Not every piece of legislation or policy issue will get a top-tier champion on Capitol Hill, but not every policymaker can or should lead on any issue. It is important to align outreach to champions with key attributes that can better position legislation. Here are five factors to consider before recruiting congressional champions:
Reach Across the Aisle: Since every bill needs bipartisan support to reach the President’s desk, having a champion that is “toxic” among colleagues on the other side of the political aisle will put legislation at significant risk, to say the least. It is important to find a champion who is well-liked on both sides of the political aisle and someone policymakers want to work with. A strong history of working across the aisle and not leading controversial issues is also helpful in a champion.
Proximity to the Issue: There are plenty of policy issues that are led by a policymaker with little connectivity to the issue, but it’s not overly helpful (because they will be less motivated to push for it). The closer the issue is to a policymaker’s state or district, for example, the better a champion that policymaker will be. Policymakers prioritize issues that matter to them and their constituents and will fight harder for them when leading legislation.
Room and Time: Avoid seeking out policymakers who have a ton of issues that are leading; getting their time and attention on a new bill will be scattered, at best. Champions need to lead issues and push for them among their colleagues; none will move organically. If they are busy with many other issues, they just will not be able to dedicate the time needed to legislation.
Strong Staff: A policymaker is only as strong as his or her staff. Staff committed to an issue with a good track record is invaluable. Similar to policymakers, staff can be overcommitted to many issues, but those who have time and are excited to prioritize an issue can make significant progress in moving that bill along.
Committee Alignment: Any policymaker who sits on a committee with jurisdiction over an issue (especially in the House) has a significant advantage over non-committee members. They have the ability to push as an insider for movement in the committee, which is an obviously important step. Committee chairs have a responsibility to take care of their own members and they have more influence over members of leadership who decide if and when legislation is considered on the floor.
Complex times call for sophisticated strategies and a big part of that is finding the right champions in Congress. Do so thoughtfully because securing a champion is not something you can change and they are the biggest factor in advancing
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