Vertically integrated policy, political and public AFFAIRS solutions
It’s a mouthful. We know.
But those six syllables best explain who we are and what we do.
The best companies, campaigns, causes, and candidates have one thing in common: differentiators that generate distinct market advantages over their competition.
Our biggest differentiator is our expertise. Some people understand policymaking and legislative strategy. Others know politics and advocacy campaigns. Few master both. We excel in the space where politics and policy meet.
We separate our clients from the pack by helping them understand and navigate the relationship between policy and politics. By creating differentiators in both arenas – be it an original message, a better government affairs structure, a unique policy solution, an outside-the-box political strategy, insightful research or a winning ad - we help you stand out and succeed.
Most importantly, we do it while adhering to three core values: work hard, work smart, and work with integrity.
OUR TEAM
Jim Blaine
PartnerJim Blaine served as North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger’s first Chief of Staff, from 2011 to 2018. Prior to joining Senator Berger’s legislative staff, Blaine was the director of the Republican State Senate Caucus political organization, where he led the historic 2010 campaign effort that put Republicans in control of the North Carolina Senate for the first time in 140 years.
Much of Blaine’s training for legislative and political work came through his first job out of college: teaching middle school students with behavioral and emotional disabilities.
After six years, Blaine left the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a diploma in hand and an agreement – which the University rescinded in 2018 when he was appointed to the UNC Board of Visitors – that he not return.
Today, Blaine lives in Raleigh with his wife and four daughters.
Differentiators: Legislative and policy consulting. Creative messaging. Political strategy.
Ray Martin
PartnerRay Martin is a newspaper reporter turned communications adviser turned political operative.
Martin got his first writing gig at 16, covering high school sports for his hometown newspaper. In college, he wrote full time for the statewide newspaper of record and managed a team of opinion columnists for student media on Oklahoma’s campus. The News & Observer brought him to Raleigh in 2009, and he covered local government until Phil Berger hired him to be the State Senate’s press secretary. Martin managed the Senate Caucus political operation from 2012 to 2018, going undefeated in target races in three of the four election cycles.
Martin lives in North Raleigh with his wife, Rachel and their two kids.
Differentiators: Strategic communication. Project and campaign management. New media.
Zach Almond
Differentiators LocalOUR REPUTATION
OUR SERVICES
The ways we help you stand out:
Martin & Blaine Consulting
With over two decades of state policymaking and communications experience, we help businesses and professional associations think outside the box and craft creative legislative strategies.
- Policy analysis
- Political intelligence
- Messaging and positioning
Differentiators Direct Mail
Our award-winning political and public affairs mail is crafted in-house, custom for every client.
- Message formation and copywriting
- Custom design
- Production and shipping
Differentiators Data
Polling. Modeling. Mapping. Our unique, comprehensive approach to research helps clients message with precision and creates a roadmap for reaching their policy and political goals.
- Live caller, IVR and web-based polling
- Analytics, modeling and mapping
- Extensive NC political and demographic database
Differentiators Local
Full-service campaigns designed specifically for municipal, county, judicial and other down-ballot races.
- Live phone calls and grassroots activation
- Direct mail and targeted digital
- Management and analysis
News and Insights
What will State House and Senate Districts Look Like? Here’s our Best Guess
Our first look at legislative redistricting explained how North Carolina’s counties must be grouped together
First Look and Analysis: State House and Senate County Groupings
Yesterday the Census Bureau released the population data North Carolina needed to begin the redistricting