A Farewell Note to Global Solutions PAC

For the past two and a half years, a big part of my job at Global Solutions has involved managing the work of our political action committee, Global Solutions PAC.  I've met with congressional candidates from around the country, listened to their views on foreign policy, recommended endorsements and contributions to their campaigns, and attended fundraisers to show our support.  It's been a great experience, and one that has taught me quite a lot. 

Now, as I prepare to leave Global Solutions and embrace new opportunities, I look back on my time here and have a few thoughts and memories I'd like to share with you.

It doesn't take a genius or political pundit to know that most Americans are not primarily focused on foreign policy this year as they decide which candidates they want to send to the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives.  Most voters, understandably, are more focused on jobs and the economy.  However, there is plenty of evidence that voters do want to see a U.S. foreign policy that remains engaged outside our borders and works with allies and international institutions to build a better world.  For example, according to a recent survey by the Better World Campaign:

• More than 80 percent of Americans support the U.S. playing an active role in the U.N.
• 75 percent of Americans support funding for U.N. peacekeeping
• 64 percent want the U.S. to pay its U.N. dues on time and in full 

These numbers shouldn't be forgotten by those who aspire to hold political office in our country.  Americans do care about what happens in the world, and about the role the U.S. plays in it.

One thing that struck me as I attended fundraisers for House and Senate candidates, incumbents and challengers, Democrats and Republicans over the last two years is how critical a need Global Solutions PAC fills in the political landscape.  There are simply not that many PACs that support candidates for embracing a globally-minded foreign policy.  Many times, when introductions were made at these events, I was the only person in the room who was there to talk about foreign policy issues.  Members of Congress are used to hearing from those representing many different industries and viewpoints, but it's rare they hear from someone at a fundraiser who represents the views of thousands of Americans who support U.S. global engagement. 

I recall at one event, after my boss Don Kraus and I thanked a Senator in a close race for her support of an important international treaty, we realized no one else in the room had even heard of it-prompting the Senator to give her audience an explanation of what the treaty was and why it was so important for the U.S. to ratify it.  Moments like that reminded me that our support for candidates who share Global Solutions' values and interests really does matter.  They need to hear from us; and we-with your support-need to continue to make our voices heard.

I have greatly enjoyed my time at Global Solutions, and as a political junkie of long standing, the opportunity to work with Global Solutions PAC was a highlight for me.  I wish Global Solutions and Global Solutions PAC the best of success in the future.  And I hope that the next Administration-whether headed by President Obama or Governor Romney-and the members of the 113^th Congress remember that while many other issues compete loudly for their attention, the need for America to stay engaged in global affairs remains as important as ever.