Capitol Hill

Although the 2004 election took place just two months ago, ROOFPAC already is developing a strategic plan for the 2006 election cycle. As a Professional Roofing reader, you know ROOFPAC played a role helping re-elect President Bush and picking up a net gain of four seats for Senate Republicans. ROOFPAC's 2004 strategic plan targeting key races was the blueprint for this success and proved particularly effective in South Dakota where Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D) was defeated by former Congressman John Thune (R).

Because of these victories, prospects are enhanced to move NRCA-backed bills long stalled in the Senate. Examples include association health plan legislation, an energy bill and asbestos litigation reform legislation. But it is important to note that though Republicans now control 55 seats in the Senate, it still takes 60 votes to stop a filibuster (an unlimited debate) of legislation and move to final passage by a simple majority.

ROOFPAC's 2006 strategic plan will continue to focus on generating the most favorable climate possible for advancing NRCA's legislative agenda by targeting key races for the Senate and House of Representatives. Emphasis again will be placed on Senate races.

The six-year itch

Historically, the opposition party gains seats in Congress during the second midterm election of a two-term president. This pattern is called "the six-year itch" and was a political constant up to and through President Reagan's second term when Republicans lost control of the Senate in 1986.

However, the pattern reversed in 1998 when congressional Democrats added seats in President Clinton's second term. The first midterm election in 2002 under President Bush brought another surprise when Republicans won control of the Senate. And in 2004, President Bush became the first president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to have his party gain seats in Congress while being re-elected.

ROOFPAC views the 2006 midterm election as an opportunity to add enough new pro-business senators to preclude filibusters. First, roofing industry allies who are up for re-election will be given the maximum support. Then, ROOFPAC will target open-seat and challenger races where a change in party will bring a decidedly more pro-business senator. Of the 33 Senate seats that will be contested in 2006, Republicans must defend 15 while Democrats must defend 17 and the Independent who caucuses with them, James Jeffords of Vermont.

ROOFPAC events

For the 2004 election cycle, ROOFPAC raised $236,432. Although the year proved to be one of ROOFPAC's best showings, it is crucial ROOFPAC raise $350,000 for the 2006 cycle to fully achieve NRCA's legislative goals. ROOFPAC's first fund-raising events for this cycle will take place next month at the 2005 International Roofing Expo and NRCA's 118th Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla.

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, the ROOFPAC Invitational Golf Tournament will be held at the ChampionsGate Golf Resort, a 36-hole facility designed by golf champion Greg Norman. The tournament's shotgun-start, scramble format will start at 12:30 p.m. The tournament's Grand Patron is Firestone Building Products Co., Indianapolis, and course sponsors are Johns Manville, Denver, and GAF Materials Corp., Wayne, N.J. The ROOFPAC Tennis Tournament and Luncheon, sponsored by Bradco Supply Corp., Avenel, N.J., also takes place Feb. 15 and begins at noon at The Rosen Centre Hotel. In addition, plans are being made for ROOFPAC's trap and skeet tournament.

For more information about these events and how you can support ROOFPAC, please call NRCA's Washington, D.C., office at (202) 546-7584 or click here.

Wrap-up

ROOFPAC was successful in the 2004 election because of a strategic plan that targeted the most important races for the roofing industry. Executing the plan involved careful analysis to determine the best opportunities and budget limited resources accordingly to maximize ROOFPAC's effect.

Craig S. Brightup is NRCA's vice president of government relations.