We recently pooled our readers on facebook/twitter to find out what apps they deem essential for the DC area. Do you see something we need to add? Submit them in the comment section. We’ll add to our list!

Did you like our end of the year list of Essential Apps for DC Folks, check out what else we have!

Saturday, February 11th
8:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

Teatro Goldoni
1909 K Street NW,
Washington, DC 20006-1127

REAGANPALOOZA HISTORY
After eight years and still going strong, Reaganpalooza started as a way for all our friends from around the country to get together and celebrate our great cause and friendships, while making new ones during CPAC wEEkENd. JOIN US this year in celebrating the next generation of the conservative movement!

DETAILS:
-Dress: Cocktail attire
-Door Fee: $10
-Age: 21+ (no exceptions!)
-Drink specials (beer, wine, cocktails)
-Professional DJ & Photographer
-Dance floor
-METRO: Farragut North (Red Line) & Farragut West (Blue/Orange Line)
-CARS: $10 Valet Parking! (street parking available as well)
Start Time: 8:30 pm
Date: 2012-02-11
End Time: 7:00 pm

Want more events like Reaganpalooza, check them out!

The Senate Committee on Armed Services is seeking a highly motivated, energetic, well-organized individual for the immediate position of Staff Assistant.  Primary responsibilities include reception duties, to include answering telephones, receiving visitors, and opening, sorting and electronic processing of the mail. To qualify, an incumbent should be a college graduate; have at least 6 months of previous office experience; be detail-oriented; and possess effective oral communication and writing skills.  Additionally, the candidate must have fast and accurate typing skills and possess well-rounded computer experience, to include knowledge of and previous experience with Microsoft Office Access and Excel programs.  An ability to work with minimum supervision, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and operate in a fast-paced environment is also required.  Senate experience is preferable, but not essential. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and there is an opportunity for advancement.  We are an equal opportunity employer.  Please email a cover letter and resume to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.  Please note that the Committee will not accept any phone calls, e-mails or walk-ins with respect to this announcement.

  

221642		SUMMER INTERNS - US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (Republican office) is seeking law students and recent graduates for full or part-time internships for the summer 2012 term.  This is a policy oriented internship with responsibilities that include assisting staff with legislative research, drafting correspondence, administrative duties, preparing hearing materials, attending briefings, and assisting with special projects.  The ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment is also appreciated.  Applicants should have strong writing and verbal skills as well as an interest or background in business and economic development.  Please send a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 page writing sample to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221641		CUSTOMER SUPPORT ANALYST - United States Senate Sergeant at Arms, Office Support Services division seeks a Customer Support Analyst to serve as a liaison between SAA and Senate offices. Candidate must represent and market SAA services to Senate offices, consult with offices on the most efficient use of office automation and information technology, provide problem solving and troubleshooting assistance, test and train Senate offices on new products, and participate in the design and enhancement of office systems. Candidate must be familiar information technology systems, have the ability to plan and coordinate multiple projects or activities, have a knowledge of office practices and procedures and strong written and oral communication skills. Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, information technology or a related field, and one to three years of professional experience in office automation or information systems management; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Salary $65K-$98K. Free parking/transit subsidy and federal benefits. To apply send a SAA Employment Application, resume and cover letter to resumes@saa.senate.gov.  Application is MANDATORY can be obtained at www.senate.gov/saaemployment.  When applying use job code CSA. DEADLINE 2/15/12 *HIRING FOR THIS POSITION IS GOVERNED BY THE VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT

221640		LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT - Senior Republican Senator seeking experienced Legislative Assistant for energy and environment work.  Candidates must have at least three years of experience in Senate or House office with demonstrated background in the issues.  Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221639		PAID SPRING INTERNSHIP - Secretary of the Senate seeks qualified college student or recent graduate for Spring internship.  Responsibilities include data entry and data management, responding to public inquiries, and other general administrative duties.  Successful candidate will have a strong interest in public service, be an enthusiastic self-starter with a keen eye for detail, and be available to work full-time from January through June.  Ideal candidate will be a quick study and a strong team player with well-developed communication skills.  Please email cover letter, resume and references to resumes@sec.senate.gov with “Internship” in the subject line

221638		LEGISLATIVE AIDE - Southern moderate Democratic Senator seeks candidate to work on Judiciary/Homeland Security issues.  Primary responsibility is answering constituent correspondence.  Other responsibilities include meeting with constituents, research. Successful candidate will provide support on Homeland Security issues including FEMA, other disaster recovery related issues and be the lead staff member on judiciary, immigration and postal matters for the Senator.  Must be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates should have strong writing and communication skills.  Law degree required and Hill experience preferred.  Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221637		SPEECHWRITER - Senate Republican seeks experienced Speechwriter. Duties include but are not limited to drafting, editing and managing talking points, speeches, remarks, video scripts and Floor Statements; writing/editing the Senator’s weekly column; drafting new media press releases on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc…; and performing general press office support. Candidates must have knowledge of the legislative process and be able to multitask and work quickly, accurately, and creatively in an active environment, under tight deadlines. Candidates must also possess excellent research, writing, editing, and overall communication skills. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221636		PRESS/MEDIA ASSISTANT - Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., seeks Press/Media Assistant for his Washington, D.C. office to help Press Secretary in gathering and researching information for media and constituent inquiries. Applicants must be adaptable, excellent writers, organized, knowledgeable about social media and eager to serve the people of Wyoming.  Wyoming ties required.  Entry level, but journalism, marketing, Capitol Hill, internship or state government experience a plus.  Email cover letter and resume to Coy_Knobel@enzi.senate.gov.  Write “media assistant” in the subject line

221635		LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT - Democratic Senator is seeking a Legislative Assistant for tax and fiscal issues, including assisting with Finance Committee tax work.  The ideal candidate will have an interest in fiscal policy, background and experience working in tax issues, a JD, MBA, or MPP, and strong quantitative skills.  Hill experience also a plus.  To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to Senate_Employment@saa.senate.gov.

221634		SPRING INTERNSHIP - The office of Senator Sherrod Brown seeks highly motivated individuals for full-time unpaid legislative internships during the spring semester. The Spring Internship Program runs from January to May and provides an educational and in-depth experience. Responsibilities include processing incoming communication, operating office telephones, assisting staff with legislative research, attending briefings, drafting correspondence, and leading Capitol tours. Candidates should possess strong writing, oral, and research skills while demonstrating the ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously. Applicants can apply by e-mailing a resume and cover letter to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221632		COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT POSITION - Democratic Staff Director is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant.  This is a senior administrative support position, not a legislative position. The Executive Assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties to support the Staff Director and Democratic Committee staff.  The Executive Assistant will interact regularly with Senate support operations and other committee and Member offices.  Responsibilities include organizing meetings, assisting with hearing preparation including briefing books, organizing and maintaining files for the committee and the Staff Director, maintaining the Staff Director’s calendar and correspondence, proofreading, assisting with committee publications, drafting correspondence and memos, archiving, special projects  and making the executive office function smoothly.   Substantial Senate experience and solid working knowledge of the Senate, its processes, rules and procedures is required.  Committee experience desirable.  Please send resumes and writing samples to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221631		PRESS SECRETARY - A Progressive Northeast Democrat is seeking a Press Secretary.  The position will be based in Washington and duties will focus on media and issues in the state.  The ideal candidate would be a proactive self-starter and creative individual with excellent writing skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines.  Duties will include working with reporters, drafting news releases, organizing daily news clips, and planning and executing press events in the state.  Hill or other government experience and new media skills preferred. This is not an entry level position. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to senatepress2012@gmail.com

221630		LAW CLERKS - The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Majority Oversight & Investigations Office is seeking full-time, unpaid Law Clerks for spring semester 2012. The position offers law students the opportunity to gain substantive experience while participating in the legislative process. Law Clerks will assist Committee staff in conducting document review, policy and legal research, drafting memoranda, contributing to reports and preparing for hearings. Qualifications: Applicants must be current law students or recent graduates. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding research abilities, work well in a fast-paced environment and possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Previous experience in government is not required, but candidates should have a general understanding of government procedure. Applicants should be available full-time. Applicants should sent resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Helpoversightclerk@gmail.com

221629		RULES COMMITTEE COUNSEL - The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration Democratic staff is seeking an attorney to handle a variety of legal responsibilities, with emphasis on administrative and election law.  A minimum of two years’ legal experience is required.  Senate experience, knowledge of Senate rules and procedures, and/or election and campaign finance experience desirable.  Responsibilities include interpreting and drafting Senate rules, procedures and regulations, evaluating contracts and claims, drafting legislation, hearing development and preparation, memoranda, statements and speeches as well as training and providing guidance to Senate offices.  Successful applicant will have the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, excellent research and writing skills.  Applicants should possess excellent academic credentials and Capitol Hill, private practice or relevant government experience.  Please e-mail resume and writing samples to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221628		LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT - Senator McCaskill seeks an experienced, energetic individual to handle telecom, technology, transportation, consumer product safety, patent and copyright reform and auto portfolio. Additional issues may be added. Responsibilities include staffing the Senator in the Commerce Committee as well as managing and completing all legislative work in the assigned issue areas; preparing materials for meetings, briefings, and hearings; drafting legislation; advising the Senator on information related to legislation and key issues within responsible policy areas; representing the Senator at official events and in constituent meetings; and working with the Legislative Director and Chief of Staff to strategically accomplish the Senator’s goals. Qualified candidates will also have strong management, writing, analytical, negotiation, and organizational skills; the ability to perform well under pressure while juggling multiple tasks; and sound judgment. Additionally, qualified candidates should be experienced in the issue areas assigned, be organized and resourceful, and be able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, changing environment. Prior Hill experience is strongly preferred. Please e-mail resume and cover letter to employment@mccaskill.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line. No phone calls please

221627		LEGISLATIVE CORRESPONDENT - Senior Democratic Senator seeks Legislative Correspondent to focus on agriculture, transportation & infrastructure and the environment.  Primary responsibilities include responding to constituent correspondence, attending constituent meetings and conducting research.  This position requires excellent communication, research and writing skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.  Hill experience and Northeast ties a plus.  Interested applicants should e-mail cover letter and resume to senatejobs@gmail.com

221626		SPRING INTERNSHIPS - Midwestern Democratic Senator seeks undergraduate students and recent graduates for full and part-time internships beginning in late January or February.  Internship responsibilities include: legislative research on policy issues for Senator’s Legislative staff in order to prepare floor speeches, hearing statements, and floor charts; constituent correspondence by letter, email, and telephone; attending hearings and other events on Capitol Hill on behalf of the office; and various administrative tasks.  This is an unpaid internship.  Students and recent college graduates from Midwest are strongly encouraged to apply.  If interested, please submit a cover letter, a resume with three references and a writing sample to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221625		PRESS INTERN - Western Democratic Senator seeks a self-motivated and enthusiastic Press Intern for an aggressive communications shop.  Duties include monitoring, clipping and distribution of relevant news stories, mainly from TV and print.  Other press responsibilities include: research, writing memos, attending press conferences, and helping to organize news interviews and radio call-ins.  Previous experience with press is preferred, along with roots in the West.  Applicants should have a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and an eagerness to learn about professional communications.   This is a full-time position.  Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume and two references to westerndempressintern@gmail.com

221624		PRESS INTERN - The office of Sen. Tom Carper is seeking a full- or part-time press intern in Washington, D.C, for the Spring 2012 semester. This press internship is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a busy Capitol Hill press office, as well as accrue skills and participate in educational experiences beneficial to a career in communications. Duties include assisting with daily news clips, compiling news research, drafting media releases/advisories, maintaining press contact lists, creating social media content, and managing web content. This position requires attention to detail, creativity, strong writing ability and grammar skills, and a willingness to learn. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and familiarity with social media is required. A background in journalism or communications and Delaware ties are a plus. Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, are encouraged to apply. Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to interncoordinator@carper.senate.gov by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012.

221623		MANUFACTURING & COMPETITIVENESS POLICY FELLOW - Moderate Democrat seeks a fellow to assist with manufacturing, competitiveness, and other economic policy issues.  Responsibilities include generating job creation policy ideas, analyzing policy issues, meeting with constituents and stakeholders, and drafting memos.  Ideal candidate will: have a graduate degree in engineering, science, business, economics, law, or policy; have private sector work experience; have an interest or background in innovation; possess strong communication skills; and be a team player.  This is an unpaid fellowship, ideally lasting between six months and a year.  Email cover letter and resume to:  ModDemEconFellow@gmail.com

221622		MAIL PROCESS MANAGER - Senior Western Democrat seeks an experienced and highly motivated Mail Manager with excellent computer skills to supervise the mailroom in an extremely busy office. Principal duties include correspondence management, oversee mail flow for incoming and outgoing mail – route correspondence dealing with casework, schedule and any misdirected mail, continually make improvements in mail flow, minimize issues, proof and approve all library items, oversee process for printing letters at local and offsite printers, modify and develop templates as needed, help answer Administrative mail, work with interns on processing LC mail, provide feedback and training when needed, develop custom reply library items when necessary, work with administrative team to improve database process and procedures, identify bugs and suggest future features to improve database, review database training documents, assist Database Manager with feature development, testing issues, etc., assist with development of procedures/instructions for LCs/Caseworkers for database/mail processes, assist staff with proper use of database and answer their questions, routine maintenance including filters and rules to control spam, check undeliverable emails and process as needed, check fax, scheduling, and Member’s Outlook mailboxes to ensure mail is being processed in a timely manner, process when needed, check Queued for Sending, Outbox, Prepared for Printing, and Reply in Progress mailboxes for correspondence and handle as necessary, prepare reports for status of pending mail and aging dates, and monthly correspondence report for Senator, back-up Mailroom Staff Assistant, Database Manager, and Computer Maintenance Assistant, complete administrative and database tasks as assigned. Familiarity with Symplicity voice computer system is a plus. Applicants must be able to work well in a fast-paced environment and have strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and the ability to analyze issues and monitor workload. Please send cover letter and resumes to Baucus_manager@baucus.senate.gov

221619		SENATE INVESTIGATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE UNPAID CLERKSHIP - The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, is looking for law students to work closely with the Subcommittee’s Republican staff on investigative and legislative issues and cover Congressional hearings and briefings beginning in February 2012.  Requires ability to operate in fast-paced environment with minimal supervision, excellent research and writing skills, and willingness to perform clerical duties.  Minimum of 20 hours per week; full-time given preference.  Please e-mail a brief cover letter, including the time commitment you are able to make, a resume, and an unofficial transcript to andrew_dockham@hsgac.senate.gov indicating “Internship” in the subject line or fax to (202) 224-7042.

221618		JUDICIARY COMMITTEE LAW CLERKSHIPS - The Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), is seeking law clerks for Summer 2012.   These substantive positions offer students a unique opportunity to observe the legislative process and to work closely with Committee counsel on a wide variety of projects.  Committee law clerks are typically tasked with conducting legal research, drafting memoranda and materials related to Committee hearings and votes, attending Committee hearings and executive business meetings, and providing assistance with other legislative matters.  The clerkships are open to current law students only; those from Vermont are strongly encouraged to apply.  For more information about Senator Leahy and the clerkship program, visit http://leahy.senate.gov/services/law_clerks/.  Please e-mail resume, cover letter, legal writing sample, transcript, and three references to Scott_Wilson@judiciary-dem.senate.gov by February 6th.

221614		BANKING COMMITTEE COUNSEL - Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is seeking attorneys with securities and derivatives law experience.  Responsibilities include drafting legislation, developing and staffing hearings, and preparing memoranda, statements and speeches.  Applicants should possess excellent academic credentials and at least 3 years of private practice or regulatory experience.  No Capitol Hill experience required. Please email resume to: Jobs_Rep@banking.senate.gov.

221611		SPRING LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP - Senator Tom Carper is accepting applications for Spring Interns.  This internship presents an opportunity for both a unique learning experience and an inside look at the political process. Interns receive an inside look at the legislative process by attending hearings, and, with their full access to the Library of Congress and Congressional Research Services, performing research on a wide variety of legislative issues. They also gain valuable experience by monitoring media outlets for daily developments, preparing briefing books, assisting with U.S. Capitol tours for constituent groups and providing general office support. Candidates should possess strong writing and research skills, and a demonstrated interest in American politics.  Preference is given to applicants from Delaware. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage applicants to apply early. Please email interncoordinator@carper.senate.gov for more information or find the application at: http://carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/internshipprogram.

221603		OFFICE MANAGER - Moderate Democratic Senator is seeking a responsible, organized, and experience manager with excellent communication skills to handle all administrative aspects of the office. Tasks required are maintaining staff leave and travel records, maintaining office budget and processing vouchers for office expenses, procuring supplies and equipment, intern recruitment and supervision, advertisement of office vacancies, recommending appropriate candidates for interviews, and other special projects that are required occasionally. Candidate will coordinate operations with the state office and will act as the Office Emergency Coordinator. This individual will work closely with the Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, state staff, and committee staff to facilitate successful office operations. Applicants must have superior organizational skills, strong people skills, poise, multitasking ability, patience, and humor. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line. This is not an entry-level position.

221602		SPRING PRESS INTERN - Senator Charles E. Schumer’s press office seeks full-time, unpaid Spring interns in Washington, DC. Part-Time interns will also be considered but candidates with full-time availability will be given preference. It is preferable, but not required, if candidate is available immediately, and can continue work through the Spring. Responsibilities include compiling press clips, answering reporter inquiries, organizing press conferences, writing press releases and memos, conducting research and assisting the Press Staff with day-to-day operations of a very active press office. Applicants must work well under pressure, have excellent written and oral communications skills and a desire to learn. Previous experience in politics and press are not required but candidates should have a general understanding of governmental process, knowledge of the Northeast, and interest in communications. If interested, please send Cover letter, Resume and References via email to SchumerPressInternship@gmail.com

221600		INTERNSHIPS - Moderate Democratic Senator seeks highly motivated candidate/s for full- and part-time unpaid internships (minimum 15 hours per week). College students and recent graduates are welcome to apply. Preference is given to applicants with West Virginia ties. Opportunities to work on press, scheduling, and legislative projects are available. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to senate_employment@saa.senate.gov indicating job referral number in the subject line.

221596		INTERNS - The DC Office of Senator Barbara Boxer is seeking personable, dependable and professional individuals for full and part-time unpaid internships for the winter and spring semesters. Responsibilities include but are not limited to answering phones, processing mail, and other administrative duties as assigned, as well as providing support to press, and legislative staff as needed. We also encourage interns to attend committee hearings and briefings. This internship is a valuable opportunity to see how a Senate office functions and ideal for motivated, self-starting, and quick learning individuals. The ability to work well and communicate efficiently in a team environment is essential. California ties are preferred, but not necessary. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation to the attention of the internship coordinator at internship_requests@boxer.senate.gov.

211568		PRESS INTERNS - The office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) seeks unpaid press interns for fast-paced, aggressive communications office. Press interns will work closely with Communications Director, Press Secretary, and Deputy Press Secretary on a variety of tasks. Responsibilities include answering the press line and fielding calls from reporters, working with communications office and legislative staff to compile reports and other documents for media distribution. Press interns will primarily work with the Deputy Press Secretary to compile daily press clips for the Senator’s review, coordinate daily update of reporter contact lists, and work with the communications office on other media-related projects. Position requires a keen attention to detail, the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines, and the ability to demonstrate professionalism and discretion at all times. Strong writing and grammar skills and proficiency of Microsoft Office applications required. Journalism/communications background and Ohio ties a plus. To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to SenBrownPressIntern@gmail.com

211567		INTERNSHIP - Northeast Republican Senator seeks highly motivated students for full- and part-time Unpaid Internships for the spring semester (minimum 15 hours per week). College students and recent graduates are welcome to apply, but preference is given to applicants with Massachusetts ties. Press, scheduling, and legislative intern opportunities are available. For additional information, please visit http://scottbrown.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/internprogram. Applicants should fax resume and cover letter expressing areas of interest to 202-228-2646

211566		INTERNSHIP - Senator Chris Coons’ office seeks Unpaid Interns for the Spring 2012 semester. Responsibilities include answering phones, greeting visitors, sorting mail, handling requests for flags and tours and assisting front office, as well as legislative staff. This position requires outstanding organizational abilities, strong communication skills, attention to detail, poise, flexibility and an ability to prioritize in an extremely fast-paced office. Motivated, hard- working, and professional applicants looking to get a taste of Capitol Hill are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should send an e-mail to coonsinterndc@gmail.com with the subject line reading “Intern” and include a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample. Delaware ties a plus, but not required. Absolutely no walk-ins or phone calls.

211541		INTERNSHIP - Senator Michael Bennet is now accepting full and part-time Internship applications for his Colorado and Washington, DC offices. The Internship program provides an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates. Responsibilities for interns participating in the DC program include: assisting staff with providing mail and administrative support, drafting correspondence, attending hearings and briefings, and researching legislative issues. Responsibilities for interns participating in Colorado program include: assisting Constituent Advocates on a variety of issue areas, administrative support, drafting correspondence, representing the Senate office at meetings and events, and researching legislative issues. Applicants can apply at http://bennet.senate.gov/services/internships. Print and complete the Internship Application and mail it to my office address below or e-mail it to me at rebeca_ontiveros-chavez@bennet.senate.gov

211527		INTERNSHIP - Northeast Republican seeks highly motivated students for unpaid internships in the scheduling department. Ideal candidates will have ties to the Northeast and previous scheduling experience. Responsibilities include managing incoming requests, responding to inquiries and writing memos. Applicants must work independently, have strong organizational skills and be able to multi-task with short deadlines. Interns must be able to start as soon as possible, and should be available to continue through the semester. Please fax cover letter and resume to (202) 228-2646.

211491

LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP - Senator Schumer’s DC office is seeking diligent, enthusiastic and organized undergraduate students and recent graduates for unpaid legislative internships during the upcoming fall semester. These positions provide exposure to the legislative process, while developing an understanding of how a congressional office operates. Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering phones, organizing constituent mail and the potential to assist legislative staff with research on various issues. Interns available to start immediately with full-time availability and New York ties are strongly preferred. Interested candidates please send resume, a cover letter indicating your weekly availability, a reference list and a 3 to 5 page writing sample and application available at http://schumer.senate.gov/For%20Students/intern_applications.htm to the number listed

Senate Employment Bulletin for February 3 – We have more job postings here!

The packaging is silvery, as opposed to the straight blue or red that normally is used for Bud Light or Budweiser.  Some think this may be done purposefully to lure typical drinkers of Coors Light to look at the package. The bottles are cobalt blue. Like Zima.

The price is, well, more expensive.  I don’t know if they’ll keep the price significantly higher than a typical 12 pack of Bud Light or Budweiser once it is released nationally and production increases. It’s about $1.75 more expensive per 12 pack. (A friend commented to me that “a 16% price increase for between 20-43% increase in alcohol and a cool package isn’t a bad trade off.” Which is a fair point.

The name “Bud Light Platinum” sounds like an airline miles membership or a credit card. Some of my friends cracked that it is “made with real bits of platinum, so you know it’s good.” It’ll be interesting to see what the cans look like. They say it is “triple filtered” which is something I am sure their Superbowl advertisements might explain a little bit.

The normal ABV for Bud Light is 4.2%. Bud Light Platinum boasts, and almost brags about about having a higher ABV of 6.0% — Budweiser is 5.0%. A typical can of Bud Light runs about 110 calories, Platinum has 137. The taste is familiar, almost sweeter than normal Bud Light and Budweiser. Overall, it’s not a bad drink.

What will make or break this as a brand, in my opinion, is how it is marketed. Anheuser-Busch had a history for a marketing bonanza for new brands, and many of them flopped or disappeared. World Select. Golden Wheat. American Ale. Budweiser Select. Sure, you can find these beers from time to time in various places, but some are gone for good.

Whether “Platinum” will have staying power is something of an unknown.

If the marketing is chotchy, the brand will likely be rejected. If the marketing is snobby, the brand will likely be rejected. Normal people don’t want to drink what’s perceived as a beer douchebags drink just as much as they don’t want to drink beers snotty people drink. Remember that iconic Sam Adams commercial where the guy goes to the place with a dusty thick beer menu and says “I’ll have the Sam Adams.” That is the sweet spot.

In its press release, A-B InBev notes:

“Bud Light Platinum provides beer drinkers an upscale light beer option as a companion to their social agenda.”

Which makes me think — well, maybe the Platinum moniker isn’t as stupid-sounding as I thought. Remember the kids in grade school that would walk the teacher’s dog if it got them one of those gold stickers? Status plays a role — and if Platinum didn’t work, credit card companies would stop using it. (I always got bronze stars.)

I don’t have any beer companions to my social agenda, but I guess this beer is going to be an upscale wing-man? Who knows.

Conclusion: This isn’t a bad beer. It isn’t an amazing beer. It’s a Bud Light-like product that has a sweeter taste and more kick. Will it stick around? We’ll see. I do like it more than regular Bud Light, though. The marketing and how the beer is perceived by consumers is key. At the end of the day, there are a ton of higher ABV large-scale brewed beer alternatives.

Post used with permission from JimSwift.net

Enjoy our review of Bud Light Platinum, check out other reviews!

What people disclose at bars that they shouldn’t

A friend of mine is a reporter at The Huffington Post. He sent me an instant message to tell me that some Senate Republican press staffer was blabbing about her boss, the operations of that office in public on a date. Let’s be honest — this is a really dumb idea.

Don’t.Talk.About.Work.In.Public. Ever.

You never know who you’re going to sit next to in this city, or even this world. A reporter. A spy. A lobbyist. Who knows?

Free advice: Don’t talk about work, your boss, your co-workers, or even what you think about other Members of Congress or their staff in public. I feel like this shouldn’t even be an issue, and I shouldn’t have to type it. Yet, here I am typing it.

Zip it up people. And for god’s sake, don’t tweet about it.

Remember, Loose Lips Sink Ships.

What’s the best way to make your case as a constituent to your elected officials?

Meet with them in person in your district. Your congressman is in town every weekend, and every weekend he or she is at a pancake breakfast somewhere. Call your district office and find out the local events your representative is appearing at. They’re always approachable, they like shaking hands, and they want to meet constituents. Voicing your concern in person means you’ll actually get your opinion across. If you send a form letter you will probably get one back.

But, you don’t have to actually meet with the member to get your view across. Members of Congress have staff for a reason. It is not their job to take bullets for the boss unless you’re a birther, occupy wall streeter, or other crazy person. At times like those staffers take bullets. Ordinarily, we serve as “boss multipliers.” Members of Congress can’t be everywhere all of the time. Some times, you’ll meet with us. Don’t get offended.

In fact, getting offended you’re not meeting with the boss won’t help your cause. Sure — we will notice your feelings are hurt, and we’ll apologize and mean it. We know people want to meet with our bosses. We get it. But once we’ve apologized, we expect you to get to business. Every step you take down guilt trip road is one more stone on the pile. If you really offend staff, you diminish the likelihood you’ll get a meeting with the boss.

If you don’t want a meeting, call us. If your request is simple “don’t vote for bill XYZ” it will make its way to the Congressman. Trust me. If your request is a little more complicated, ask to see if you can talk to the staff member that handles that issue. “I’d like to talk to the Legislative Assistant who handles dog fighting/migratory sea turtles/gun show laws.” Tell them you’re a constituent. You may not get them on the phone, but leave them a polite voicemail, and if you want a call back, say so. Staff prefer calling people back to writing letters.

It’s helpful to talk to staff when you want to get a feel for how the member is thinking on the bill, or why they are so involved/not involved. Members of Congress are normal people (for the most part.) Like you, there are things they don’t care about as much as others. Just because your elected official isn’t as passionate about an issue as you are doesn’t mean they don’t care about it.

Lastly, crying doesn’t help your cause. Answering the phone in a Congressional office is something that makes people want to cry. It is a thankless and painful job. Crying on the phone won’t elicit sympathy points or get you what you want. If you cry like Speaker Boehner does, stick to emails.

What are some does and don’ts for lobbyists and trade groups?

• Do be on time. If you’re routinely late, I might just stop responding to your email requests for meetings.
• Don’t insinuate that support/opposition on a bill will mean money for my boss. It’s not only douchey and tacky, it’s illegal. Same goes with hinting about job offers.
• Do be upfront about your concerns or reasons for liking a bill. If you tell me it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread for some superficial reason and I find out it legislatively punishes your competitors, I will stop trusting you.
• Don’t tell me that you love my boss and then start getting basic facts about him wrong. It will make me think you’re insincere. You are not Don Draper.
• Do tell me about your time in Congress. It’s nice to hear mistakes you made that I should avoid or learn ‘best practices.’
• Do not threaten me. If you oppose the bill and my boss supports it, I understand what that means. I’m a smart person, you’re a smart person. No use in making things personal. If the bill is really important as opposed to marginally important, just say so. Don’t use threats, they make you sound like a union boss, not a mafia boss.
• Don’t repeatedly email me the same question about how my boss is voting on a bill. If I can tell you, I will. If I don’t respond it’s because I either don’t know or were told not to tell you. Send the email once. I will respond the way I’m told to. If you don’t get a response, sending more emails isn’t likely to change that.

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Monday, February 6, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Rayburn House Office Building Foyer.

NGAUS is a nonpartisan organization representing nearly 45,000 current and former Army and Air National Guard officers. Formed in 1878, NGAUS is focused on procuring better equipment, standardized training and a more combat-ready force by petitioning Congress for resources. Well over a century later, NGAUS has the same mission.

NGAUS provides states and our members unified representation before Congress. The NGAUS legislative department is the lobbying branch of the association. It seeks modern equipment, training, missions and personnel benefits for the Army and Air National Guard by lobbying Congress and the Executive Branch.
Start Time: 5:00 pm
Date: 2012-02-06
End Time: 7:00 pm

Link out or RSVP here

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]]> http://www.clotureclub.com/2012/02/ngaus-congressional-reception/feed/ 0 http://www.clotureclub.com/2012/02/eating-dc-black-orange/ http://www.clotureclub.com/2012/02/eating-dc-black-orange/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:00:50 +0000 amendment202 http://www.clotureclub.com/?p=16000 Black and Orange

1931 14th St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

202.296.2242

Hours:

Monday – Sunday 11am – 5am

Before the burger craze took over Washington, D.C., Rogue States in Dupont Circle – the brainchild of chef Raynold Mendizabel – was my personal go to for a well-cooked burger.  Tender to the bite with sweet potato fries to match, Rogue States was popular until it closed in 2010.  Black & Orange is Rogue States reborn – in more ways than one.  Located in the same spot as Rogue States, with another location on 14^th and U, Black & Orange prides itself as being the catalyst for the burger market enveloping Washington, D.C.

The birth of Black and Orange from the litigation ashes of Rogue States is a literal reclaiming of the burger crown.

A total of eight burgers, with sides and two sandwiches, compose the menu.  In terms of cooking options, you have two: pink (semi-raw) or no pink (not semi-raw).  The simplicity in the front end is present throughout.

I ordered the Now & Zen quarter pound burger with soy sauce, green onion, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds, with a side of sweet potato fries.  All of the flavor described above was isolated to the burger patty.  No extra pointless sauce, no frivolous details that masked the abundant errors of a disappointing patty.  No.  At Black & Orange, the meat is intentionally the focus of the entire experience.  Cooked as raw as law permits, the Now & Zen burger was delicious.  With the first bite a rush of smoky, charred ginger hit the senses with the sesame seeds coming in soon thereafter.  The soy sauce would have been completely muted if it were not for a subtle tanginess residing within the ground beef.  Mashing so many flavors into a ground beef patty is a risky but in the case of Black & Orange the risk pays off.

The sweet potato fries were also outstanding.  Paired perfectly with the optional wasabi sauce, the delicate creamy sweetness of the fries was a nice deviation from the sharp flavors of the burger.  Moreover, they were not fried into submission – retaining a finely tuned balance of crispiness and substance.

Black & Orange is a welcome addition to the 14^th Street area.  Simple and confident, Black & Orange takes the torch alit by Rogue States and runs with it.  The fact that it is open till 5am should give no one any reason to go anywhere else after a long night.

–Amendment202

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Elizabeth Kucinich

Location: Rayburn Gold Room
Description: Sister to Sister Heart Screenings w/ Elizabeth Kucinich
Special Guest and Moderator:
Elizabeth Kucinich

February 7, 2012
10:00-2:00pm
Rayburn Gold Room

Where:
Rayburn Gold Room (speakers from 10:30AM – 11:30AM, healthy refreshments from 11:30AM – 12:30PM)
Rayburn Foyer (heart screenings from 10:00AM – 2:00PM)

Speakers:
William Bestermann, MD, President, COSEHC Cardiovascular Centers of Excellence and Director,
Medical Home Quality, Holston Medical Group

Bob Honigberg, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, LipoScience

Scott Kahan, MD, MPH, School of Public Health and Health Services, George Washington University

Frederick Lough, MD, Clinical Director, Cardiac Surgery Program, George Washington University Hospital

Edward J. Roccella, PhD, MPH, Former Coordinator, National High Blood Pressure Education Program,
National Institutes of Health

Janet Wright, MD, Executive Director, Million Hearts

Start Time: 10:00 am
Date: 2012-02-07
End Time: 2:00 pm

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
5:30-7:30pm
Cannon Caucus Room – Cannon 345

Rsvp w/ Nikki Davis at nikki.davis@heart.org

Location: Cannon Caucus Room – Cannon 345

Start Time: 17:30
Date: 2012-02-14
End Time: 19:30

Link out or RSVP here

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Junior Senator from Rhode Island

Unless you were playing the 2012 State of the Union Drinking Game and were too “busy” to pay attention to what President Obama was actually saying, you would know that one of the key talking points from the State of the Union was the President’s second appeal to the Congress to pass a so-called Buffet Rule on wealthy Americans.

Based on the idea that anyone earning at least $1 million should be taxed at a 30 percent rate, the Buffet Rule has been receiving mixed reviews – Douglas Holtz-Eakin of Bloomberg News writes that according to Congressional Research Service documents “the average effective tax rate among millionaires is already about 30 percent.”  Despite the uneven support for the proposed tax raise, our Member of the Week, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said he’d introduce a form of the Buffet Rule.  Though he believes the bill is in a “much better position than we were beforehand”, the legislation is almost certain to go nowhere in the current Congress.  Instead the bill would mainly serve as a messaging tool for Democrats in this election year.

Born on October 20, 1955 in New York City, Senator Whitehouse was the son of Charles Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Ambassador to Laos and Thailand in the 1970s.  As a young man, he graduated from St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire and from Yale University in 1978.  He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1982.

Immediately after law school, Whitehouse worked for Judge Richard F. Neely in the Supreme Court of Appeals in West Virginia as a clerk from 1982 to 1983.  Soon after, he worked in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office as a special assistant attorney general from 1985 to 1990, chief of the Regulatory Unit from 1988 to 1990, and also as an assistant attorney from 1989 to 1990.

Before beginning his career in politics, Whitehouse worked as Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun’s Executive Counsel beginning in 1991, and later became Director of Policy.  In 1992, he was appointed by Sundlun to be the state’s Director of Business Regulation.  During his short tenure in this position, Whitehouse oversaw a drastic reform in the state’s worker’s compensation insurance system.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed Whitehouse to serve as United States attorney for Rhode Island.  Holding the position for four years, Whitehouse was the first prosecutor to convict a member of organized crime under Clinton’s three strikes law.  He also initiated an investigation into municipal corruption that eventually led to Providence Mayor Vincent Cianci being convicted on conspiracy charges.

After working for President Clinton, Whitehouse was elected as Rhode Island Attorney General.  As Attorney General he founded the Rhode Island Quality Institute, an organization dedicated to improving health care quality statewide, and he authorized the first Rhode Island State Police wiretap to investigate public corruption.  Whitehouse also strengthened the state’s witness protection program.

A successful run as Rhode Island Attorney General led Whitehouse, in 2002, to run in the gubernatorial election.  The election ended almost as soon as it started, with Whitehouse losing to Myrth York in the Democratic primary.  Whitehouse’s fortunes took a reversal in the United States Senate election of 2006.  With Rhode Island’s historically large disapproval rating for President Bush in 2006, Whitehouse faced a favorable scenario, which he exploited to his benefit.  After winning the Democratic primary by a large margin, Whitehouse went on to defeat his Republican opponent with 53 percent of the vote.

So far, Senator Whitehouse has shown himself to be liberal through and through.  He supports stem cell research, abortion rights, LGBT rights and gay marriage, as well as affirmative action.  He opposed the intervention in Iraq and despite a generally pro-rehabilitation stance on crime; Whitehouse supports the federal use of the death penalty.

His support of the Buffet Rule can be attributed to his inclination for a more progressive tax system.  Though the introduction of Buffet Rule legislation will merely be a talking point in 2012 (Whitehouse is running for re-election), the opinions and efforts of Senator Whitehouse represent a minority in Congress that could soon be at the forefront of national legislation.

–Amendment202

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