Shanti Stanton

With more than a decade of experience at the highest level of legislative activity in Washington, Shanti Stanton has substantial expertise in House floor procedures, an understanding of how to advance the goals of a major multi-national corporation with a challenging legislative agenda, and meaningful relationships with the House Democratic Caucus – particularly Blue Dogs and New Democrats. Those relationships were developed during her extensive tenure with the House Democratic leadership. During nearly 8 years with former Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt, Stanton was his Floor Assistant, working directly with Members to create and implement the Democratic agenda in Congress and serving as Gephardt’s liaison to the Blue Dog and New Democrat coalitions. Stanton advised Members and staff on the rules and procedures of the House, assisted Members with floor speeches, drafted Democratic talking points for distribution on the floor, and advised Members how to vote on important and controversial issues. Stanton’s expertise in House floor procedure is a critical asset – she has worked directly with the House Parliamentarian to assure that all legislative activity complied with House rules and procedures, and managed complicated procedures such as discharge petitions for Gephardt. As one of the top aides to the Democratic Leader, Stanton participated in leadership, message, and Democratic caucus meetings; assisted Members and the Leader in formulating commit- tee assignments; and took part in weekly meetings with Democratic Committee Staff Directors to strategize on how to advance the Democratic agenda. Most recently, Stanton served as the Director of Federal Government Relations for UST Public Affairs, Inc. In that position, she developed and implemented strategies to achieve legislative goals in the areas of corporate taxes, federal excise taxes, technology issues, data security, and appropriations requests. While primarily responsible for the Democratic Caucus – a demanding role on behalf of UST – Stanton formulated both Democratic and Republican outreach plans and oversaw PAC distributions to both parties. With oversight responsibility for UST’s outside consultants, Stanton understands the importance of a coordinated legislative campaign that effectively utilizes all available resources – both internal and external. She has also successfully maintained relationships with Democratic leadership and senior staff while promoting UST’s corporate agenda on Capitol Hill.