Making History With the First Openly Gay Mayor In Kentucky
In 2010, one of Kentucky’s leading business people sought out Nesbitt & Parrinello for a history-making run for Mayor of Lexington. We examined the entirety of our client and an opponent’s considerable records including extensive Lexington court records involving our client’s business. Our investigation detailed extensive corruption in the City of Lexington government under the incumbent administration including profligate spending, abnormal expense accounts, and corruption at a local government agency. What’s more, our examination described additional excess, corruption, and graft at two major outside agencies of which Lexington was a member.
Armed with substantial evidence of corruption and poor performance, our client constructed a devastating comparison with the incumbent and went on to become the first openly gay mayor in Kentucky.
Corruption Investigation Drives Earned Media
So which corporations and industry groups think Congressman Mooney will be a reliable vote on issues that concern them? Here is a selection of many: The American Bankers Association, AT&T PAC, Duke Energy Corp. PAC, Chesapeake PAC, Coal PAC, KOCHPAC, Marathon Petroleum Corp. Employees PAC, NRA Political Victory Fund, and the Goldman Sachs Group PAC. Since these energy and financial PACs clearly think they have something to gain by contributing to Congressman Mooney, then I think they do as well. That is the problem.
Report Highlights
Lobbyist Kickbacks
- After BracePAC, the PAC of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, contributed $1,000 to Mooney on July 23, 2014, and their client Duke Energy contributed $1,000 on June 19, 2015, Mooney supported six pieces of legislation on which they lobbied between April 2015 and March 2016.
Research Results
Polling
Earned Media Success
Q13. Now, I’m going to read you some other statements people have made about Alex Mooney…
a. SSA: Corrupt Congressman Alex Mooney prioritizes his own interests over the needs of his constituents. After Mooney received $1,000 from Bracewell & Giuliani LLP and $1,000 from their client, Duke Energy, he supported six pieces of legislation they lobbied for. [CORRUPT, 35]
Flipping a Kansas Congressional Seat from Red to Blue for Female Candidate
In 2018, Nesbitt & Parrinello performed research in support of a female congressional candidate in Kansas.
Our research found that numerous challengers in the race painted themselves as “moderate” Democrats and did not take firm stances on key issues such as healthcare and marijuana legalization. We also thoroughly vetted the podcast of one of the challengers, and found that they spoke about their relationships with people in INS, criticized Parkland students for their protest methods, and said there was “no nuance” in the #MeToo movement.
Not only did the Nesbitt & Parrinello-backed candidate win the Democratic primary election, but she went on to defeat the Republican incumbent in the general by 30,000 votes.
Supporting Women Gubernatorial Candidates in the 2018 Cycle
In 2018, Nesbitt & Parrinello performed research in support of female gubernatorial candidates in Michigan and Georgia.
Our work in Georgia helped distinguish between two Democratic candidates with similar backgrounds on the surface, and ultimately demonstrated that the woman of color had a better record on education, race relations, and criminal justice reform. The Nesbitt & Parrinello-supported candidate went on to win her primary election.
In Michigan, Nesbitt & Parrinello’s work highlighted the poor professional records of the woman candidate’s challengers, in addition to their hypocritical statements in numerous issue areas, including healthcare and abortion. In November 2018, the Nesbitt & Parrinello-supported candidate won the general election with 53% of the vote and vowed to protect abortion rights for all Michiganders as governor.
Winning for the First Female Iraq War Combat Veteran in Congress
In 2014, our comprehensive findings helped first-term Illinois U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth triumph over fellow Iraq vet Larry Kaifesh. Given similar combat backgrounds, research was the difference.
Our pursuit of a trove of public records related to Kaifesh’s military career allowed Duckworth to capitalize on the contrasts in his record, which included the endorsement of military torture and stripping women service members of their reproductive rights.
Duckworth won a decisive victory by 11 points and would go on to win a U.S. Senate seat in 2016.
Making History for Progressive Women District Attorneys Nationwide
In 2019, Nesbitt & Parrinello was engaged as part of a national campaign to support commonwealth’s attorney races in Virginia. In what the Washington Post labeled “unprecedented” and a “sea change,” we made two incredible first for Virginia: the first muslim woman elected CA (Loudoun County) and the first Iranian woman elected CA (Arlington County).
In 2018, Nesbitt & Parrinello conducted research in support of 11 progressive women running for district attorney seats across the country. These women strongly advocated for criminal justice reform measures in five states including California, North Carolina, Maryland, Vermont, and Massachusetts, and included San Diego, Marin, Durham, Baltimore, Suffolk, and Berkshire counties.
In Suffolk County, Massachusetts, for example, Nesbitt Research provided research that helped elect the first woman and second African American District Attorney. Nesbitt & Parrinello’s work highlighted the candidate’s barrier-breaking career as a woman of color in the legal field, and sharpened her message, which included calls for reducing prison sentences and ceasing the prosecution of certain low-level crimes.
The Trusted Partner on Complex Engagements
In 2018, Nesbitt & Parrinello was the trusted provider for a national super PAC on a multi-million dollar effort to elect criminal justice reform advocates in North Carolina. Our engagement supported three progressive attorneys running in North Carolina. In one example, we provided research in support of a woman of color with 18 years of experience in criminal and family law. Our research gave the team insight into the candidate’s work for a state housing department, a department that was forced to reimburse the government $24 million for wrongfully spent funds. We prepared the team for negative communications related to a North Carolina State Auditor finding that “significant deficiencies” existed within the candidate’s department. With the support we bring to every engagement, the candidate went on to win this race and is now a leading voice for progressive bail reform and alternative sentencing in North Carolina.
War Room Design, Research Team Planning & Rapid Response
In 2018, Nesbitt & Parrinello was engaged by a leading climate activist to design a research operating model and rapid response war room for a potential presidential campaign. During the one year, $40 million dollar testing the waters phase, we designed the 30-person research team staffing model; compiled an 800,000 word analysis of the subject’s vulnerabilities; and architected the operating model and physical space for the campaign rapid response war room. We think our candidate was perhaps the most well prepared candidate for national office who declined to run.
Designing The Anti-Trump Research & Rapid Response Operation
In 2017, the Need to Impeach campaign engaged Nesbitt & Parrinello to design their research team strategy, operating model and rapid response war room. During the one year, $120 million dollar project, we designed the staffing model for an 8-person research team and compiled the research foundation for the Need to Impeach campaign that resulted in 7 million people signing up in support of the campaign to impeach the president. Allen Nesbitt served as the research director for the campaign for the critical launch period of the effort.
Winning for a Latino Navy Veteran in Most Expensive ‘Red to Blue’ House Race in 2018
In 2018, N&P partner Cristina Parrinello led the research efforts for U.S. House candidate Gil Cisneros, a Latino and Navy veteran, in CA-39. N&P supported Cisneros’ campaign through a competitive primary in which six Democrats, seven Republicans, and four independent candidates ran for the seat.
Cisneros advanced to the general election where N&P research revealed that Cisneros’ opponent repeatedly aligned herself with the Trump administration, material that contributed to the campaign’s award-winning digital and mail pieces. Cisneros ultimately won CA-39 by a margin of fewer than 8,000 votes. In total, over $37 million was spent during the race, making CA-39 the most expensive non-special election House race in U.S. history, and flipped Orange County from Red to Blue in an historic sweep for Democrats.
Attorney General’s Race — Missouri (2008)
In the teeth of the 2008 presidential election, Nesbitt Research helped our client’s team win both a heated three-way Democratic primary and a tight general election for Missouri Attorney General. Our client was a sitting state senator, and we detailed his legislative record and analyzed his personal financial records, travel records and pay and perks. We examined the subject’s record as a county prosecutor, examining court records and local news sources to paint a full picture of his successes and failures. The team also relied heavily on our team for rapid response and earned media, using our analysis of campaign finance records to counter opponents’ attacks. The communications team also tapped Nesbitt to detail the records of his two primary opponents, one of whom, our research revealed, had taken money from a tobacco store with a history of selling to kids, while voting against anti-smoking measures. This information, combined with our client’s strong record on children’s issues, gave his team the ammunition it needed to win.
Full-scope Assessment of A Senior Executive in a U.S. Senate Campaign
In 2006, Nesbitt Research helped Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson’s campaign explore the complex business dealings of Ameritrade’s (now TD Ameritrade) founding family. We compiled SEC filings, news stories, articles from Lexis-Nexis news databases, civil legal issues from the Cayman Islands to Nebraska, Hoover’s Business records and Dun & Bradstreet records into a comprehensive report on company and family operations. We detailed the target’s compensation package and compared it to that of the average Nebraskan. We highlighted the company’s layoffs and subsequent hiring of a new CEO, both of which netted poor results for shareholders and company staff in Nebraska. After powerful advertising — some based on our research — Nelson won re-election with 63.9 percent of the vote.
Major Mayoral Race for Former City Attorney
Nesbitt & Parrinello was engaged by a mayoral campaign in a major city to flesh out our client’s career as City Attorney and as a high profile lawyer serving several public entities. We examined court cases involving our client in his capacity as City Attorney, attorney for public boards and in private practice. We found a number of cases where our client represented child support deadbeats, abusive spouses, drug dealers, and corporate clients who employed questionable tactics to accomplish their objectives. With the knowledge we provide the campaign has been prepared to respond when necessary.
Winning on a Local City Council Record in Michigan
Nesbitt & Parrinello was engaged by Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) in his successful bid to unseat three-term incumbent Republican Rep. Joe Knollenberg. We analyzed Peters’ 16-year history as an elected official, and our in-person review of Rochester Hills City Council documents showed that Peters voted to reduce spending and to keep the tax levy flat. Our investigation into Peters’ service as a state representative uncovered a strong record of consumer advocacy, including a vote against the 1995 Credit Reform Act, which would have allowed Michigan lenders to charge up to 25 percent interest. Peters’ vote against the Act gave him a compelling positive as the economic crisis worsened. Our investigation of Peters’ tenure at the Michigan Lottery revealed a well-run operation that increased funding to education and cut administrative costs. Peters won his race against Knollenberg, winning 52 percent of the vote. Knollenberg received 43 percent.
Winning Locally — Taking Back a State Legislative Chamber in the South
In 2007, 2009 and 2011, Nesbitt Research provided more than 60 research reports and memos for the Virginia Democratic Party. We conducted on the ground research from rural Southwest Virginia to the urban counties of northern Virginia. Our legal investigations uncovered cases of targets representing child support deadbeats, abusive behavior, drug dealers, as well as corporate clients who employed questionable tactics. Our research of a four-term incumbent Delegate untangled an eight-year-old controversy involving a no-bid contract, his campaign donors, his consulting job and a misuse of public resources to promote cronyism. In 2007, Nesbitt Research helped Senate Democrats take back the chamber for the first time in a decade and pick up four seats in the House, the largest gain in that chamber since the Watergate scandal.
Winning An Open Southern House Seat — Alabama 5th (2008)
In 2008, Nesbitt Research assisted the DCCC research team in its investigation of Republican Wayne Parker in Alabama’s 5th Congressional District. An open seat in 2008 after nine-term incumbent Democrat Bud Cramer retired, the 5th was widely rated as one of the most competitive races in the country. We compiled a comprehensive research report on Parker that highlighted his support for the fair tax, his record as a lobbyist, his fierce anti-immigration stance and his history of taking contributions from questionable sources, including former Enron Chairman Ken Lay, indicted former Congressman Tom Delay and former Vice President Dick Cheney. Armed with our research, Democrat Parker Griffith won the hotly contested election with 52 percent of the vote, carrying six of the seven counties in the District.
Award-Winning Climate Action Experience in Ohio
Since 2006, Nesbitt Research has conducted more than a dozen projects, investigations and fact checking in U.S. congressional, U.S. Senate and state legislative elections in Ohio. On behalf of one of America’s leading environmental groups, Nesbitt Research supported a multimillion dollar campaign with research in Ohio’s first, ninth, 11th, 13th, 15th, 16th and 17th Congressional Districts as well as three statewide campaigns. In 2013, our work supported the Reed Award-winning campaign of AFSCME’s Independent Expenditure team in Ohio 16. In 2010, we took on Rep. John Boehner in Ohio 8 and advised the Ohio Democratic Party with bespoke finance pitches.
Winning a U.S. Senate Seat in Colorado
In 2010, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) engaged Nesbitt Research to compile a comprehensive dossier on tea party-backed Colorado U.S. Senate candidate Ken Buck. We investigated Buck’s legal career, reviewing hundreds of cases during his tenure as a prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice and as a U.S. Attorney. We identified shortcomings including questionable plea bargains, dismissals and verdicts. Our investigation revealed Buck pursued a politically motivated anti-immigration crusade that culminated in an illegal raid aimed at identifying illegal immigrants for deportation. Additionally, our examination of the district attorney’s budget found despite Buck’s rhetoric, spending increased 40 percent on his watch. We uncovered both written and video evidence of Buck’s extreme positions on social issues including student loans, birth control, Social Security and the 17th amendment. Our work helped Michael Bennet retain his seat in the U.S. Senate.
Progressive Victory for Philadelphia District Attorney Race
In 2016, Nesbitt Research was hired by the Safety and Justice PAC to examine the complex legal careers of multiple candidates for Philadelphia District Attorney including the incumbent Seth Williams, Rich Negrin, Dan O’Connor, and the ultimate victor, Larry Krasner. Our examination of Krasner, a public defender for 30 years, found that he was vulnerable for his willingness to defend reprehensible clients and his criticism of police in and outside of court. However, our research showed that Krasner had a long history of representing activists like Act Up and Occupy Wall Street and that Krasner supported progressive movements such as Black Lives Matter. Using this information, Krasner’s campaign found success in 2017 by emphasizing his past efforts and future promises to reform the criminal justice system, a note that struck a chord with voters in Philadelphia.
Local Research Experience in Long Island Democratic Primaries
Nesbitt Research performed extensive vulnerability research in Long Island on an incumbent in a county executive race. Our analysis uncovered a clear history of the incumbent flip-flopping on issues including marriage equality and abortion. We combined this with details campaign contributions from Republicans to paint our opponent as a Democrat in name only. Nesbitt Research carefully examined local budgets and economies during the incumbent’s tenure and discovered that county debt had increased by at least $450 million, leaving the county with a networth of negative $5 billion. The incumbent additionally paid government employees inflated salaries. At a time when families across the United States were being hit hard by the worst national recession since the Great Depression, this information proved invaluable. Nesbitt Research’s investigation uncovered corruption and pay to play politics after the incumbent increased the salary of a political appointee by 50% following a $40,000 contribution to his campaign. Nesbitt Research’s intelligence powered a devastating message of the incumbent as an irresponsible crony unfit for the challenging economic times.
History-Making Track Record in New York: Electing First Openly Gay New York Congressman
In 2012, Nesbitt & Parrinello’s extensive self-research assessment helped propel Maloney to victory in his New York congressional race. Nesbitt Research examined Maloney’s involvement in a scandal that led to criticism that he was involved in a cover up. We examined Maloney’s relationships with Wall Street and analyzed his campaign contributions. These attacks could have helped his opponents paint him as an out-of-touch with New Yorkers. However, Nesbitt & Parrinello’s guidance found Maloney had a proven track record of advocating for the middle class and tackling corruption. Maloney worked with former President Bill Clinton, who created 55,900 jobs in the Hudson Valley during his administration and created programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Family and Medical Leave Act, which benefited millions of New Yorkers. Our valuable assessment aided Maloney in becoming the first openly gay congressman for New York, a position he has held successfully since 2013.
Experience Untangling Complex Financial Backgrounds of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Candidates in a U.S. Senate Campaign
Nesbitt Research worked with Kendrick Meek to defeat billionaire Jeff Greene by 26 points, despite being outspent five to one. Nesbitt Research examined Greene’s status as one of the first people to invest in Credit Default Swaps, revealing Greene specifically bet against mortgages in Florida and California. We examined Greene’s vast real estate empire in Southern California, uncovering court records loaded with code violations, liens and lawsuits accusing him of everything from slander to fraud. In what may have been the beginning of the end for Greene’s credibility, we delved deep into the Russian-language internet to uncover a series of pictures in which an unnamed Greene was pictured with troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan on his yacht. This story quickly went to over 200,000 views as news outlets that do not cover politics picked it up, leading to more coverage of Greene’s party-fueled trips to Cuba and of his month long cruise with best man Mike Tyson.
Winning in Minnesota — State Caucus (2006)
In 2006, Nesbitt Research provided 14 research reports on state Senate candidates for the Minnesota Democratic-Farm-Labor Party. We conducted on the ground research in 10 counties across the state, from the Twin Cities to Brainerd and St. Cloud. We reviewed case records of attorneys’, highlighting questionable cases and clients, which proved to be a powerful messages late in the campaign. Our examination of media coverage revealed the extreme right wing ties of a Republican candidate and this information helped sink his bid in a tight race. Nesbitt Research’s legislative analysis focused on illustrating inconsistencies between Republican’s rhetoric and their records. Armed with our research, the DFL beat two incumbent state Senators and won 11 of the 13 races in which we were involved.
Winning on All Counts in New Jersey Legislative Campaigns
Nesbitt Research conducted vulnerability assessments on six state legislative targets in New Jersey’s 7th, 14th and 38th legislative districts. We dug deep into the diverse slate of competitive Republican challengers. Our work revealed a series of embarrassing political and professional gaffes and pay-to-play relationships making questionable use of taxpayers’ funds. Our research ranged from intensive work on personal financials to bankruptcy to New Jersey legislative records, and helped craft an effective message. Armend with our intelligence, all six of our clients won in November.
Winning in California: Mayoral Elections
We have been directly engage by mayoral candidates in Baltimore, Boston, District of Columbia, Houston, Indianapolis, Lexington, KY and many others. In addition, we have conducted investigations of municipal officials in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia among others.
Experienced in High-profile Campaigns in Maryland
Nesbitt & Parrinello has conducted more than a dozen investigations in Maryland. In one example, the runner up for Baltimore mayor engaged our team to conduct a deep dive on a longtime incumbent. In what turned out to be a remarkably prescient investigation, we laid out a record of pay-to-play relationships, graft, corruption, and nepotism. While our candidate never had the funds to compete, our investigation turned out to be accurate.
In a more recent election, an incumbent hired Nesbitt & Parrinello on a run for higher office. We conducted four investigations in one of the most expensive elections in Baltimore history and laid out the superiority of our candidate relative to our competitors.
Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus
In 2007, the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus engaged Nesbitt Research to compile a full vulnerability analysis of the candidates running in a Tennessee State Senate special election. Our investigation of Republican Oscar Brock revealed that he lacked substantial involvement with any of the dozen businesses to which he lent his name, except for a failed restaurant. We summarized damaging lawsuits against Brock by former partners who claimed that he oversold his experience, was incompetent at running the business and used racial slurs. These assertions further proved it was no slip-up that, when asked about a twenty year old DUI, he claimed that he was targeted by black police officers because he was white. We also discovered his father held some 300,000 shares in the Brock Candy Company when it was bought by the Brach company in 1994, which could have netted the elder Brock approximately $6,000,000. Our work helped Democrat Andrew Berke defeat Brock 63 percent to 37 percent.
Deep Expertise with Local City Council Records
Nesbitt Research supported a Michigan representative in his successful bid to unseat three-term incumbent Republican. This official went on to be elected to the U.S. Senate. We analyzed the client’s 16-year history as an elected official, and our in-person review of city legislative documents showed that Peters voted to reduce spending and to keep the tax levy steady. Our investigation into the client’s service as a state representative uncovered a strong record of consumer advocacy, including a vote to stop a change that would allow Michigan lenders to charge up to 250 percent interest. Our client’s vote against the Act gave him a compelling positive as the economic crisis worsened. Our investigation of the client’s tenure at the Michigan Lottery revealed a well-run operation that increased funding to education and cut administrative costs. Peters won his race against Knollenberg, winning 52 percent of the vote. Knollenberg received 43 percent.
Experienced in New Mexico Public Records Research
Nesbitt Research has served congressional, mayoral and non-profit clients in New Mexico with extensive public records research. Between 2012 and 2013, we examined more than 20 years of city budgets and public records to draw out strategic fiscal vulnerabilities across three mayoral administrations. These included budgets from the recession and several difficult economic periods for the city in the 1990s. We have examined New Mexico political disclosure and legislative records to describe a client’s solid record of fair and equitable tax policy contrasted with our opponents pro-tax record. We have conducted detailed examinations of New Mexico news sources to uncover a client’s extraordinary record protecting the natural environment and improving transparency in public service. Our experience in New Mexico has give us powerful research capabilities and a deep library of public records upon which to draw.
Experienced in Nassau County Executive Campaigns
Nesbitt Research was engaged by a Democratic county executive campaign in Nassau County to flesh out our opponents long career as County Executive and high profile public official. We examined our opponents long record of padding his own pay and cronyism, including one ask for a staggering $65,220 raise. Our client leveraged this high-impact intelligence to prepare a barrage of critical communications, which we supported with documentation and rapid response.
Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County Mayoral Race
In 2007, David Briley’s campaign in the five-way Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County mayoral race hired Nesbitt Research to detail the records of four candidates who served on the City Council (Buck Dozier, Karl Dean, Robert Clements and David Briley). Our examination of Dozier found he had served in several appointed positions for which he was accused of being unqualified. We reviewed local media reports and found that in 1994, Dozier had been appointed fire chief despite having no firefighting experience. We then obtained and reviewed documentation including budgets and audits providing original source analysis of his performance and later resignation. We examined council minutes and discovered Dozier had missed 12 percent of council votes and had an inconsistent history on taxes and government spending. Our inspection of campaign finance records alongside contracts uncovered a pay to play relationship in which Dean had doled out more than $1.6 million in no-bid legal work to donors who were funding his mayoral bid. Although our candidate lagged in fundraising, we mounted a spirited campaign based on a thorough understanding of our opponents.
Commanding Win in Democratic Statewide Primary in Michigan
In 2010, Nesbitt Research propelled Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero to a win in the Michigan Democratic gubernatorial primary. We conducted self and opposition research, which included an in-depth review of personal financial filings, travel records, pay, perks and local news sources. We helped Bernero’s team paint a detailed and compelling picture of his strengths. Our vulnerability analysis proved to be a highly accurate prediction of the message our opponent would use against us. Using our research, the communications team was prepared to rebut these attacks quickly and effectively. Our research on our opposition uncovered a long corporate past that involved buying American companies, cutting pay, laying off workers and sending jobs overseas. Primary debate press releases, including a direct link to our research, proved to be a compelling narrative. The documentary record compiled by Nesbitt Research, combined with Bernero’s exceptional record of public service, gave him the edge with 59 percent of the vote.
Winning with Labor in Oregon
In 2008, Nesbitt Research worked for America’s largest labor union to help unseat two-term incumbent Republican Sen. Gordon Smith in one of 2008’s most closely watched elections. Our comprehensive in-person search took us to the offices of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, where we uncovered evidence his company had repeated environmental sanctions and fines, one for $70,000. We also scrutinized Smith’s voting record, exposing the former senator’s habit of flip-flopping on key issues and his overwhelming tendency to side with former President George W. Bush. Finally, we obtained documentation regarding Smith’s pay and perks, travel expenses and personal and campaign finances, which revealed a long history of earmarks, no bid contracts and questionable pay-to-play relationships. Armed with our exhaustive research, the labor union conducted a poll and a multi-million dollar ad campaign. Jeff Merkley won the hard-fought election with 49 percent of the vote. Smith received 46 percent.
Matt Denn for Lt. Governor (Delaware 2012)
In blue Delaware, Nesbitt Research advised Lt. Governor Matt Denn in his re-election bid in 2012. Denn cruised to victory over Tea Party darling Sher Valenzuela.
Winning in Red Indiana
In 2008, Nesbitt Research was engaged to compile a self-research report for then-Rep. Joe Donnelly of Indiana. Nesbitt’s thorough review of Donnelly’s legislative record revealed a mixed-at-best legislative record on hot button issues of the time, including a vote for the Wall Street bailout and against LGBT discrimination protections in the workplace. But with Nesbitt in his war room, Donnelly was able to fend off upstart challenges from both his Republican opponent and an unusually strong third-party candidate. In the end, Donnelly maintained his seat with a commanding four-point victory and went on to represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate, where he still serves today.
West Virginia Special Gubernatorial Primary (2011)
In early 2011, Nesbitt Research consulted with a Democratic candidate for governor in the six-way special primary election in West Virginia. We conducted in-person investigations on three candidates on expedited schedules due to the late breaking special election that year. While our client did not succeed, he far out-polled his expenditure.
Statewide Campaigns in Maine
In 2009, Nesbitt & Parrinello was engaged by a gubernatorial campaign where we conducted on the ground research on four candidates in Maine. We visited Cumberland, Caribou, Lincoln, Washington, Penobscot and Aroostook Counties in the course of this engagement. In addition, we visited local archives, repositories for state records and federal courts. In 2008, we were engaged by a labor union to conduct research and fact checking in the Maine U.S. Senate campaign where we conducted in-person research in Washington and Penobscot counties. Our federal research concerned pay, perks, earmarks, pay-to-play relationships, campaign finance and contracts for contributors and legislative key votes.
Work in the Bay Area & California
In 2010, a U.S. Senate candidate engaged Nesbitt & Parrinello to conduct a deep background investigation of one of California’s richest landowners. Our investigation took us to Los Angeles, Orange County, Florida and the Marshall Islands among other locales. We uncovered a vast array of misdeeds, wild parties, eccentricities of extreme wealth, yachts and damning employment records. Our research led to dozens of unflattering media reports. We were outspent 5-to-1 but were victorious in this Democratic primary.
In 2010, Nesbitt Research conducted research for various clients in the California Senate race and in Congressional Districts 7 (Contra Costa & Solano Counties), 8 (San Francisco), 11 (San Joaquin County), 25 (Los Angeles County), 41 (San Bernardino County) and 49 (San Diego County).
Winning a Complex California Gubernatorial
In 2009, a large labor union engaged Nesbitt & Parrinello to conduct a thorough investigation of a major candidate for governor in California. This research took us to Oakland, San Francisco and Sacramento. We conducted a detailed examination of the City of Oakland’s budget, revenues, the mayor’s office and travel records. We reviewed California records at the state archives going back more than 40 years. Our research led to an endorsement and was the basis for a multimillion dollar media campaign.
Climate Action for LCV in a Federal Campaign
Nesbitt Research powered wins for the League of Conservation Voters in a dozen campaigns and a major issue action project on climate change. Our strategic research focused on telling the powerful story of today’s climate deniers who honed their skills in the tobacco battles two decades ago. In their “Web of Denial” campaign, LCV used our research to drive the successful message of the link between the tobacco and climate science deniers. The campaign included live Twitter campaigns, Medium and other social media pieces to generate massive buzz for the client. It all started with powerful research.
Making History in the Silver State for the First Black Representative from Nevada
Nesbitt Research supported former Nevada Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford’s campaign in Nevada’s 4th Congressional district. In the face of a $3.6 million conservative opposition campaign, Horsford won by a commanding eight points. With his victory, Horsford became the first black member of Congress from Nevada.
New Hampshire
As part of the Change that Works war room, Nesbitt & Parrinello conducted research and fact checking on 36 subjects nationwide including Sens. Olympia Snowe, Jean Shaheen and John Sununu. This engagement included researching the Wall Street bailout, pensions, outsourcing, campaign finances, personal finances, pay, perks and pay-to-play relationships.
Working on Behalf of a Combat Veteran and Gubernatorial Candidate in South Carolina
Nesbitt Research provided research for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in South Carolina during the 2018 election cycle. The candidate was a Major in the South Carolina Army National Guard and previously served in combat in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Our research powered the candidate’s narrative by documenting the candidate’s military achievements, including his Purple Heart, as well as his public record backing legislation to support military families. In addition to analyzing military records, Nesbitt Research utilized legal and legislative records to demonstrate the candidate’s winning record as an attorney in private practice, and his commitment to causes like environment friendly technology and funding for public schools. However our research also flagged that his campaign received contributions from a company embroiled in a state corruption scandal, and a state utility company infamous for a failed project funded by it’s customers.
Supporting Women Gubernatorial Candidates in the 2018 Cycle
In 2018, Nesbitt Research performed research in support of female gubernatorial candidates in Michigan and Georgia. Our work in Georgia helped distinguish between two Democratic candidates with similar backgrounds on the surface, and ultimately demonstrated that the woman of color had a better record on education, race relations, and criminal justice reform. The Nesbitt Research-supported candidate went on to win her primary election. In Michigan, Nesbitt’s work highlighted the poor professional records of the woman candidate’s challengers, in addition to their hypocritical statements in numerous issue areas, including healthcare and abortion. In November 2018, the Nesbitt-supported candidate won the general election with 53% of the vote and vowed to protect abortion rights for all Michiganders as governor.
Electing Progressive Women District Attorney’s From Coast to Coast
In 2018, Nesbitt Research conducted research in support of 11 progressive women running for district attorney seats across the country. These women strongly advocated for criminal justice reform measures in five states including California, North Carolina, Maryland, Vermont, and Massachusetts, and included San Diego, Marin, Durham, Baltimore, Suffolk, and Berkshire counties. In Suffolk County, Massachusetts, for example, Nesbitt Research provided research that helped elect the first woman and second African American District Attorney. Nesbitt & Parrinello’s work highlighted the candidate’s barrier-breaking career as a woman of color in the legal field, and sharpened her message, which included calls for reducing prison sentences and ceasing the prosecution of certain low-level crimes.
Winning Endorsements for Florida Progressives
In 2012, Nesbitt Research performed a self-research assessment for a candidate in Florida’s 26th congressional district. Our research found that the client could be criticized for being out of touch with the concerns of average voters in South Florida. The candidate lived outside the district in the wealthy Southwest Ranches neighborhood, in a home she and her husband bought outright for $1.3 million. She hadn’t received a paycheck in years, instead making a living off of investments, which are often subject to lower taxes than the marginal rate paid by most workers. To counter this narrative, our research found that the client represented the quintessential American success story of a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become a successful small business entrepreneur. Our research enabled the client to create messaging that won her critical endorsements from groups like Emily’s List, who called her a “truly inspiring candidate.
2012 IE Campaigns
In 2012, Nesbitt Research advised several of the nation’s largest labor unions in their Independent Expenditure campaigns. Our firm provided original research, fact checking and rapid response communications in the presidential battleground states. We conducted investigations, fact checking and rapid response communications in statewide races in Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Virginia.
Jason Kander for Secretary of State (Missouri 2012)
In a state Mitt Romney carried by 10 points, we advised Jason Kander in his resounding 2012 victory to become Missouri’s Secretary of State. Kander, an attorney and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, out paced the President by 75,000 votes in a red state and looks to be headed for great things.
Matt Denn for Lt. Governor (Delaware 2012)
In blue Delaware, Nesbitt Research advised Lt. Governor Matt Denn in his reelection bid in 2012. Denn cruised to victory over Tea Party darling Sher Valenzuela.
Nesbitt & Parrinello Supports $2.25M Statewide Campaign - Winning a U.S. Senate Seat in Virginia
In 2012, Nesbitt Research advised several of the nation’s largest labor unions in their Independent Expenditure campaigns. Our firm provided original research, fact checking and rapid response communications in the presidential battleground states.
In Virginia, we supported a $2.25M ad buy that helped swing the election for Sen. Tim Kaine.
Nationwide, we conducted investigations, fact checking, and rapid response communications in statewide races in Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Virginia.
Our Press-Ready Rapid Response Goes From Research…
…to Press, Fast
Statewide Research in Rhode Island
In 2016 and 2018, progressives in Rhode Island engaged Nesbitt & Parrinello to conduct statewide candidate investigations. In 2016, one of the state’s largest labor organizations sought out our firm to take on the Raimondo administration. Our deep dive on Raimondo powered an intense critique of the incumbent and although we were not victorious, we like to think our critique moved the conversation to the left.
In 2018, a first-time candidate engaged Nesbitt & Parrinello to conduct statewide candidate investigations for the Lt. Governor’s campaign. Our deep dive into the our candidate and the eventual winner powered a compelling message for this insurgent campaign and allowed us to surpass expectations.
Summary of Arizona Projects
- Jeff Flake oppo research (2012)
- Laura Conover (Pima Co. DA 2020)
- Jonathan Mosher (Pima Co. DA 2020)
- Mark Diebolt (Pima Co. DA 2020)
- Ron Barber self research and fact checking (U.S. House 2012)
- Andy Tobin oppo (U.S. House 2014)
- Martha McSally oppo (U.S. House 2016)
- Kyrsten Sinema self and fact checking (U.S. House 2016)
The Experienced Partner to State-of-the-Art IE Research
- The Keystone Project - Pennsylvania
- The Voter Project - Pennsylvania
- Kansas Values Institute - Kansas
- Justice and Public Safety PAC - National
- The Health Care War Room - National ACA
- The Center for Voter Integrity
- Chispa Nevada
- Need to Impeach
- The Democratic Party of Virginia
- The Maryland Democratic Party
- Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
- New Jersey Democratic State Committee
The Experienced Partner to State-of-the-Art IE Research
- AFL-CIO
- AFSCME
- American Federation of Teachers
- The Center for Voter Integrity
- Chispa Nevada
- The Democratic Party of Virginia
- The Health Care War Room - National ACA
- Justice and Public Safety PAC - National
- Kansas Values Institute - Kansas
- The Keystone Project - Pennsylvania
- The Maryland Democratic Party
- Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
- Need to Impeach
- New Jersey Democratic State Committee
- SEIU
- The Voter Project - Pennsylvania
Electing Progressive District Attorney’s From Coast to Coast
In 2019, Nesbitt & Parrinello was engaged as part of a national campaign to support commonwealth’s attorney races in Virginia. In what the Washington Post labeled “unprecedented” and a “sea change,” we made two incredible first for Virginia: the first muslim woman elected CA (Loudoun County) and the first Iranian woman elected CA (Arlington County).
In 2018, Nesbitt & Parrinello conducted research in support of 11 progressive women running for district attorney seats across the country. These women strongly advocated for criminal justice reform measures in five states including California, North Carolina, Maryland, Vermont, and Massachusetts, and included San Diego, Marin, Durham, Baltimore, Suffolk, and Berkshire counties.
In Suffolk County, Massachusetts, for example, Nesbitt Research provided research that helped elect the first woman and second African American District Attorney. Nesbitt & Parrinello’s work highlighted the candidate’s barrier-breaking career as a woman of color in the legal field, and sharpened her message, which included calls for reducing prison sentences and ceasing the prosecution of certain low-level crimes.