Our job in government affairs is to build credible relationships with the people who decide which legislative proposals become law and which don't. For example, the legislator probably has strong ideas on certain issues, like taxes or over-regulation of business. Like most politicians, his opinions on an issue are probably influenced by the media. Every politician wants to form alliances with individuals or groups that can strengthen his hold on office and advance his agenda. A legislator is never too busy to talk about things like political contributions, fundraising for a coming election campaign and programs to benefit his district.
Politicians like to be associated with good works and seen at sports and cultural events.
These are the people who decide whether or not a legislator stays in office, so he certainly pays attention to what they have to say. Every one of these influences on a politicians decision offers PM USA's Corporate Affairs Department an opportunity to convey a message on behalf of an issue. We make sure legislators are aware of, and invited to, promotional and cultural events funded by Philip Morris. I said before that there are many opportunities to meet a state legislator face to face. Therefore, we have to get our point of view into print as often as possible.