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CONSULTANT CANDIDS: Time Flies When You're Having Fun
The National Journal Hotline
July 19, 2007
Brian Tringali is a partner with The Tarrance Group, a GOP survey research and strategy firm that is currently working on Rudy Giuliani's WH '08 bid. Tringali, who also serves as the firm's sec. and treas., focused on statewide races during the '06 cycle, including the successful re-election of HI Gov. Linda Lingle (R). He is currently an adjunct professor for GW's Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining the Tarrance team in '88, Tringali was dir. of the NRCC's Research Division. He has worked in numerous U.S. Senate and House races, as well as for the House Science and Technology Cmte and a Member of Congress. And today, Tringali is our "Consultant Candid."
What was your first job?
The first job I ever got paid for was restoring an old wooden boat in my parent's neighborhood outside of Annapolis. Eventually, the Maryland State GOP sent me to see Ed Goeas back in 1982 when he was political director at the National Republican Congressional Committee. There have been a few jobs along the way where I did not work for Ed, but somehow - 25 years later - I am still working for him.
What is your proudest moment professionally?
It is probably election night in 1994 when we (Republicans) took over Congress after 40 years of minority status. I had been the pollster for the Contract With America and our firm was involved in so many of those successful races. Can you guess my worst moment professionally? Here's a hint -- it was fairly recently.
What one event in a candidate's past would pose the biggest problem in a campaign?
Anytime a candidate holds back that certain something that "no one knows or will ever find out," it is a big problem for a campaign. I have a list of questions that I go to when a candidate is not forthcoming during the planning process. Sometimes you just have to ask the same questions when there is no one else in the room.
If you could be in any other line of work, what would it be?
I am already doing it. I am teaching in George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management here in DC. I have taught in the program for over a decade now and love being a part of it.
Negative campaigning -- good or bad?
Neither. I am not sure it is really negative to compare one candidate's record with that of another. I prefer the term "contrast." Why do we think it is alright for companies to make comparisons between products but not candidates? Of course, even some product advertising can be in poor taste, but that is another question.
Where is your happy place?
Anyplace where my wife and kids happen to be at the time. If I have to pick, how about the first tee at Mount Vernon Country Club watching my 15 year old son all but drive the green with a five wood. And my wife (Caroline) and 6 year old daughter are playing with us.
What is your favorite restaurant to meet clients?
Oceanaire in DC for work. Restaurant Eve in Old Town for pleasure.
What campaign (past, present or future) would you most like to be a part of?
We are thrilled to be involved in it now. The firm has been working with the Guiliani for President campaign since the start of this year.
What is the ideal number of clients to have at one time?
We are no longer at the point where Ed, Dave and I are involved in every campaign. We have three extremely capable Vice Presidents at the firm with B.J. Martino, Kristin Reif and Brian Nienaber.
What firm/individual who does your kind of work for the other party do you respect the most, and why?
Many of the Democrats are good. For years our firm has been doing the Battleground Poll (now sponsored by George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management) with Celinda Lake who I not only respect but consider a friend. Mark Blumenthal, the Mystery Pollster, has been doing great work for a long time. Let's see, Fred Yang, Al Quinlan ....
What is the first section of the newspaper you read?
The front section usually but so much of my daily newspaper reading is online now that I am usually clicking on "politics." Sports is next.
If you could only watch one news show, what would it be?
Anything on Fox. The rest of the channels give me heartburn. I worked with Roger Ailes when he used to do campaigns and I am still a fan.
We're ending this feature with a question posed by the last interviewee. This is from Benenson Strategy Group's Pete Brodnitz: What was the biggest break you received in your professional life?
There are so many, but clearly having the good fortune to end up partnered with Ed Goeas and Dave Sackett back in 1991 when we hung out our own shingle as a polling firm. They have both been so good to me in so many ways over the years. Could it have been that long ago?
Pose a question for the next interviewee.
What is your favorite book or film and why?
Professor Tringali's Bio
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