
Simple Rules Win Elections: Stand for Principle, Don’t Lie and Be Nice to People!
This week our guest is Mick Paskiewicz of Intellz Opposition Research and Strategy.
He is a skilled and experienced operative and researcher with more than 8 years of experience. Mick has conducted opposition research for winning campaigns across the country at the state and federal level.
He has served on numerous campaigns, including Field Director for Congressman Robert Dold (IL-10) and Political Director for Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-8). When Mick served as Field Director for Dold’s successful 2010 race, it was the most Democrat district won by a Republican that year.
As part of the Intellz team since 2014, Mick has overseen opposition research projects in some of the most fiercely contested races in the country, including U.S. Senate, Governor, and Congress.
Links from the Podcast:
Connect with Mick on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn! Check out the Intellz website for more information about the great work they do.
Important Time Stamps and Descriptions:
[00:00] Programming Note
[00:37] Bumper Intro
[01:01] Mick Paskiewicz Bio
[01:46] Let’s start out with a bit of background information about your history and political involvement…
[06:48] What does your relationship look like with your clients?
[07:59] Red Team/Blue Team Analysis and use of the Vulnerability Study
[10:34] What sets Intellz apart from other Research and Opposition Vendors on the market?
[14:35] What are things that campaigns can do for themselves to get themselves ahead of the research/oppo curve?
[21:36] Two ways to undercut your opposition
[28:18] Why is a vulnerability study so key to preparing for a campaign, before it begins?
[35:22] Key Lessons: Stand on Principle, Be Nice & Don’t Lie…and opposition research can’t hurt you!
[37:42] Silver bullets are VERY rare
[39:05] What are key warning signs that a campaign is in trouble?
[41:26] Vetting your campaign staff: background checks and social media
[44:48] What is your biggest client pet peeve?
[47:59] What is it that excites you the most about your job at Intellz?
[49:31] Where can people find you online?
[50:04] Outro