The American Action Network And Norm Coleman Hold First Press Conference Today At The National Press Club
(Washington, D.C.) Promising to be a powerful voice for center-right ideas and action, the American Action Network and its sister organization, the American Action Forum, held their inaugural press conference today at the National Press Club.
The American Action Forum, a 501(c)(3) is a charitable organization whose mission will be to help aggregate and synthesize the best ideas of the center-right into common-sense, conservative solutions and make those ideas publicly available. The American Action Network is a 501(c)(4) organization which will seek to turn those ideas into action, through widespread dissemination of center-right policy proposals, including use of social networking as well as traditional communication channels. It will also advocate for their adoption with policy makers, opinion leaders, and the American people at large, with a special focus on younger Americans.
Fred Malek, a prominent business executive, philanthropist and a driving force behind the organizations, said, “I believe that the majority of Americans see themselves either as conservative or centrist. They are deeply concerned about their jobs and want their country to be safe and secure. They want to stop the bickering and fix the problems in ways that don’t include more debt and bigger government. I believe a new generation of common-sense conservative ideas will be helpful in meeting those challenges. We have brought together strong leadership and two outstanding Boards of Directors to help formulate those solutions. I am especially appreciative for the members of the boards of both organizations, who reflect years of public service and policy acumen.”
Norm Coleman, a former United States Senator from Minnesota and former Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, will be the Chief Executive Officer of both organizations. He said, “I have run a big city and I have had the great honor to serve in the Senate. I understand the need for both good ideas—and turning ideas into action. I believe the path to more jobs, greater economic growth and strong national security lies in solutions grounded in center-right principals of lower taxes, limited government, entrepreneurial growth and strong national security. We need practical ideas that reflect the values of the American people, and we need to use cutting-edge technologies to communicate those ideas. I am very proud to join with Fred to help lead this new organization, and look forward to working with these very talented people to bring center-right ideas to the policy marketplace.”
Doug Holtz-Eakin, former Director of the Congressional Budget Office, will serve as the President of the American Action Forum. He said, “I am excited to help bring together the best ideas of the center-right, work with a talented group of experts and scholars, and, through policy forums, debates, and interactive discussions using the latest technologies, help chart a new course for the country.”
Rob Collins, former Chief of Staff to House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, will serve as the President of the American Action Network. He said, “I appreciate the opportunity to expand the reach of the center-right movement. I understand the importance of moving beyond the debate and turning ideas into action. Outreach is a vital part to the public policy discussion, and I plan on being very aggressive in reaching out to the American people.”
