The Alley Takes on the Hill: The All-New, Expanded Influence Alley Launches Today
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 9, 2012 -- Since its kick-off last year, National Journal's Influence Alley has become Washington's ticket into the world of lobbying, money, and the influence industry. Today, building on that success, National Journal is launching an all-new Influence Alley, expanding from K Street to Capitol Hill and offering a fresh, inside perspective on the work of Congress and the people who make it run.
The lead feature for today's Influence Alley launch is an exclusive interview with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), in which he offers no regrets for his controversial 2010 statement that Republicans' top priority was making President Obama a one-term president. When asked about the comment, McConnell told Influence Alley, "Our debt is now the size of our economy, which makes it look a lot like Greece. So, I rest my case."
Asked to imagine a GOP Senate majority in 2013, McConnell minced no words: "If I were setting the agenda instead of my counterpart...repealing Obamacare would be item one on the agenda of a new Senate."
In a welcome note published on the new Influence Alley site this morning, Alley leader Chris Frates introduced the expanded concept:
"We're your all-access pass to the power, people, and politics that are shaping the action from Hill cloakrooms to K Street conference rooms. Who's making a move? Who's getting thrown under the bus? What's the buzz from today's leadership meeting? What lobbying efforts are getting traction, and who's just wasting their time? How is last week's floor fight shaping this week's campaign ads?
"The goal of the new Alley is to get behind the closed doors of Washington power. To pose questions. To test ideas. To tell stories. And to capture the volume and the vibe of the distinctive Beltway conversation."
The new Influence Alley features a totally redesigned home page, spotlighting top stories and organizing the Alley's stories by the topics it's dedicated to covering: Power, People, Influence, and Leadership. The new Alley will feature all of National Journal’s free congressional coverage and give readers a place to weigh in on the issues of the day. In addition to reporting by the dedicated Influence Alley team of Frates, Mike Catalini, and Elahe Izadi, the Alley will also feature as-it-happens insights and analysis from National Journal’s entire congressional team.
During its recent preview period, the new Alley has already made its mark, sitting down with House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, providing widely read coverage around the House's vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt (and the subsequent walkout by some Democratic members), and showing its irreverent side with feline Super PACs and a sad Capitol clown.
"The new Influence Alley is launching just in time for the rush of the summer session, where lawmakers are preparing for an epic post-election showdown on taxes and spending that could change how business is done in America,” Frates said. “The Alley will keep our readers updated in real time on the news and people that matter so they'll never be caught out of position. And we’ll have some fun while we’re at it.”
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Media Contact:
Taylor West, Communications Director
twest@nationaljournal.com
