HighGround Public Affairs Consultants

“Running a football team is no different from running any other kind of organization–an army, a political party, a business. The problems are the same. The objective is to win. To beat the other guy. Maybe that sounds hard or cruel. I don’t think it is.” - Vince Lombardi

When it comes to winning campaigns, HighGround has an unmatched record of success.  Our team consistently creates informative and original public education campaigns that are able to break through the immense clutter of business/political communication rhetoric.  Our methods and strategies have been proven through some of the most heated and competitive statewide and local elections.

From campaign strategy to breakthrough messaging to grassroots outreach, our team has the ability to manage the campaign process from start to finish.  When it comes to managing high profile elections as the lead consultant, our team has what it takes to win.  Here are a selection of some recent election highlights:

Matt Salmon for Congress – 2012

As a congressman from the East Valley, Matt Salmon cut spending and balanced the budget for the first time in fifty years.  Then, he kept his word on term limits and came home.  Unsatisfied with the direction of our country and the out of control spending, both Matt and his wife Nancy agreed that he needed to return to Congress.  Following a bruising battle, he defeated his Primary Election opponent with 51.8% of the vote.  He went on to defeat his General Election opponent with 67.1% of the vote.  Salmon won the election with his promise of restore fiscal responsibility and integrity to Washington.

Yes for West-MEC – 2012

Western Maricopa Education Center District (West-MEC) is a public school district that supports 24,000 students from 40 high schools throughout northern and western Maricopa County.  West-MEC offers career and technical education programs in the areas of Fire/ EMT Services, Health Tech, Cosmetology, Aviation Technology, Diesel Technology, and many others.  HighGround was instrumental in the passage of a $74.9 million bond to build new technical school facilities, renovate current facilities, purchase land for additional school sites and equip these facilities to offer additional career and technical education programs.  While other bonds and overrides failed, Yes for West-MEC passed with 60.6% of the vote.

Governor Jan Brewer – 2010

Governor Jan Brewer defeated her Republican Primary opponents with a sizable 81.5% of the vote.  In the General Election, Brewer defeated Democratic Challenger Terry Goddard by a margin of 54.7% to 42.1%.  Brewer won with support from across the state including a stunning 120,000 vote advantage in Maricopa county.  Governor Brewer won the support of the Arizona voters by proving that she was getting the job done – balancing the budget, protecting education and public safety, and standing up against illegal immigration.

Keep the Cubs in Mesa – 2010

HighGround helped the Yes on 420 – Keep the Cubs committee along with the Chicago Cubs to keep Mesa as their spring training home for at least another 30 years.  The Cubs tradition along with their impact on the local economy helped the Mesa voters pass the proposition with over 63.7% of the vote despite the overall anti-spending atmosphere.  HighGround lead the campaign effort including public outreach, grassroots, media and campaign strategy.

Gaylord Resort – 2009

HighGround successfully managed Mesa’s “Yes on 300” campaign to bring a Gaylord Resort and Convention Center to the Mesa Proving Grounds project in Mesa, Arizona.  The 3,200-acre Mesa Proving Grounds is the largest remaining parcel of contiguous land within the Mesa planning area.  Through an intense campaign and outreach effort, the team was able to achieve one of the greatest wins in Arizona history with an 84.2% victory!

Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley – 2008

In Paradise Valley, HighGround’s team won with 66.87% for The Ritz-Carlton.  Not only was this the Town of Paradise Valley’s first-ever land use referendum, but it was also the first time that the voters had ever referred a Ritz-Carlton property to the ballot.  The campaign filed a record number of ballot arguments and held neighborhood meetings across Paradise Valley to help educate voters about the project.

Waveyard – 2007

HighGround managed the 2007 Waveyard Election which included city development incentives for a one of a kind world class surf and water sports park.  The initial polling showed 52% in support with a large number of undecided voters. The project ultimately passed with 65.4% of the vote.

Riverview – 2005

HighGround also successfully managed the 2005 Riverview Election – one of the highest priced local elections in Arizona’s history.  The campaign withstood a well funded opposition campaign to win with 56% of the vote.  The project had the added challenge of encouraging voters to approve 3 separate ballot propositions on the same ballot in order for the project to move forward.

Regional Transportation Plan – 2004

In 2004, HighGround successfully managed the passage of Maricopa County’s Proposition 400. The ½ cent transportation sales tax continuation plan had the added challenge of requiring legislative approval of the plan prior to going to the ballot in 2004. Prop 400 passed with a 57% victory in the November 2004 general election.

Maricopa Integrated Health Care – 2003

Our team was the principal public affairs and lobbying team for the legislation that authorized the creation of the new Maricopa County Hospital District on behalf of Maricopa County.  Following the successful passage of the legislation, HighGround was retained as the principal campaign consultant for the Yes on 414 Committee, which won voter approval from Maricopa County voters in November of 2003.

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