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Jozef NapolitanVeteran political consultant
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Joseph Napoltan: A Veteran in Political Consulting
- International and European Associations of Political Consultants
- Expertise in Russia
- Changing Technologies and Unchanging Rules
- "Dirty" Campaigns
- Usage of Celebrity Candidates
- Importance of Name Recognition
- Working with Candidates
- The Business of Political Consulting
Joseph Napoltan: A Veteran in Political Consulting
Joseph Napoltan, a veteran in political consulting, began his professional career in 1956. He has worked on election campaigns for prominent figures such as John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, and Valery Giscard d'Estaing, leading them to victory. He has also advised and guided presidents of Venezuela, Costa Rica, the Philippines, and other countries.
International and European Associations of Political Consultants
In addition to his successful career as a political consultant, Napoltan is also the founder of the International and European Associations of Political Consultants. These associations aim to bring together professionals in the field and promote the highest standards of ethical conduct and expertise in political consulting.
Expertise in Russia
Recently, Napoltan visited Russia, where he provided consultancy services to "well-known Russian single-mandate candidates" for the elections to the State Duma. Although he declined to disclose the names of the Russian candidates he worked with, he shared his insights on various topics with a correspondent from "Izvestiya" newspaper.
Changing Technologies and Unchanging Rules
When asked about the changes in the field of political consulting since the publication of his book "Electoral Game" in 1973, Napoltan acknowledged that technologies have evolved, but the fundamental rules remain the same. He emphasized that while new technologies like email and internet conferences have emerged, specialists often become too focused on these tools and overlook the importance of strategy and the candidate's message. Technology alone does not guarantee a successful campaign; it is the proper utilization of technology that enables the delivery of a candidate's program to the electorate.
"Dirty" Campaigns
Commenting on the perception of "dirty" campaigns, Napoltan stated that although he is not well-informed about Russian elections, according to American newspapers, there is no significant increase in "dirty" campaigns in the United States. He noted that modern means of communication allow for transparency, making it easier to identify any unethical practices.
Usage of Celebrity Candidates
Regarding the usage of celebrity candidates, Napoltan highlighted that while there are only a few celebrities among the over 400 members of the American Congress, well-known candidates such as Arnold Schwarzenegger have an advantage due to their name recognition. However, he emphasized that in a one-on-one campaign against an experienced opponent, name recognition alone may not guarantee victory.
Importance of Name Recognition
Napoltan stressed that he has never encountered a successful candidate who was unknown to the public. He cited his work with Howard Dean, who initially had no name recognition but eventually became one of the main contenders for the presidency. Without name recognition, it becomes difficult for candidates to gain the trust and support of voters.
Working with Candidates
When asked about his criteria for working with candidates, Napoltan stated that he has assisted Howard Dean without charge, as he believes in Dean's potential. He mentioned that Dean initially had limited financial resources but managed to attract significant donations through his campaign.
The Business of Political Consulting
In terms of fees in the political consulting business, Napoltan mentioned that consultants typically charge between $30,000 to $50,000 per month for congressional campaigns. Consulting services for governor or senatorial campaigns cost approximately $10,000 per month. These fees reflect the expertise and experience required to run successful political campaigns at a high level.
