Subject: Research Book Proposals
From: "Joshua Alcorn" <[email-masked]>
To: "Beau Biden" <[email-masked]>, "Hunter Biden" <[email-masked]>, "Ted Kaufman" <[email-masked]>, "Alexander S. Mackler" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2014 11:50:08 -0400

Hi guys, 

I wanted to follow up on these two research proposals. I solicited two more, but one firm said they’re too busy and one guy just never submitted a proposal. His loss.

These are basically the same plan. This type of research is pretty formulaic. The differences really come down to the personalities of the researchers and their previous work or previous relationship with the candidate. 

In this case, I really like New Partners. They did AG Jack Conway, who is now running for Gov. They did the WA AG who ran for Gov as well. They did Schwartz, when she ran for PA Gov. They know Delaware, having worked for Carney. But the biggest bonus (in my opinion) is that they did some of the vetting for OFA on JRB back in 2008. Including Beau, Hunter and (I presume) Ashley and Dr. B. I think the fact that OFA entrusted these guys with VP vetting speaks very highly of them.

Jef Pollack’s firm’s proposal is good as well. He really, really, really wants to be a part of this organization. I don’t know him well, except that he donated to Beau’s campaign last year. His eagerness to be a part of this organization is great - it means he’ll take it very seriously. He’s not the primary research director, but I’m sure he’ll be more hands on with this project than he would be for another client. There’s probably a negative side to his eagerness, but Beau, you know him better than I. They also have DE experience, having worked for Carper, and experience with prosecutors (Klobuchar) and also did research on Ken Buck (I think for the DSCC), who ran for Senate in 2012 in CO. 

In both of these cases, the pitch they put together involves a long term relationship with the campaign. Whoever we choose I want to be around for a while. The purpose of this exercise isn’t to just have them drop us a book in 3 months - it’s to help us use the book in future elections. 

I would really like to make a decision on this soon. With Ian leaving in a few weeks, it would be nice to have a full sit down with him before he leaves the office. We can punt the one on one interview with Beau until the fall.

Please let me know your thoughts. I vote for New Partners. If you want to speak with the principals on the phone, I’m happy to arrange.

Thanks,
Josh

Joshua Alcorn
302/295.8340 (office)
302/598.1885 (cell)
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