Looking back - and looking forward

As we look back on 2010 - our ninth full year and fifth election cycle - all of us here at Mandate Media are thankful.

We're thankful for our many clients that we've had the honor to work with - especially the candidates. It's not easy to jump into the fray, take the shots, and stand up for what matters. And we're thankful to our many friends that have helped us and our clients along the way.

In this tough year for Democrats, we're proud to have played our part in so many victories. From Governor Kitzhaber in Oregon to Governor Quinn in Illinois. From Congressman Larsen in Washington to Congressmen Schrader and DeFazio in Oregon. We're proud to have been part of the team that worked a full six-year cycle to handily re-elect Senator Wyden - something that certainly was not guaranteed.

We're also proud of the work we did in losing efforts. From Bill Hedrick's against-the-odds campaign against the most corrupt Congressman in America (one of the closest Democratic challenges in California) to the 36 months that we worked with Congressman Bill Foster of Illinois - who went from his improbable 2008 special-election takeover of Denny Hastert's seat to a loss this year.

In 2011, we're making two New Year's resolutions. First, to continue investing our energies in finding great people to work with - candidates, consultants, and staffers. The politics and policy are important, but it's the people that make it meaningful and fun.

And second, to redesign MandateMedia.com - so that it's more than just a showcase for our work, and becomes a place where you can stay up to date on all the latest strategies, tactics, and best practices in the fast-moving world of internet strategy for political campaigns, nonprofits, and policy advocates.

Happy New Year - and here's to changing the world!

The Mandate Media Team