One call links 1,400 people for ‘tele-town’ talk

• By GERARD SHIELDS
• Advocate Washington bureau
• Published: May 12, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander talked to 1,400 of his constituents on a recent night without leaving his Capitol Hill office.

The Quitman Republican was participating in the latest rage in Congress and among the Louisiana congressional delegation: “tele-town talks.”

Using one of several national communications firms, Alexander automatically calls constituents, then hosts an hour-long program that can best described as a 21st century fireside chat.

“Hello, this is Rodney Alexander,” the six-year congressman began. “We’re live here in Washington.”

The exchange gives Alexander an instant read on constituent concerns. He is even able to conduct polls on questions such as whether GI education benefits should be extended.

“Most people sit around their dinner table talking about health care and gas prices,” said Adam Terry, Alexander’s chief of staff. “This is like an extension of the dinner table.”

Alexander called 5,000 of his constituents at 7 p.m. Central time. About 30 percent agreed to join the dialogue by pressing the required numbers on their phone.

“Hello Frances from Winnsboro,” Alexander said.

Frances was concerned about an impending merger between Northwest and Delta airlines, fearing her husband’s pension benefits may be lost.

Alexander assured her that the merger requires approval by Congress and that the chairman of the committee already has some reservations.

Debbie McCall is president of Cardinal Communication Strategies, which Alexander hired to conduct the call. Over the last year, elected officials and some political candidates have been turning to the technology to reach out to people in their districts, McCall said.

She estimates her company conducts up to 15 such calls a month across the country.

“It’s a way to let people into the Democratic process, especially if they feel disenfranchised,” McCall said. “And you can do so in the privacy of their home. Even if they’re only listening for 10 minutes, they’re connected.”