Diana Banister – Movers & Shakers
Diana Banister, partner, Shirley & Banister Public Affairs
Career Background
Her interest in politics began walking precincts as a child. After college, elected to the Orange County, Calif., Republican Central Committee and worked on local campaigns. Worked for Coalition for Urban Renewal and Education and on Pat Buchanan’s 1992 and 1996 presidential campaigns.
Moved to Washington D.C., in 1997 and went to work for Craig Shirley, a public and government relations consultant.
Personal
“I am the daughter of a wheat and cattle farmer from a very rural part of eastern Colorado. It was a great place to learn rugged individualism and, of course, conservative politics.”
Claim To Fame
Helped pass legislation that will allow commercial airline pilots to be armed in the cockpit. She helped develop a public and government relations strategy that culminated in the president signing the homeland security bill that included the “Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act.”
Best Day
“Monday night at the Republican convention in Houston, 1992. Two of my heroes, Pat Buchanan and Ronald Reagan, gave awe-inspiring speeches.”
Worst Day
“The day my father passed away.”
In 10 Years
“Running the world or maybe just occupying the House seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).”
Immediate Goals
“On a personal level, I understand a date is a good start toward marriage and family. Career-wise, to continue building on the success of Shirley & Banister Public Affairs.”
Political Heroes
Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan
Secrets of Success
“Work hard. And, as my mother always told me, ‘Anything worth doing is worth doing well.’ Be faithful in the small things; in time they will become bigger and more important.”
Biggest Gripe
“That a fortress is being built around the U.S. Capitol, making it an eyesore and parking impossible.”
Predictions
President Bush will handily defeat John Kerry in ’04; Sen. Tom Daschle will not be re-elected.
Favorite Books
Slouching Towards Gomorrah by Robert Bork; Liberalism is a Sin by Fr. Felix Sarda Y Salvany.
Favorite Movies
“Braveheart,” any Frank Capra film.
Best Moment In a Campaign
“In Alaska, January 1996, caucus night, as returns were coming in, a rival who was working for another GOP presidential candidate (who placed fifth) asked me, ‘What are you doing here?’ My response: ‘I’m working for the winner, Pat Buchanan.'”
Worst Moment
“When the communications director of the presidential campaign I was working for called me from Iowa about a quote attributed to me that had appeared in a newspaper a few days before the caucus.”
If I Were President For a[DELTA]20 Day
Prohibit cloning, late-term abortions and partial birth abortion immediately. Work toward ending abortion altogether. Introduce legislation that makes it easier for married couples to adopt children. Implement a flat tax.
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COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
