NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Politicians aren't the only ones relying on political consultants to guide them through public opinion. Now, the Hollywood elite are turning to private aides to guide their decisions on policies and political candidate endorsements, according to this week's Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition. These aides educate entertainment industry clients on policy and politics to stave off controversy and criticism, as well as connect them with candidates of their choice.
The Journal profiles Andy Spahn-personal political consultant to Hollywood elite clients, including Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen. Mr. Spahn's duties are a full-time and wide-ranging occupation, especially during campaign season, where he connects his clients with candidates such as Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama. Stars of the entertainment and political worlds have long been fascinated with each other and Mr. Spahn works to merge the two using his contacts to organize gatherings from personal one-on-one meetings to fundraising events.
Mr. Spahn began his career working for Democratic power players before taking the position as public affairs vice president for DreamWorks SKG. In recent years, Mr. Spahn left DreamWorks to start his own consulting firm. He believes, "the great advantage of being a political consultant in Hollywood is the all-too-rare opportunity to work on behalf of candidates and issues you care about. It allows you to work for people who are driven by values and not simply by business interests."
"Political consultants help carry on crusades against everything from illiteracy in Los Angeles to AIDS in Africa to global warming everywhere," write Journal reporter, Merissa Marr, and Journal senior special writer, John Emshwiller, in this week's Weekend Edition. "They connect their bosses up with powerful politicians and keep an eye out for who might be the next political power. They act as gatekeepers sorting through the flood of requests that comes in from people seeking access to their clients' money, fame or power."
Additional stories appearing in this week's Weekend Edition of The Wall Street Journal include the following:
Money & Investing: * Carlyle Group Co-founder Speaks Out: David Rubenstein discusses how the current bond-market turmoil will limit big buyout deals for a while but will ultimately make the private-equity industry stronger. * A Look into the Chinese Market: The Chinese market is up 91% this year and just passed 5000. Some investors are asking the question: How do I short the market? Journal reporter Andrew Batson answers your questions. * Some Hedge Funds Create Opportunities: Hedge Funds have increased their purchases on muni bonds, normally held by individual investors, in recent years. Lately they've been selling and driving down prices. This has hurt some funds, but also created opportunities. Pursuits: * Drive Across China: Journal reporter Gordon Fairclough takes a week-long drive across China in a new Chinese-made compact car, the Chery A1, which U.S. auto maker Chrysler Group aims to start selling around the world by the end of next year. The route: part of the ancient silk road, which for thousands of years was the main artery of globalization linking East and West. In its modern incarnation, truckers are increasingly sharing the road with a new breed of Chinese driver, individual car owners who are newly embracing the freedom of the open road to explore the breadth of their vast country. * In-Seat Devices at Sporting Events: In a push to keep fans stimulated during sporting events, more teams are rolling out in- seat devices that let them do everything from watch other games live to order food from the concession stands. But many teams are struggling to boost the entertainment quotient in a way that doesn't detract from the action on the field, and in some cases ticket holders are rebelling. * Back-to-School Fragrances: As the important back-to-school season kicks into high gear, fashion designers from Marc Jacobs to Vera Wang have ramped up their fragrance advertising aimed at the key 18 to 24-year-old demographic. While most teens can't afford designers' $1,200 handbags or $1,000-plus evening dresses, the thinking goes, they can afford a fancy eau de toilette, which typically costs less than $60. But the profusion of teen-oriented scents has made some high schools so smelly that some local school officials are trying to curb the use of perfumes, colognes and scented cleansing products in schools.
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Editor's Note: WSJ reporters are available to discuss these topics.