For the past four years, I have been involved with my high school JSA chapter.  On Tuesday, November 6, we were lucky enough to bring in a high profile speaker.  Pat Oxford is currently the Chairman of Giuliani's Presidential campaign.  Houston based, Oxford is a managing partner at Bracewell and Giuliani and has served as campaign chairman for two successful statewide Republican campaigns.

    In the spirit of JSA, Oxford's speech was an interesting talk about the campaign process.  Instead of focusing on Giuliani's policies and campaign message, he spoke about the general campaign strategy and process.

Oxford discussed that the current strategy was to focus on the competitive states, in his mind these were California, Pennysylvania, and Ohio.  He also claimed that the Giuliani campaign was "working backwards" in the sense that unlike the Romney campaign, they were focusing on "super duper Tuesday."  The general goal is to win these late primaries and not to focus on the early ones.

 Another interesting point in his speech was that the Giuliani campaign strategy is based around the idea that Hillary Clinton will win the Democratic Presidential nomination.  From the sound of the plan, the whole Giuliani strategy would be rocked if she didn't.  He also referenced Hillary Clinton as a politician who "colors between the line" in her campaign strategy.

 His speech was interesting and informative.  One thing I noticed was that, as in previous debates, Giuliani is less focused on winning the primary and more focused on the Presidential election.  The campaign strategy seems to focus more on the Democrat opponents than the Republican's he is currently running against.

 At one point he briefly mentioned the importance of internet campaigning and a grassroots approach, however, in the next breath he wrote off Ron Paul as an anarchist from South Texas.  When the opportunity to ask questions arose, I attempted to ask him if their was any intimidation in the Giuliani campaign over the fact that Paul was able to mobilize internet fundraising on November 5 (Guy Fawkes Day) and raise over 4 million.  Sadly, I didn't get a chance to ask this question, but Elizabeth Rasmussen was able to ask the strategy when competing in California and Pacific Northwest.  Once again he reiterated that the Giuliani campaign would play up the economic policy and things that appealed.

 The St. John's JSA chapter is off to a great start and I can't wait to update you on our next speaker. I wish I could share pictures of the event with yall, but for whatever reason I can't put the photos up.  Maybe next time!

 Now, with Fall State nearing, I have to do the obligatory reminder to turn in your debate sign ups!

They should be in by Monday, November 12 at the latest, especially if you would like to get a good debate.  Talk to you chapter president if you haven't had a chance to sign up.

 If you have any questions about debates, email Alice Alsup (Convention Coordinator, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or David Fisher (Debate Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Look forward to seeing all of yall at Fall!  Get ready for some amazing debates, speakers, Mr. JSA, and DISCO INFERNO!

Katherine
Lieutenant Governor of Texas JSA
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