IAFF Wins Second Pollie Award

June 25, 2007 -- The American Association of Political Consultants has recognized the IAFF once again with the prestigious Pollie Award in the “Independent Expenditure/527 Communications” category for direct mail for “Wildfires.”

The winning mailer was part of a four-piece direct mail campaign the IAFF used during the Montana Senate general election in 2006. The IAFF launched the campaign after Senator Conrad Burns publicly criticized wildland fire fighters for their efforts in fighting wildfires in the state. In addition, during his three terms in the U.S. Senate, Burns consistently voted against funding vital fire fighter programs, including 16 votes against funding since 9/11.

In addition to the IAFF’s efforts, the Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters played an active role in the campaign of State Senator Jon Tester, who eventually went on to defeated Burns in one of the closest U.S. Senate contests in 2006. IAFF members who played key parts in the “Fire fighters for Tester” effort were past attendees of the IAFF’s Political Training Academy.

The Pollie Awards are the national showcase for recognizing the best in public affairs and political communications. The annual competition is very spirited, and this year was no exception. Judging is conducted by a bi-partisan team of consultants who reviewed more than 2,300 total submissions. View the mailer.