Editor’s Note: The first article in this series on political advocacy, “Election-Year Advocacy: Time to Recharge,” ran in the December 2023 issue. Article #2, “Small Profession – Big Impact: We Can Make a Difference in the Highly Competitive 2024 Election Races,” ran in the March 2024 issue.
Some pundits say that the upcoming presidential and congressional races, and many local races, might be the most consequential in our country’s history. We must be involved. We do not have the choice of sitting on the sidelines and hoping our patients will carry our water. They will have their issues, including those of the economy. Unlike other medical professions such as physical therapists, podiatrists, nurses, etc., the health care class (AMA) will not protect us. We must be in the game.
What’s at Stake for the Profession
Many health care providers depend on the national health care system, and the results of this system can change with a new administration, primarily if both the House and Senate belong to a single party. As a profession, we can move the clock forward by supporting those 170-plus congressional members who have co-signed House Bill 1610 [The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2023] and its accompanying Senate bill, and helping to support others running for Congress who have indicated support.
Of course, local and state issues also affect the profession and require the attention of doctors and students. We can’t afford to be on the sidelines.
Deciding to Participate
Individually or as an organization, you should decide whether to participate in the elections and to what degree. This decision is probably more challenging than it has been in past years. Choices to consider:
1. The easiest decision is to do nothing. You are out of the spotlight and won’t be targeted by the winning candidate. Of course, the danger is that you aren’t in the process when the new administration implements its policies. The confidence to change was put on the back burner during the election. If the election goes as planned, I think there will be significant changes in the winners, and they will take no prisoners.
If you are within the health care community and can rely on others to carry your water, you might get away with it. But most professions (like ours) don’t have this luxury. We will be on our own.
2. Participate in the campaign by endorsing the candidate. This is always a mixed blessing. If your candidate wins, you have greater access to the winner. If you lose, it will be hard to get the winner’s ear unless your opposition is strong; in this case, you learn the golden rule in politics.
The most important thing a winning candidate does the day after a successful campaign is consider how to win re-election, including changing the mind of anyone who opposed them. If you are active, the winning candidate will find a reason to get you on their side so you will support them next time.
3. Encourage your colleagues / membership to support both candidates. I was involved in several U.S. Senate races in which our membership spread their support among the candidates. In at least one Senate campaign, the ACA endorsed the incumbent senator, who was the majority leader, but lost. His opponent, John Thune, had many doctors supporting him, and when he beat the incumbent, his office was very open to us, and we didn’t lose access.
And that winner, Senator John Thune, is one of three U.S. senators mentioned today as successors to minority leader Senator McConnell. If you go in hard, have several doctors supporting the other side so you don’t lose access.
So, there are opportunities. This applies equally if you focus on your local issues or candidates. Your participation will be noticed whether you get involved in the presidential, congressional or local races.
But please don’t take the easy way. Let me know if you decide to get involved by sending a press release or email.
What Our Profession Can Do to Help
Find ways to be noticed. As a state association, a press release would be effective and undoubtedly be picked up by the opposition and the political elite at your state capitol. Even sending out emails to your members would be good, although the press release would be more effective. You want to be noticed.*
Invite a candidate(s) / candidates to your convention and allow them to promote themselves. Societies should consider the same thing. You might even arrange a candidates’ night if you are uncertain which to endorse. State senators and assemblymembers who support the profession should be given special attention, including financial support where possible.
Fund radio spots. When I was at the ACA, we supported radio spots supporting our candidate. We would do it the last few weeks before the election. We were out front and transparent, indicating this was a chiropractic spot. This support is remembered at the last minute in a close election.
If you plan to do this, you must decide soon for an October placement, as other groups reserve the time as quickly as possible. Even ads in local papers may be equally effective.
Coordinate a car parade. I realize this is corny, but conducting a car parade that hits the shopping centers in your city or town effectively raises your candidate’s visibility. In my younger days, I loved organizing parades in which we met at a candidate’s headquarters and split up, hitting major shopping centers while distributing brochures. And you can’t beat the visibility. Of course, you might check with the local manager – and stay out of the way of the shoppers except to offer them some leadership.
Use the power of social media. We cannot ignore social media to get a quick, supportive comment about your candidate for nothing or a reasonable price. Ads on apps like Facebook and internet news feeds are essential ways to promote your position.
What the Individual DC Can Do
I hope I have given you a reason to be interested in these elections and increased your interest in participating. Let your association members and the political class know that you and chiropractic are involved and a player again.
*As of press time [late July], the Ohio State Chiropractic Association, Wisconsin Chiropractic Association, California Chiropractic Association and American Chiropractic Association are planning to encourage their members to be actively involved in the support of pro-chiropractic candidates through direct contributions and grassroots efforts.
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