music critic, The Washington Post CRITICAL EYE3 The former New York Times writer has attracted attention for her influential, opinionated, and occasionally controversial coverage of the classical music scene. EXPANSIVE SCOPE3 Midgette wins plaudits for fresh style, trying to educate less erudite readers, and for reviewing smaller groups, not just biggies like the Washington National Opera. (She thinks Placido Domingo is overextended).
EARL A “RUSTY” POWELL III Director, National Gallery of Art THE SHOWMAN3 Only the fourth director in the gallery’s 72-year history, Powell has presided over his fair share of acquisitions and exhibitions – blockbuster and otherwise – since his arrival in 1992. WORKING ON3 Rehabilitating the gallery’s infrastructure, reinstalling the permanent collections, redoing the web site, and continuing to target new donors is an art in itself.
ROGER AND VICTORIA SANT Co-Founder, AES Corp.; Chairman, National Gallery of Art (respectively) NAME RECOGNITION3 Examples of this couple’s generosity dot the city; most notably the Smithsonian Natural History Museum’s spectacular, 23,000 sq. ft. Sant Ocean Hall. GREAT MINDS3 A former power company exec, in April 2009 Roger joined the board of Powerspan, a clean coal tech venture whose investors include George Soros.
ERIC SCHAEFFER Artistic Director, Signature Theatre ACTING UP3 Theater lovers gladly drive to the wilds of downtown Shirlington for a Signature fix that often competes with the best offerings in the metropolitan area, the Kennedy Center included. RECENT KUDOS FOR3 Audaciously re-staged revivals of works by Stephen Sondheim and a dramatically downsized version of Les
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Miserables that earned multiple awards at this year’s Helen Hayes Awards.
BESTTABLES
GEORGE AND TRISH VRADENBURG President, The Vradenburg Foundation, and author/ playwright (respectively)
YOU ARE WHERE YOU SIT
DIFFERENT STROKES3 The former AOL exec and consummate insider has breathed new life into The Phillips Collection, but he’s equally at home in high-level Middle aEst strategy sessions with the likes of Madeleine Albright and Vin Weber. MULTI-MEDIA3 The couple publishes a well-respected progressive Jewish monthly arts and culture magazine, Tikkun; editor Michael Lerner is Trish’s brother.
VIPs always get “their” table at Washington’s top restaurants
SEPTIME WEBRE Artistic Director,The Washington Ballet EN POINTE3 D.C.’s top dance man has made his mark after 15 years at the helm by focusing on the company’s signature mix of classic and modern works (many his own creations or collaborations with other choreographers). NEXT STEP3 Webre continues to expand the subscriber base, hire increasingly better dancers, and experiment with a program that is often brilliant and irrepressibly “Webre.”
RELIGION THE RIGHT REVEREND JOHN BRYSON CHANE
CAFÉ MILANO 3251 Prospect Street NW, 202-333-6183 Table 100 (center of the main room against the glass doors) Reserved for: Bill and Hillary Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Michael Douglas and Catherine eZtaJones,Wolf Blitzer, Bo Derek, Muhammad Ali, Lionel Ritchie, Sharon Stone, Michael Jordan, Jim Kimsey.
EQUINOX
Episcopal Bishop of Washington
818 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-331-8118
RIGHTEOUS3 Chane minced no words in criticizing a conservative fellow bishop from the Anglican Communion for his anti-gay views. CURRENT DILEMMA3 Maintaining Washington National Cathedral’s colossal building, grounds, and community programs in the face of drastic budget cuts.
Table 40 Reserved for: David Axelrod,Valerie Jarrett, David Brooks, Desirée Rogers, and Madeleine Albright. (The Obamas and other heads of state prefer the secluded Wine Room.)
REVEREND H BEECHER HICKS JR Senior Minister, Metropolitan Baptist Church SOUL POWER3 Six thousand congregants pack the pews every Sunday to experience Hicks’ imaginative preaching style, a combination of rapt storytelling and biblical truth. WRIGHT STUFF3 Hicks would be most pleased if the first African-American president and his family chose to attend his church on a regular basis, even though Obama was most recently a member of the nUited Church of Christ.
FOUR SEASONS Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-342-0448 Table 43 Reserved for: Nancy Pelosi, Adrian Fenty, Condoleezza Rice, George Clooney, Robert Redford
RABBI DAVID SAPERSTEIN Director of the Religious Action Center; co-chairman, Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty DIVINE JUSTICE3 The Rabbi has been called the “quintessential lobbyist on Capitol Hill” for making the Center the second most powerful Jewish body in Washington (after AIPAC). HIGH HONOR: Saperstein was selected to deliver the invocation at the final night of the 2008Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO.
THE MOST REVEREND DONALD W WUERL Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington HATS OFF3 Lacking a red cardinal’s hat has not prevented Wuerl from exercising quiet but firm control over a sprawling diocese of more than 58 0,000 Catholics. PULPIT
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THE PALM
ADOUR
1225 19th Street NW, 202-293-9091
St. Regis Washington D.C., 923 16th Street NW, 202-509-8000
Table 43 (set for 10 in the middle of the room) Reserved for: Bill Bennett, Michael Bloomberg, James Carville and Mary Matalin, Gen. David Petraeus, Bob Strauss
Table 5, in a center alcove Reserved for: Brad Pitt, Jon Bon Jovi, Mario Batali, Tom and Linda Daschle
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ARTSLEADER
ERIC SCHAEFFER IN FOUR ACTS The award-winning director makes headlines with daring productions in a “Signature” space WL: Are you glad you stayed in Washington and didn’t go to New York? Eric Schaeffer: I arrived here thinking I’d stay for two years and here I am, 22 years later … still riding my bike. Having Glory Days close in New York last year after only one night was a rare stumble, although you rebounded nicely with Les Miserables, which won six Helen Hayes awards last month. You have to take risks and chances. Some shows are failures; others are huge successes. That’s the game I’m in. You’ve been called a modern-day interpreter of classic works by Stephen Sondheim and Kander and Ebb? I love to reinvent them to see what other stones can be unturned. It’s great for audiences to have an opportunity to see a show they think they know and discover something new. It’s just what I do. What’s up next? I have a show called Million Dollar Quartet that has been running in Chicago since September. It will soon take a big leap and go somewhere exciting. I’m also doing Kern and Hammerstein’s Showboat here. It’s a monster of a show with a cast of 48 actors, but in Signature fashion I’m taking it down to 23people with a new 14-piece orchestration. I’m going to reinvent the sucker!
Photo by Russ Hirshon
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From left: John F. Harris, John Prendergast, Jonathan Turley, Randi Weingarten, Karl Rove
DIPLOMACY3 While strongly condemning abortion, he has said publicly that he would not discipline or direct priests to deny communion to pro-choice Catholic politicians such as Sen. John Kerry and Speaker Pelosi.
MEDIA
JOHN F HARRIS AND JIM VANDEHEI
WOLF BLITZER
Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor, Politico (respectively)
Anchor, CNN NICE SITUATION3 A reporting powerhouse on both the domestic and international fronts, Blitzer anchored primary, convention and lEection Night 2008coverage for CNN. BALANCED3 In addition to steady coverage of the President in the “Situation Room” there’s been a marked increase in human interest stories – a little levity in tough times.
Host “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” NBC
Chairman, Atlantic Media Company NEW GROWTH3 Since acquiring the Atlantic Media Group in 1999, Bradley has hired some of the industry’s best columnists and expanded its multimedia outlets. He also recently founded Potomac Research, a company that acquires intelligence on how federal activities affect the private sector. ROUND TABLE3 Bradley regularly hosts ultra-A list, off-the-record dinners in his Watergate office; guests have included Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Treasury Sec.Tim Geithner, and NBC’s David Gregory.
JOHN FAHEY President and CEO, National Geographic Society LOCALLY SOURCED3 Geographic was promoting “green” long before the term was coined, and Fahey, a businessman, is proving that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. NATGEO < 3 Fahey has led a tech revolution that includes the National Geographic Channel, now airing in 27languages and 16 3countries.
NOT-SO-NEUTRAL3 After making headlines for his proObama rhetoric during the 2008campaign, Matthews explored a possible Pennsylvania .U S. Senate run, but ultimately chose to stay at NBC for the time being. NEXT CHAPTER3 With five books already penned, the former print journalist (and walking political encyclopedia) is set to bring the pen to paper again soon.
EUGENE ROBINSON Columnist, The Washington Post LIFE OF LETTERS3 Robinson began penning his OpdE column in 2005, after a 25-year career at the Post that included stints as foreign correspondent, foreign editor, and city editor. He recently recommended that President Obama needs to get hot under the collar from time to time. A WINNING YEAR3 In April 2009, Robinson was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.
BOB SCHIEFFER Anchor, CBS Sunday Morning
DON GRAHAM AND KATHARINE WEYMOUTH Chairman and Publisher, The Washington Post (respectively) LEGACY3 Who doesn’t know that Weymouth wears her late grandmother’s pearl necklace for good luck? Her appointment as publisher of the Post was the year’s most talked about change in print media power. THE BIG STORY3 The ways of the written word are changing, and it falls on the uncle/niece team to usher the family’s venerable paper into the wireless world.
Host, “Meet the Press”
NEW PARADIGM3 The duo left The Washington Post in 2006to create the dynamic print/web phenomenon (with Robert Allbritton’s money). News coverage in Washington hasn’t been the same since. GROWTH3 U nlike most media outlets, Politico recently upped distribution from three to four days a week, added circulation, and hired new staff.
CHRIS MATTHEWS
DAVID BRADLEY
DAVID GREGORY
HOT SEAT3 In the summer of 2008Gregory joined the ranks of media royalty when he was chosen to fill Tim Russert’s very big shoes as the host of Meet the Press. COMING UP NEXT3 Gregory’s challenge in the coming year is to maintain Russert’s cachet and clout while doing his own thing.
ON AIR3 This veteran newscaster has covered it all: the White House, Pentagon, State Department, and Congress, delivering almost exclusively political news on CBS since 1969. COUNTRY CROONER3 A long-time singer/ songwriter, Schieffer performed at the Grand Ol’ Opry before moderating the third presidential debate. xEpect further vocal stylings in 2009.
RANDY SHULMAN Editor and Publisher, MetroWeekly VILLAGE VOICE3 After two decades under Shulman’s leadership, the weekly magazine-style paper for
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From left: Bishop John Chane, Robert Raben, Randy Shulman, Septime Webre, Tom Daschle, Wolf Blitzer, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Sanford Ain
Washington’s gay community has grown into the nation’s largest LGBT arts publication. FUTURE PLANS3 In April the magazine launched the Next Generation Awards, a recognition of the efforts of LGBT activists under 03.
a prominently conservative audience, in early 2008 Wallace railed against the network’s “Fox and Friends” for comments that Wallace labeled as “Obama-bashing.
founded currently manages $10 billion in residential and retail properties.
TED MARK EDWARD AND ROBERT LERNER GEORGE WILL
Lerner Enterprises,Washington Nationals
TOM SIETSEMA
Journalist and author
Food Writer, The Washington Post
PARTY ANIMAL3 The dean of conservative opinion writers,Will’s columns on the environment and the future of the GOP regularly garner him equal parts praise and ire. INVITE-ONLY3 In late 2008Will hosted a dinner for Barack Obama and fellow conservatives Bill Kristol, David Brooks, and Charles Krauthammer at his house in Chevy Chase. Mum’s the word on what they discussed.
MAJOR LEAGUE3 According to Forbes magazine’s annual billionaires’ list, the clan’s assets have actually risen from $2.5 billion to $3.2 billion in the past year, despite the financial meltdown.
THE DISH3 If a restaurant can impress this popular critic, its survival is practically assured (think Buck’s Fishing &Camping in Cleveland Park); if not, the doomsday countdown begins (think Grace’s Mandarin at the National Harbor). THE DISGUISE3 Sietsema is known to carry a paper mask to private Washington social events to protect his anonymity from careless shutterbugs.
DAVID ZASLAV GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS
Director, President and CEO, Discovery Communications
Chief Washington Correspondent, ABC News; Host, “This Week”
REALITY TV3 The hand of “Z azz” rocks the cradle for 1.5 billion subscribers to the world’s largest non-fiction media outlet. SEEING GREEN3 Ad sales and revenue have risen as Discovery re-brands channels, focuses on winners (“Trading Spaces,” “Monster Garage”), and prepares to launch the Oprah Winfrey Network in 2010.
WOW FACTOR3 The former Clinton staffer’s Sunday morning show has rocked the media establishment by beating Meet the Press three times since January. OPEN LINE3 In January Politico reported that Stephanopoulos takes part in a daily conference call with James Carville, Rahm m E anuel, and Paul Begala.
ANDREW SULLIVAN Blogger,The Daily Dish, The Atlantic PIONEER3 Sullivan’s unique viewpoint as a gay, Catholic, libertarian enlivens his widely read political blog, which has helped increase traffic to the Atlantic website by 03 percent. JOURNO IN THE NEWS3 In 2008amid widespread criticism, Sullivan publicly defended his decision to post a rumor that Sarah Palin’s fifth pregnancy was faked and that the baby was her daughter’s.
Political Director and Chief White House Correspondent, NBC News NEW JOB3 A contributing editor at The Atlantic, Todd was a contender to host NBC’s Meet the Press. When the job went to David Gregory,Todd stepped in to cover the White House. MAKING HIS MARK3 Beloved for his “down to earth” reporting style, it was Todd’s stand-out coverage of the 2008presidential race that put him on the media map.
CHRIS WALLACE Host, “Fox News Sunday” INDEPENDENT3 A registered Democrat who addresses
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Chairman and CEO, The Peebles Corporation LOCAL KID3 The nation’s most successful African American real estate developer believes real estate is a regional business, driven more by local economics than by the national economy; his $4 billion development portfolio makes people listen. WASHINGTONIAN: Peebles’ father worked as a doorman at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, his experience inspired the real estate investor to include hotels in his portfolio.
MILTON AND JON PETERSON The Peterson Companies
REAL ESTATE A JAMES CLARK Chairman, Clark Construction Enterprises SOLID FOUNDATION3 The visionary force behind one of the nation’s largest construction companies, Clark was the force behind projects like the Verizon Center and the Nationals stadium. UP AHEAD3 The company is focusing on the new Walter Reed Military Medical Center and the Maryland Route 200 Intercounty Connector.
P WESLEY FOSTER JR
CHUCK TODD
DON PEEBLES
Founder and CEO, Long & Foster Companies MARKET LEADER3 The founder of America’s largest privately held real estate firm bested the major national firms in the D.C. market long ago by focusing on strong agent relationships, effective advertising, and mortgage assistance. STILL ON TOP3 The company reported sales volume of $49.8billion in 2008 , down about 18percent from 2007– but not bad considering the burst of the real estate bubble.
BENJAMIN JACOBS DONALD BROWN AND JOSEPH GILDENHORN
OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT3 Since the 197 0’s the Petersons have acquired and developed land in downtown Silver Spring, Fairfax Corner, and Tysons Corner. DREAM REALIZED3 Against all odds, the Petersons transformed a large waterfront site in Prince George’s County into the glittering National Harbor in 2008 .
RAYMOND A RITCHEY Director of Acquisitions and Development, Boston Properties MANAGING WELL3 After three decades as an industry leader, Ritchey is said to be “sitting pretty” on more than 30 high-end, low leverage properties that are mostly leased.
MITCHELL SCHEAR Vornado/Charles E. Smith Companies VOLUME3 Schear controls the biggest office portfolio in the region (16million sq. ft.) and manages 8million sq. ft. more for other owners.
LAW SANFORD AIN
Partners, JBG Companies
Principal and co-founder, Ain & Bank
BUILT RIGHT3 Known for its sterling reputation, the longtime real estate behemoth these three partners
BREAKUP SPECIALIST3 Washington’s top divorce
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SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER
lawyer is one of the country’s foremost experts in the field, which is probably why “divorce Ain style” usually means an out-of-court settlement rather than a bruising court battle. MADE PARTNER3 His law partner, Rita Banks, used to be his biggest rival until they joined forces.
BOB BARNETT Partner,Williams & Connolly SUPER AGENT3 The legendary authors’ counsel (a.k.a. the man who made Barack Obama rich) has negotiated book deals for both Clintons, Tony Blair, Queen Noor, and Benazir Bhutto. NEXT CHAPTER3 Barnett recently completed memoir negotiations for former President George and former First Lady Laura Bush; their combined advances are rumored to total more than $16million.
ROBERT BENNETT Partner, Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom BEST IN THE BIZ3 Local folks who have found themselves in a fix (Clark Clifford, Paul Wolfowitz, and President Clinton) have run to this feisty top trial lawyer for years. FASHION NOTE: Bennett wears purple ties because he
INSIDER3 Though the former South Dakota senator withdrew his name from cabinet consideration, he continues to be influential within the administration and on health care.
believes the color brings good luck.
HUNTER BIDEN Attorney and International Business Advisor NEXT GEN:TheVeep’s son recently stepped down asVice Chair of the Board of Amtrak in order to make his move in Washington business community. SMART MOVE3 The former corporate lobbyist changed careers in 2008when his father ran for president; making him more difficult for Republicans to target.
CAROL ELDER BRUCE
PAULA M JUNGHANS Partner, Zuckerman Spaeder TAX MAN COMETH3 The city’s tax law guru brings years of prosecutorial experience from the Tax Division of the Dept. of Justice, where she rose to Assistant Attorney General. BEST CASE3 Junghans specializes in complicated cases involving money laundering, tax evasion, and healthcare fraud.
Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani WORST CASE3 A force to reckon with in white collar criminal trials, this litigator has recently branched out into terrorism-related cases. GITMO3 Bruce is an active member of the so-called Guantanamo Bay Bar Association, the nickname given to lawyers who have represented the detainees, usually pro bono.
TOM DASCHLE Special Policy Advisor, Alston & Bird LLP
MAUREEN E MAHONEY Partner, Latham & Watkins NEAR MISS3 President Bush Sr. nominated Mahoney for a federal judgeship, but Clinton was elected before she was confirmed. Later she was a front runner to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, but lost out to Samuel Alito. NEXT UP3 The former clerk to late Chief Justice William Rehnquist shines as a successful appellate litigator with a unique insight into how the justices think.
LGBTRISING
From left: Jared Polis, David Medina, John Berry, Tammy Baldwin, Adam Ebbin, Jim Graham, Glenn Ackerman
EQUALITY CHAMPIONS These politically-active LGBT professionals are at the front lines of the next civil rights movement Rep. BARNEY FRANK (D-MA) The country’s most prominent openly gay politician chairs the powerful House Financial Services Committee, overseeing TARP and bank bailouts. Rep. TAMMY BALDWIN (D-MN) The first gay non-incumbent elected to the House authored The Reeve Paralysis Act, which was signed into law this year. Rep. JARED POLIS (D-CO) This Congressman and former entrepeneur is estimated to be worth well over $16 0 million.
JOHN BERRY, Director, Office of Personnel Management. The highestranking openly gay .S. U government official ever oversees a federal workforce
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of more than 1.9 million employees.
JEREMY BERNARD, White House Liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities. The primary point person between the White House and the NE H raised millions for Obama’s campaign in California. ANDREW TOBIAS, Treasurer, Democratic National Committee. Tobias has served as the DNC’s treasurer for more than a decade, taking an annual salary of $1 for his time and effort. DAVID MEDINA, Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady. Michelle Obama’s gatekeeper was previously John dEwards’ political director.
EBS BURNOUGH Deputy Social
Secretary to the First Lady. bEs is one of the gatekeepers to two of the most sought after women in America, Michelle Obama and Desiree Rogers. No bEs?No “yes’ to your invitation.
JIM GRAHAM, Member, D.C. City Council – Ward 1. Graham represents the District’s most populous and diverse ward, and leads the Council’s response to HIV/AIDS. DAVID CATANIA, Member At-Large D.C. City Council. The popular Council member is one of a very small number of openly gay Republicans in elected office. ADAM EBBIN, Member,Virginia State Legislature, 49th District bEbin has spent more than a decade working
in Virginia politics, including the campaigns of numerous openly gay candidates.
JAY FISETTE, Vice-Chairman, Arlington County Board. Fisette is avid environmentalist and a strong voice for human rights in Arlington. GLENN ACKERMANN, Managing Partner,Ackerman Legal PLLC. In addition to founding a general practice law firm committed to the equal treatment of LGBT Americans, this long-time advocate funds the Ackerman-Gemette Scholarship for LGBT youth.
ELIZABETH BIRCH, President, Birch and Co.The former head of the HRC broke barriers when she convinced straight leaders to support LGBT issues.
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SOCIALMEDIA
THE NOUVEAUX GEEKS By Mark Drapeau From left: Vicki Sant, Wesley Combs, Andrew Sullivan, Andy Stern, Anna Berger
MICHELE A ROBERTS
ERBY MITCHELL
Partner, Akin Gump
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Sidwell Friends School
HARD KNOCKS3 This leading criminal defense attorney honed her formidable skills during eight years in the hurly-burly world of the D.C. Public Defender’s office.
BRENDAN SULLIVAN JR
THE GATEKEEPER3 Now that Sasha and Malia Obama report to class at the prestigious Tenleytown Quaker school, Mitchell can expect to be courted by even more ambitious parents.
Partner,Williams & Connolly LLP GOOD COUNSEL3 One of the best criminal defense attorneys in America, Sullivan is know for his $1,000 an hour fee, and for boasting that none of his clients has ever spent a night in jail. WHO’S WHO3 Recent clients include former Sen.Ted Stevens (acquitted), members of the Duke lacrosse team (ditto), and financier R. Allen Stanford.
JONATHAN TURLEY Professor,The George Washington University Law School ON AIR3 The youngest full professor in the history of George Washington Law School,Turley frequently appears as an on-air legal analyst for NBC and CBS news. TOP SECRET: An expert on military law, he was chosen to represent workers at Area 51, the secret air base in Nevada, in a suit against the government.
SETH WAXMAN Partner,WilmerHale APPELLATE STAR3 A former solicitor general under Clinton,Waxman is one of the small coterie of top lawyers who can claim over 50 appearances before the Supreme Court< LANDMARK CASE3 The eloquent litigator successfully argued that Guantanamo detainees have the right to Habeas Corpus.
ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING
Information Officer of the General Services Administration In charge of a $500 million portfolio, Coleman is at the intersection of tech and business during a crucial period, as GSA negotiates government-wide agreements with entities like Facebook, Vimeo, and Flickr. Coleman uses an official government blog and her personal Twitter account to network and spread the word about GSA’s role in the tech world.
A HAND IN: The fiery former economics professor and House minority leader now lobbies for clients with homeland security concerns, while helping to direct FreedomWorks, a conservative grassroots group.
JEREMY BEN-AMI President and Founder, J Street Project UP-AND-COMER3 Ben-Ami’s newly-formed, liberal, pro-Israeli lobby provides a counterweight to AIPAC by demanding a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem, rather than embrace AIPAC’s “Israel: right or wrong” approach. NEW MONEY: Named after the only letter missing from the Washington street sequence, J Street PAC has raised more than $400,000 in this election cycle.
THOMAS HALE BOGGS JR Partner, Patton Boggs, LLP
FRANK FAHRENKOPF JR
President, Georgetown University
President and CEO, American Gaming Association
HEAD HOYA3 This professor of ethics and human rights is the first layman to serve as president of the Jesuit university, where he has helped raise over a billion dollars since 2001.
INSIDE STRAIGHT3 A former chairman of the GOP, Fahrenkopf now holds a strange combination of jobs – heading the gambling industry’s association and co-chairing the Commission on Presidential Debates. BIG IF3 Whether the Obama administration will support the unionization of casino employees, which the gaming industry has resisted for years.
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Director of New Media From the campaign to the presidency, Phillips is the brain behind much of President Obama’s internet operation, including the savvy WhiteHouse.gov site.
THE WONDER WOMAN3 Casey Coleman, Chief
JACK DEGIOIA
IN THE MIX3 Knapp has forged close ties within the city’s cultural and civic communities by, among other things, serving on the board of the National Symphony Orchestra. THE YEAR AHEAD3 Knapp will work to expand the institution’s biotech and medical facilities.
THE NEWCOMER3 Macon Phillips, White House
Senior Policy Advisor, DLA Piper; Chairman, FreedomWorks
EDUCATION
President, George Washington University
new form of power player has emerged in the past year as social technologies like WordPress, Facebook, and Twitter are increasingly used to expand professional networks, drum up support for issues, and build personal brands. Here are some of the hottest – and coolest – of the nouveau Washington geeks.
DICK ARMEY
K STREET KING3 Despite keeping a lower profile in past years, this legendary lobbyist is still the biggest fish from Farragut Square to Chinatown, representing more than fifty corporations, trade associations and state and foreign governments.
STEPHEN KNAPP
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HOWARD FRIEDMAN President,The American Israel Public Affairs Committee UNITED FRONT3 A Baltimore philanthropist, Friedman leads the powerful pro-Israel lobby founded in the 1950s.
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THE GUY YOU DON’T KNOW3 Charles (Jack) Holt, Director of Emerging Technologies, Defense Media Activity The Defense Department’s new media team, led by Jack Holt, is surging ahead of the private sector: networking military bloggers with their commanders, developing online radio and video content for BlogTalkRadio and YouTube, and educating government execs about emerging technologies. THE CLOUTFORMER3 Rep. John Culberson, (R-TX) Still a relatively junior congressman, Culberson strategy of openness, transparency, and participation with citizens has increased his clout on the Hill. Simply put, he is the best elected official using social media like Twitter and Qik to communicate with other members, his constituents, and thought leaders, while increasing both his profile and, perhaps, his ability to get things done. THE STILL-RELEVANT CAMPAIGNERS3 Karl Rove, Former Dep. Chief of Staff to President Bush; Joe Trippi, Former Campaign Manager for Howard Dean They still appear on television and write formal op-eds, but these two politicos have also leveraged blogging and microsharing technology to share views in other formats; drawing in a whole new audience of fans – and detractors – for their messages, and helping them stay relevant ‘behind the scenes.’
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SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER
BUSINESSPROFILE
MCMORRIS MAKES HIS MOVE
A
t first glance, Perennial Strategy Group founder Lamell McMorris, could be mistaken for one of those high-powered lawyers or lobbyists who occupy offices near the White House. A closer look reveals a self-starter whose passion for justice, equality and empowerment has brought him to the negotiation table on behalf professional sports’ top unions and prominent Fortune 500 companies, turned him into a top sports and entertainment agent (a rarity in this town), and made him a rising star on the city’s rapidly changing social scene. McMorris’ desire to effect change dates back to a city-wide walkout of Chicago schools he led as a teenager. He has known no limits since. As a young entrepreneur, he started Perennial Strategy Group on his own in 2002. With just a telephone and a desk, he used his connections and networking to meet others and further the business. After a phone call from a friend who was an NBA referee, McMorris and Perennial were brought on as representation for the NBA Referees Unions, and Perennial Sports and Entertainment was born. Soon after, Perennial began bringing on athletes as clients as well, managing their day-to-day affairs. But, reverting back to his roots, McMorris wanted to work with goal-oriented professionals looking to achieve their personal dreams in addition to contributing to society, NFL players and Perennial clients Kris Jenkins and Leigh Torrence, for example, have started their own foundations with Perennial’s help.“In a business that has been overcome by recruiting scandals and the greed of athletes and agents,” he says,“being a Perennial client is not about receiving the biggest paycheck possible, it is about leveraging success and creating a fulfilling life.” That mix of work-meets-play-for-a-cause was evident when the Perennial family of businesses hosted “Party with a Purpose 2008” at the Democratic National Convention in Denver and during the inauguration when Perennial Sports and Entertainment hosted “Artists and Athletes for a Cause.” Held at the House of Sweden in Georgetown, Perennial made financial contributions to Ne-Yo’s Compound Foundation as well as the Carmelo Anthony foundation. In a town of power players, McMorris is proving that the rules of the game can change just as fast as the players themselves.
From left: Bob Greenstein, Bruce Riedel, Gail McGovern, David Zaslav, Chuck Todd
UP NEXT3 This “leviathan among lobbies” only has about 100,000 members, but its impact on the Hill is equal to or greater than that of much bigger organizations.
of HIV, Robinson helps raise awareness of the epidemic, and the need for greater activism. BUILDING BRIDGES3 In January, Robinson and NBJC sponsored the first-ever summit between black church and black gay leaders.
NEWT GINGRICH Founder, American Solutions
HILARY ROSEN
BIG THINKER3 After 10 terms in Congress and a few years in the political wilderness, the former Speaker has emerged as one of the most influential thought leaders in the GOP. TICKET TO 3 Speculation abounds on a possible presidential run.
Managing Director,The Brunswick Group
KAREN IGNAGNI
HIT SONG3 The former head of the Recording Industry Association of America knows everyone in the business of media, making her highly sought-after on Wilshire Boulevard and K Street. LABOR OF LOVE3 When not representing clients or talking politics on CNN, the openly gay Rosen raises big money for LGBT causes.
President and CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans HEALTHY BACKING3 The outspoken head of the nation’s largest health insurance lobby represents 1,300 member companies, which provide insurance for 200 million Americans. ROUND 3 Expect Ignagni to play a major role in complex healthcare negotiations.
WAYNE LAPIERRE
KARL ROVE Political operative and commentator STILL SWINGING3 The famously secretive former Bush advisor has flooded the airwaves this spring with outspoken criticism of the Obama administration. OUTSIDE THE RING3 Aside from media gigs and paid appearances, Rove is penning a memoir for a reported $1.5 million.
CEO, National Rifle Association GOOD SHOT3 Under LaPierre’s leadership, NRA membership has grown to nearly four million, with an annual budget of $120 million. NEXT BATTLE3 The NRA hopes to block the Obama administration’s expected efforts to reinstate a ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004.
TONY PODESTA
GARY SHAPIRO President, Consumer Electronics Association POWER SURGE3 Shapiro is the leading advocate for the more than 2,200 electronics companies that make iPhones, Bluetooth,Wii, and HDTV to the tune of $172 billion a year. UP NEXT3 Supervising the final switch over of U.S. TV stations to digital signals.
President, Podesta Group GROWING3 Head of one of the most successful bi-partisan shops in town, with the changing economy, Podesta has taken on more financial service, energy and health care clients than ever before. ART AND POLITICS3 Tony and wife Heather, the ultimate K Street power couple, bought Shepard Fairey’s iconic HOPE portrait of Barack Obama and donated it to the National Portrait Gallery.
ROBERT RABEN
ANDY STERN AND ANNA BERGER President and National Political Director, Service Employees International Union (respectively) BIG JOB3 Stern leads the second-largest union in the U.S. and Canada, representing over 2 million members. WORKERS UNITE!3 Berger also chairs Change to Win, a newly formed federation of seven labor unions, including SEIU, the Teamsters, and the United Farm Workers of America.
Owner and Founder, Raben Group NICHE3 A political appointee under Atty. General Janet Reno, today Raben’s boutique lobbying shop is one of the most successful in the city. SALON3 Raben is perhaps best known for hosting salon discussions at his house in Logan Circle with well known journalists and politicos.
H ALEXANDER ROBINSON Executive Director/CEO, National Black Justice Coalition
JOHN WARNER Partner, Hogan & Hartson NON-CONFORMIST3 The former Republican senator supports key Democratic goals, notably bringing troops home from Iraq and greater U.S. alignment with the Kyoto Protocol. SIR WARNER3 In 2008,Warner was named an honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
BAND PLAYS ON3 In a city with the nation’s highest rate Lamell McMorris
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From left: H. Alexander Robinson, Ted Leonsis, David Rubenstein, Don Beyer, Maureen Mahoney, Donald Brown, Newt Gingrich, Mark Lerner
BRIAN WOLFF
being seated as the senator from Minnesota, granting Democrats the magic 60-seat majority.
SenioriV ce rPesident of xEternal fA fairs,dEison lEectric nI stitute SURPRISE MOVE3 The former executive director of the DCCC stunned colleagues in April by joining the electric utility industry lobby, traditionally a Republican ally. WELL-CONNECTED3 The relationships Wolff developed as the longtime political director for Speaker Pelosi will be valuable assets to EEI in the battle over energy legislation.
VIN WEBER aPrtner, Clark & Weinstock ACT II3 This former Minnesota Republican congressman has been immensely successful on K Street, where he is known for his intellect, political moderation, and strong work ethic. MAKING HEADLINES3 Weber has been outspoken in his desire to keep Al Franken from
RANDI WEINGARTEN rPesident, m Aerican Federation of Teachers, F AC -L O I and rPesident, nUited Federation of Teachers TOUGH LESSONS3 The former Brooklyn public school teacher has been at the helm of the UFT since 1998, fighting for higher salaries and leading opposition against standardized testing and government funding for charter schools. HILLARY’S LIST3 The ardent Clinton supporter and super-delegate held on to the very end.
ANNE WEXLER Founder,Wexler & Walker ROLLING STONE3 This former associate publisher for
oRlling Stone , began her political career ringing doorbells for Stevenson in 1952. As soon as Reagan was elected she founded her eponymous lobbying shop with Republican Robert Walker. TODAY:The firm lobbies on transportation, health care, energy and trade for clients like the State of Illinois and General Motors.
EDWARD YINGLING rPesident, the m Aerican Bankers sAsociation BANK ROLL3 As head of the ABA, which represents over 95 percent of the industry’s $13.6 trillion in assets,Yingling was instrumental in the recent defeat of the Durbin amendment to help limit foreclosures. STEAMROLLER3 Following the vote Sen. Durbin acknowledged, “Banks — hard to believe when we’re facing a banking crisis that many of the banks created — are still the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill, and they still own the place.”
TRUTHTELLERS
THE
RIDENHOUR PRIZES Celebrating the power of truth and the risks people take to tell it
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hen power is abused at the highest levels, extraordinary courage is required to speak out, often at great personal risk. The Ridenhour Prizes recently recognized four such individuals at a ceremony in the National Press Club. (P hotos by aPul Morigi/N ation nI stitute)
THOMAS TAMM
BOB HERBERT
JANE MAYER
NICK TURSE
The rPiz e for Truth-Telling
The Courage rPiz e
The Book rPiz e
The rPiz e for eRportorial iD stinction
A former Justice Department lawyer Tamm exposed the government’s secret, warrantless, wiretapping program to The eNwork Y Times in 2004.As a result of his decision Tamm lost his job, was harassed by federal agents, and, after more than $30,000 in legal fees, still faces potential felony charges.
The eN work Y Times Op-Ed columnist was one of the earliest critics of the Iraq war, and his columns give voice to our poorest citizens. In his acceptance speech, Herbert urged Americans to“turn off their televisions and look outside at the real world, to see clearly and unmistakably the unfairness in the way people have been treated.”
Mayer’s book, The aDrk Side:The nI side Story of oHw the War on Terror Turned nI to a War on m Aerican dIeals , describes the secret priorities and internal politics that fueled the Bush administration’s war on terror in the wake of 9/11. Her sources wore wiretaps around their colleagues, eventually allowing the author “to connect the dots.”
Turse, an historian, uncovered and reported on recently declassified documents which prove that the infamous My Lai massacre was not an isolated incident, as Americans were led to believe, but part of an organized slaughter of Vietnamese civilians in 197273, and a cover-up that reached the highest levels of the military.
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