The DeMarco Factor: Transforming Public Will into Political Power
"Michael Pertschuk has spent his life battling for ordinary Americans against the moneyed interests in Washington--and, along the way, has energized and mobilized countless numbers of ordinary Americans for that same battle. It's the only hope we have. Read this and don your armor."--Robert Reich"An essential guide for every citizen frustrated with the power of big lobbies to derail progressive laws that are supported by the vast majority of Americans. Vinny DeMarco is a conscientious legislator's dream. When you fight for a bill that Vinny has organized on, you know that the power of the special interests opposing you is shrinking away."--Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Chair, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee"I've never met a more authentic person. There is no pretense; there is  no put-on with Vinny. He's an extraordinarily compassionate, committed person,  a very bright person, and one who knows how to get things done. The faith community in Maryland and across the country has benefited greatly from Vinny's uncanny ability to mobilize us behind life-saving public health policies." --Bishop Douglas I. Miles, Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD)"I have known and worked with Vinny DeMarco for more than twenty-five years. In all that time he has been motivated by an unfailing passion for justice combined with an extraordinary ability to make others want to join him in action to achieve justice. They trust him because they know he's in it for the long haul, not just the day. He will do most of the work, then give them all the credit. His deep knowledge of history, which he never displays, guides him and helps make him a true leader. The lively campaign stories in this book capture the essence of that leadership."--Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Maryland Lieutenant Governor"The DeMarco Factoris the engrossing tale of a once powerless American building power for himself and others to curb entrenched hitherto undefeated commercial interests. This is a teaching, motivating book for all who aspire to shape a just and humane society, but do not know how."--Ralph Nader"When it comes to the science and art of media advocacy--approaching the media in ways that propel your issue forward--Vinny DeMarco has 'written the book.' Except that Vinny has shown us all how it's done, and Mike Pertschuk has written the book. From his varied and exquisitely sensitive uses of carefully wrought polling to gaining the trust and access to the media; from inventing newsworthy events to making certain that the coverage of those events broadcasts his core messages to legislators, Vinny, in the book, demonstrates how it's done right, and Mike Pertschuk wraps it up in a lively package that both delights and teaches us. No advocate who wants to make change happen can afford to missThe DeMarco Factor."--Celinda Lake, progressive pollster; President, Lake Research"Like that oldSaturday Night Liveroutine about one person as invincible legend, Vinny DeMarco is the 'Ditka' of local grassroots organizing. My old adversary, the National Rifle Association, spends millions of dollars on slick campaigns and has lobbyists in $4,000 suits, but Vinny beats them with pocket change while wearing a Winnie-the-Pooh tie. Would-be advocates for the public interest and frustrated citizens who fear they don't have a voice will take heart from this book and learn not to fear the most powerful lobbies and beat them instead."--Sarah Brady"The DeMarco Factoris a must-read for these challenging times.  It shows us how to bring people into the fold, rather than just folding."--Katrina vanden Heuvel,The Washington Post"In 2007, we in Maryland expanded health care coverage to over 100,000 Marylanders because Vinny DeMarco built a powerful grassroots coalition that made sure legislators knew that the people wanted expanded access to affordable, quality healthcare. Vinny built the same kind of coalitions to strengthen Maryland's gun laws and reduce teen smoking.  As I have, all of us can learn from Vinny how to transform public will into political power." --Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley