Bush's Budget Is Good For PR

The release of President Bush's defense- and "homeland security"-heavy budget will generate plenty of work for PR agencies according to PR Week reporter Douglas Quenqua. "The trick in 2002, say public affairs and budget experts, will be to redefine your pet issue or product as a matter of homeland security," Quenqua writes. "If you can convince Congress that your company's widget will strengthen America's borders, or that funding your client's pet project will make America less dependent on foreign resources, you just might be able to get what you're looking for." As for domestic spending cuts, this year's Congressional elections may provide enough motivation for incumbents to engage in heated debates over programs that would affect their constituents. "As much opportunity as the election presents to turn around the President's domestic proposals, all agree it will be an uphill battle," Quenqua writes. "And at the end of the day, that's always good news for PR agencies."