Joe Shoemaker
Communications Director, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) (since 2001)
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Shoemaker one of the key voices for the Senate Democratic agenda. As communications director for Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), he peddles daily stories and shapes long-term strategy. Shoemaker says he tries to tell Americans that Democrats want to "make government work again for people. For too long, it's worked for special interests or not worked at all."
Shoemaker worked in public relations and for a variety of congressional leaders before settling down with Durbin in 2001. Now, he works with the staff of Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid's (D-Nev.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to develop a coherent party message and to sell Democratic legislative goals to the public. His role became even more important in 2007 when Democrats retook the congressional majority.
- Alma Mater: Indiana University, B.A. (public affairs), 1985
- Office: 309 Hart Senate Office Bldg., 202-224-2152
- Web site
Shoemaker grew up in Taylorville, Ill., the son of two teachers. He attended Indiana University at Bloomington, where he enjoyed his first taste of politics, serving as the campaign director for his best friend. "We won the race," he told the Daily Breeze, Taylorville's paper. "We were lucky because we worked hard." The budding political operative earned a B.S. in public affairs and biology in 1985.
Capitol Hill Staffer
Shoemaker entered public relations in 1985 and worked at several firms before moving to the Hill in 1990, where he held a series of jobs. "I think I have served in every type of job in the Congressional offices," he told the Daily Breeze.
As the chief of Durbin's communications staff, Shoemaker is responsible for communications coming from his boss and the Senate Democratic Caucus. He has worked with Durbin to communicate the benefits of key legislation, including the reform of the Consumer Protection Safety Council, improvements to food safety and budget issues.
His day-to-day work includes responding to between 20 and 70 media calls, preparing speeches and press releases, and doing proactive outreach on issues central to Durbin's agenda.
Shoemaker is one of the key staffers for Senate Democrats. He has ties to Pelosi, Reid and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y), among others. Shoemaker works with Durbin chief of staff Patrick Souders and James P. Manley, Reid's communications director.
Shoemaker is married to a former legislative director for Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W. Va.). She was in Byrd's office when someone opened a letter that may have contained anthrax. Because his wife was pregnant at the time, she couldn't take antibiotics that normally cure the disease. Luckily, she was fine.
- Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition
- "People on the Move," Congressional Quarterly Daily, Dec. 19, 2001
- Graham, Bev, "Former Taylorville resident serves as Communication Director for Senator Durbin," Daily Breeze, July 25,2002
- Graham, Bev, "Former Taylorville resident serves as Communication Director for Senator Durbin," Daily Breeze, July 25,2002
- Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition
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