Doug Cole: Navigating the High-Stakes World of Budget Politics

Doug Cole, a veteran lobbyist at HighGround Public Affairs Consultants, has been shaping Arizona’s policy landscape for nearly thirty years. His influence has been pivotal in the establishment of Valleywise Health, a public health system rooted in Arizona’s territorial medical practices. In a recent Q&A with the Arizona Capitol Times, Cole reflected on his extensive career and the impact of Arizona politicians.

His insights have been lightly edited for clarity.

Cole’s journey at HighGround began in 1998, sparked by an early opportunity with Congressman John McCain during his college years at American University. A brief stint with the Central Arizona Project followed his graduation in 1985, coinciding with McCain’s Senate campaign. Cole’s experience on Capitol Hill spanned nearly a decade, before returning to Arizona in 1991 to support Gov. Fife Symington’s administration.

Throughout his various roles, Cole has consistently favored communication, working as an external consultant for Jan Brewer during her election campaigns. He noted how different things were before the age of social media, emphasizing the slower pace of information dissemination during that era. Back then, communication relied heavily on phones and fax machines.

Reflecting on how technology might have reshaped his early career, Cole stressed the importance of relationship-building and access to influential figures. Spending ample time with leaders allowed him to understand their thought processes and foster trust, a crucial element in political communication.

Cole articulated Arizona’s remarkable capacity to “punch above our weight class.” Despite being one of the youngest states, Arizona has produced influential political figures like Carl Hayden, Barry Goldwater, and John McCain. Their leadership has contributed to significant projects, such as the establishment of military bases and national parks.

The unique historical context of Arizona played a vital role in its political evolution, according to Cole. As a mining and agricultural state, issues like water reliability spurred local advancements, while the state’s delayed admission into the union was influenced by its insistence on judicial impeachment. This complex history fostered a strong leadership pipeline that has shaped Arizona.

As the Arizona Legislature prepares for budget discussions, Cole shared insights from his experiences in the Governor’s Office. He noted that each administration brings distinct personalities to the budget process. Under Symington, focused on right-sizing government and tax cuts, collaboration with the Legislature was key.

Cole’s advice to lawmakers centers on the principle that elections have consequences. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that Governor Hobbs, as the elected leader, has a significant role in budget discussions. This dynamic between a Republican-majority Legislature and a Democratic governor has historical precedence, highlighting the need for cooperation and understanding among all parties.

With the July 1st budget deadline approaching, Cole remains optimistic that solutions will be reached, even if they do not please all stakeholders. The complexities inherent in Arizona’s political landscape continue to challenge legislators as they navigate the budget process.