Off to the Races

By: Julie Schrei, Director Political Affairs, Food Marketing Institute

Just 24 hours apart, two prominent political figures announced their respective bids for the Presidency in 2016 – former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Marco Rubio (FL-R).

FMI is always looking for opportunities to connect our members with key lawmakers, emerging leaders and even potential future presidents!  Last year, Hillary Rodham Clinton greeted members of the FMI Board of Directors after a speaking engagement at a joint general session during FMI Connect 2014. When asked about the possibility of running for president, she laughed and told the crowd she was more focused on becoming a new grandmother, something she mentioned on Sunday as the driving force for her presidential campaign. 

But more recently, FMI’s political action committee FoodPAC held a roundtable discussion in Miami Beach with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL-R).  The Senator focused the discussion on his economic plans for the future of the country and dove deep into his efforts on education and immigration.  When FMI Board Member, Ed Crenshaw asked his Senator about his plans to run for President, Mr. Rubio laughed heartily and said, “You’ll know right after my wife!”  I presume his wife now knows. 

As the 2016 Presidential race heats up, learning both sides of the issues will be important to you and to your food retail businesses. I plan to make sure everyone has the tools they need to register to vote and stay educated about our key issues like tax policy, data security, swipe fees and health care reform.  Visit us at www.fmi.org/government-affairs.