MOVERS & SHAKERS: Mitch Bainwol

Executive Director, National Republican Senatorial Committee

Career Background

Spent 13 years working for U.S. Rep. and then Sen. Connie Mack. Served under Jim Nicholson as chief of staff of the Republican National Committee and later as director of the party's platform development in 2000. Prior to joining the NRSC as executive director in January of 2001, worked as a consultant with the public affairs firm of Clark & Weinstock.

Personal

Attended Georgetown University as an undergraduate and earned an MBA from Rice. Lives in Fairfax Station with his wife, Susan and their three children - Emily Rose, Brent and Garrett.

Claim to Fame

An all-consuming passion for politics and college basketball, not necessarily in that order.

Best Day

"The days that each of my children were born. My son Brent was born four days before Connie Mack won reelection to the Senate - an especially good omen!"

Worst Day

"There is no such thing."

Ten Years From Now

"An early - but not too early - 'retirement' with my family to Baldhead Island in North Carolina."

Immediate Goals

"Just one - regain the Republican Senate majority!"

Political Heroes

Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan and Paul Coverdell.

Secrets of Success

"Getting sandwiched between exceptional leaders and outstanding colleagues."

Biggest Gripe

"I hate cheese - and I hate restaurants that automatically sprinkle cheese on salads or pasta."

Predictions

"Republicans buck the 32-year midterm election trend to regain the Senate in 2002; Barone's demographic theory proves correct; and Bush-Chenev win Florida by 10 points in 2004."

Favorite Books

Any national crosstabs, the Republican platform and Goodnight Moon.

Favorite Movies

"Casablanca," "Dead Poets Society" and "The Lion King."

Best Moment in a Campaign

"When Connie Mack pummeled Buddy McKay in the only statewide televised debate in 1988. . . two weeks out from the election and following a weekend when he was down double digits in the tracking poll."

Worst Moment in a Campaign

"The sobering 'finality' when one of the network anchors called the Florida Senate race against Connie in 1988, only to be subsequently reversed several hours later. Hmmmm. . . sound familiar?"

If I Were President for a Day

"Encourage states to institute teacher testing and merit pay, triple the dependent tax exemption and lift HOV restrictions between Fairfax Station and Capitol Hill."