In 2006, a Massachusetts statewide ballot question was filed to expand the sale of wine at grocery stores. RBSC worked on behalf of a coalition of package store owners, beer distributors and wine and spirits wholesalers to defeat the measure.
Client:
“No on 1” 2006
Practices:
Trade Associations/Coalitions
Expertise:
Ballot Campaign Management
Our Work
As the ballot campaign manager and lead strategist for the “No on One Committee,” RBSC was tasked with devising and implementing a comprehensive campaign strategy. Early polling showed that the opposition had significant leads.
Our integrated communications campaign consisted of a large-scale grassroots effort and an extensive statewide earned and paid media strategy that leveraged print, online and broadcast coverage. It also included a range of campaign organizing efforts, including an expansive field operation and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) program.
By recruiting public safety officials and other key allies, educating voters and delivering key messages to targeted constituencies, the campaign won an overwhelming victory, with 56 percent voting No and 44 percent voting Yes. Political observers called the “No on One” victory one of the most stunning upsets in the history of Massachusetts politics.
