A few members of W&L’s Mock Convention were privileged to be able to host renowned political insider, POLITICO reporter and W&L Alum Mike Allen to a dinner at the Bistro on Saturday. Other notable attendees included Professor de Maria of the Journalism department and Professor Connelly—Mock Convention’s fearless faculty advisor himself. Other members of Mock Convention had the opportunity to mingle with Mr. Allen at a reception at the home of equally fearless, attractive, and available Tricia King earlier on Saturday.

Mr. Allen, who has also agreed to serve as a member of Mock Convention’s Advisory Board, to be announced at the end of the year, shared his political insights at dinner, including his predictions for the upcoming midterm elections. If nothing else, Tuesday will be an extremely interesting day for our country, and possibly a historic one.

Professor Connelly was also only too glad to engage the table in a discussion of, among other things, the effect of insider politics in Washington, the evolving role of the media, and James Madison’s enduring legacy in our political institutions. Political Chairman Zack Wilkes and former Advisory Board Liaison Bill Larson also enjoyed the rigorous debate. Speakers Chair Sorelle Peat was able to talk strategy with Mr. Allen about bringing in the best possible speakers for all of the upcoming Mock Convention events.

Mock Convention is certainly fortunate to have someone with the knowledge and political stature of Mike Allen serving in an advisory capacity. His uniquely qualified perspective and inside knowledge of every side of the tangled web of DC politics will undoubtedly prove to be invaluable as we begin the push towards 2012.

Matt Simpson
Advisory Board Liaison