Politics & Government

Schneider Experiences Role Reversal

Congressman and constituents embrace the change at Aipac Policy Conference.

When more than 200 10th Congressional District citizens descended on Washington along with 13,000 others for the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) Policy Conference Sunday through Tuesday, Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) found himself on the other side of the desk.

A long time Aipac member and citizen lobbyist for the group, Schneider had plenty of experience explaining the importance of the United States-Israel relationship to members of Congress. This time it was his turn to listen.

Earlier: Schneider Tapped for Foreign Affairs Committee

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“Having been on the lobbying side I know how important the relationship is,” Schneider said. “I was meeting with friends. It reinforced how much of an honor it is to represent this District. In the 10th District Israel is not just policy, it’s personal."

The significance of Schneider’s background was not lost on constituents who met with him. It was a little different for them as well. Steve Sheffey of Highland Park, who has attended a number of conferences over the years, was impressed with Schneider’s knowledge of the subject.

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“The difference between Brad (Schneider) and 95 to 98 percent of the other members of Congress is when you go in to lobby he educates you,” Sheffey said. “He’s one of us and he is in Congress.”

Another person at the conference, Michael Anisfeld of Deerfield, had the same experience at Aipac policy conferences with and former Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth).

“When you used to go see (Sen.) Mark Kirk with talking points he would say ‘this is what it’s really like’ because he was so knowledgeable,” Anisfeld said. “If he (Schneider) can get to that point (it) will be very valuable.”

Laurie Garber-Amram of Northbrook, who was attending her second Policy Conference, came away with an impression not very different from Sheffey. “He has a very deep understanding of the issues,” she said. “He really feels the issue we are talking about. He believes what he is talking about.”

A highlight of the conference came Tuesday when the participants fanned out over Capitol Hill to personally carry the message of the importance of the relationship between the two countries to individual representatives and senators.

Having done it himself over the years, the meaning of the growth of the event was not lost on Schneider now that he is a participant from position of Congressman rather than lobbyist.

“When I first went to Policy Conference it was in one hotel,” Schneider said. “All the sessions were there. Now (people stay in numerous) hotels and most of the events are in a convention center.”

Schneider said this year marked the first time lobbying appointments were made with every representative and senator. “It was a 100 percent visit schedule,” he said.


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