Parker Poling–Pulse Pod 16

This week on the Cygnal Pulse Pod (Ep. 16), our first Pulse Pod of the year,  Brent Buchanan and Chris Kratzer discuss what they see changing for lobbyists and public affairs practitioners as their interactions with legislatures this year will be significantly limited due to the on-going pandemic. Polling will be more important than ever during this year’s legislative sessions.


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Our guest is Parker Poling, Executive Director of the NRCC. Under her leadership, the NRCC came through one of the biggest upset cycles both winning seats and having no losses by incumbents. An argument over the New Deal with a high school teacher sparked Parker’s interest in politics; the rest, as they say, is history.

Mentioned in this episode: National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)

What you will learn:

  • What election put Parker’s on the map? 
  • What’s a lesson that she had to learn the hard way?
  • How do you drown out the noise and keep focus when everyone is saying you are going to lose?
  • When should you start digital fundraising?
  • What impact did the defund the police movement have on the election?
  • What is the best advice that Parker has been given?
  • What advice does she have for anyone who is starting out in politics?

They said what?

  • “You can use polling data not just to your legislators, but you can also use it to fuel your grass roots efforts. To fuel media efforts, if you need that external pressure.[…] You are going to have to be creative and rely on alternative ways to add in that extra push.” – Chris Kratzer 
  • “Having a reputation for honesty and forthrightness […] and bluntness has served me well throughout my career.” – Parker Poling
  • “Pay attention to the fundamentals of the districts.” Parker Poling
  • “The financial advantage does have its limitations. […] There is an endpoint to what money can buy.” – Parker Poling
  • “If you haven’t started, start tomorrow is the lesson for 2022.” – Brent Buchanan 
  • “Cops and firefighters used to be Democrat voters. […] and the party has abandoned them.” – Parker Poling
  • “This is not your dad or your mom’s Democatric party. This is a radical party that is way out of touch with average american values.” – Parker Poling
  • “Never say or even think, ‘That’s not my job.’” – Parker Poling
Cygnal · Parker Poling- Pulse Pod #16