Case Study #2: Trust, But Verify

In 1995, Scott Mitchell & Associates teamed once again with Goddard-Claussen to win an uphill battle in Texas. In the most expensive state advocacy campaign to date, Scott Mitchell & Associates directed the veto campaign that resulted in Texas Gov. George W. Bush vetoing an anti-business health care bill.

Early in the 1995 session, our clients’ contract lobbyists predicted that the bill would not pass in either chamber. Fortunately, our client asked Scott Mitchell & Associates for a second opinion. After a quick evaluation, we began the veto strategy despite howls from the lobbyists. As predicted, the bill dubbed the 'patient protection act,' overwhelmingly passed both house of the legislature three months later, but at the end of the session, an enormous coalition of Texas business leaders and significant media leadership lined up against the bill. With this formidable backing, Gov. Bush was able to face down the trial lawyer/doctor alliance, and he vetoed the bill.

With the veto battle in Texas over, rules of political advocacy had shifted enormously. Scott Mitchell & Associates became a national consultant for advocacy and coalition building, training coalition partners in many states as to the new rules of advocacy, coalition building and media.

Today, we continue to refine the techniques that resulted in wins in two of America’s biggest public advocacy battles.

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