Mark Penn

Mark Penn is a former chief strategist for Hilary Clinton. Has known the Clintons since 1995. Managed Hilary Clinton's campaigns for senate in 2000 and 2006. He has a reputation for micro-managing campaigns. Credited with crafting her political image. Studies demographic trends and poll data and advises on long-term strategy and crisis management. Aims to re-align electoral groups in particular 'suburban mothers'. Wrote book "Microtrends: the Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes". Believed Clinton should not apologise for voting in favour of Iraq war because it would send a message of weakness on national security and would benefit Republicans. Worked for Ed Koch in New York. Worked with Democratic Leadership Council. Strongest ties are to 'conservative Democrats'. Helped run Joe Lieberman's campaign in 2004. Has long record as a friend of Israel. Was an advocate of regime change in Iraq. Became a multi-millionaire when WPP group, a public-relations company, bought his consulting firm in 2001. It made him chief executive of sub-division Burston-Marsteller. It has 100 offices in 59 countries and annual revenues of $300m. Continued to run Burston-Marsteller and personally managed Microsoft account while advising Clinton.(1)The Economist Aug 23rd 2007 'How mighty is the Penn?'

Met with Colombian ambassador Carolina Barco Isakson and officials to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement that Clinton opposes and bilateral drug-trafficking issues. They had hired him in his capacity as chief executive of Burston-Marsteller. Colombia paid Burston-Marsteller $300,000 for a one year deal. Burston-Marsteller also represents Countrywide Financial Corporation, the largest home mortgage lender in the US and private military contractor Blackwater Worldwide. Clinton opposes NAFTA because many American workers have lost their jobs to outsourcing and it is an electoral issue she has used to her advantage. (2)The New York Times April 5th 2008