The Leadership Institute

The Leadership Institute is a Virginia based training organisation for potential conservative political leaders.

According to the groups website The Leadership Institute is "the premier training ground for tomorrow's conservative leaders. Conservative leaders, organizations and activities rely on the Institute for the preparation they require for success."

"Since 1979 the Institute's unique seminars and workshops have enrolled more than 61,000 students and taught them how to win. Each year hundreds of Institute graduates obtain positions of influence in public policy because of their Leadership Institute training," its website states.

Overview

 * The Leadership Institute was started in 1979 by Morton C. Blackwell as a "non-partisan" educational institute that has been preparing conservatives for success in politics, government and the news media.
 * They have trained more than 39,000 students.
 * They have a staff of 47
 * They have revenue of about $7 million.
 * They claim to have more than 1000 active groups . However, it appears that most do not exist.
 * They list Fox News; MSNBC; CNN; CBS as examples of media placements available through the school.
 * Their latest event was the Ronald Reagan Tribute Collection on May 19, 2004. They have future events and workshops that focus on grassroots activism.
 * Another quote from their website: "The Institute is a non-partisan educational foundation".

Past Students

 * Mitch McConnell: U.S. Senator from Kentucky
 * Jim Gilmore: former governor of Virginia
 * Karl Rove: Bush 43 political strategist
 * James Guckert: Talon News "reporter"
 * David McIntosh: Congressman from Indiana
 * Mark Souder: Congressman from Indiana
 * JoAnn Davis: Congresswoman from Virginia
 * Joe Wilson: Congressman from South Carolina
 * Grover Norquist: President, Americans for Tax Reform
 * Ralph Reed: former Executive Director Christian Coalition
 * Jason Miller: Young conservative leader

Staff

 * Steve Cassarino: Director of Member Services
 * Jim Eltringham: Director of Public Relations
 * Erin Krueger: Director of Recruitment
 * Geoff Woliner: Youth Education Coordinator
 * Rebekka James Turko: Director of Campus Coordination
 * Ryan James Nickels: Director of Youth Outreach
 * Benjamin J. Norquist: Campus Services Coordinator
 * Andrew J. Tomar: Facilities Coordinator

Contact information
1101 North Highland Street Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: (703) 247-2000 Fax: (703) 247-2001 Web: http://www.leadershipinstitute.org

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