Meet this week's political consultant: Donna Victoria
Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, Donna Victoria holds an undergraduate and master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Florida. She serves on the Board of Advisors for UF’s graduate degree program in Political Campaigning and Lectures on Political Polling and Survey Research to a variety of audiences. A long time political consultant and pollster, She is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants and the American Association for Public Opinion Research. Before founding Victoria Research, Donna Victoria was a principal at Lauer Lalley Victoria Inc.: a Washington-based public opinion and polling firm.
As a Political Consultant, what is your least favorite campaign term? Why?
“Modeling" Because a regression equation is not a model. Everything is called a model now. No one will tell you what is in their secret sauce, so you cannot prove or disprove it. No one verifies his or her models publicly with post-election analysis of its performance.
If you did not work as a political consultant, what would your profession be?
A smuggler, probably.
During campaigns, what is your favorite voter contact method?
Talking to cab drivers- now Uber drivers
If you could create a new tactic/improve on a current one, what would it be/how would you do it?
Use IVR’s for FR and engagement, not for measuring trial heats. Fortunately, looks like they are about to be outlawed by the Federal Communications Commission.
What is your favorite state?
Colorado, even though the “Potrepreneurs” are ruining it.
What is your favorite restaurant outside of DC?
Jelly in Denver, Colorado
What is your drink of choice?
Bourbon, neat
What is the strangest purchase you have ever made for a campaign?
Birth Control
If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
My brother’s death at age 41, trying to change history is inevitably disappointing.
If you could invite three people to Dinner (alive or dead) who would they be?
Abraham Lincoln, Keith Richards, Lin-Manuel Miranda