Pro-Life Mercury Campaign Wins Big At Bi-Partisan Awards
Eleison Shines at the Annual Pollie Awards for Crafting Highly Successful Campaigns

ARLINGTON, VA – The Eleison Group today announced that it received three Pollie awards from the bi-partisan American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) for crafting effective messaging campaigns that resonate with middle Americans. AAPC recognized Eleison’s unique capacity to frame progressive priorities in ways that build bridges with values voters and challenge the underlying morality of extreme Right wing policies. 

Eleison’s campaign with the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) to craft a pro-life message in defense of EPA mercury regulations was one of the top winners.  The “Mercury is a Pro-Life Issues” campaign was named one of the three best uses of email in 2011, beating out numerous other public affairs and political campaigns.  Emails were sent to 10 million moderate/conservative evangelicals and Catholics across the country explaining how mercury given off by coal burning power plants can poison pregnant and nursing mothers and cause brain damage and developmental disorders in infants.  In addition to the emails, Eleison worked with EEN to put up billboards in rural PA and OH and ran TV and radio ads in 11 states.  The campaign received significant local and national press attention, and EEN's President was invited by the White House to the signing of the EPA mercury regulations in recognition for the positive impact of its pro-life message.

Eleison's work for the American Values Network, the video Ayn Rand & the GOP vs Jesus, was named the best use of negative contrast for a public affairs campaign in 2011.  The ad inter-splices actual interview quotes from the philosopher Ayn Rand denouncing religion and Judeo-Christian values with praise for her from prominent GOP and conservative leaders.  The video concludes with the author of the Republican budget, Rep. Paul Ryan, praising Rand's morality and asks viewers what values they want guiding policy decisions.

Additionally, Eleison also won an award for having one of the top three best online advertising campaigns.  Eleison's work in online advertising, also for American Values Network, centered on encouraging Christians to support efforts to craft a robust Arms Trade Treaty.  In this work, Eleison brought together a unique and powerful coalition of military and religious leaders, as well as humanitarian and arms control organizations.  In response to the online ads, over 3,500 churches participated in a Day of Fasting and Prayer for the treaty.

“These awards make clear that faith runs deeper than partisan or ideological divides, and people care about the values driving our policies” said Eleison Senior Partner, Burns Strider. “Our message resonated with voters who mattered most to decision-makers, which made our campaigns relevant and showed we can win on progressive priorities if we engage the right communities in the right way.”

Eleison has won numerous Pollies, especially for a small firm.  Last year, Eleison won the best tv ad in a public affairs campaign for its Daisy Ad in support of the New START treaty.  In its rookie year, Eleison’s role as a lead consultant in the DCCC’s 2008 Red to Blue Program and contributions to Sen. Kay Hagan’s (D-NC) victory won numerous top awards.  Eleison has been recognized in fields as diverse as email, tv, radio, online and print ads, and field.

Pollies are given each year by the bi-partisan American Association of Political Consultants in recognition of the best political and non-profit ads and campaigns from the previous year.

Partners: Eric Sapp at esapp@eleisongroup.com and Burns Strider at bstrider@elesiongoup.com

Visit Eleison's website at www.eleisongroup.com