Cheri Bustos
Fall 2024
Cheri Bustos recently retired from the U.S. House of Representatives after a decade representing the people of the Illinois 17th Congressional District. For most of that time, she served in the leadership of the House Democratic Caucus. Before public service, she spent nearly two decades as a journalist and was Vice President of Corporate Communications at a multi-state health system.
Discussion Group Topic
Congress in the 21st Century
An Introduction to Congress
In the first installment of their series, former members of Congress Luke Messer (R-IN) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) speak about how their paths to becoming representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, the bipartisanship they experienced while in office, and the dynamics they experienced as members of party leadership.
Beyond the Curtain: Unpacking Congressional Campaigns
Former members of Congress Luke Messer (R-IN) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) for an inside look at what a congressional campaign looks like. The congressmen will cover key elements of successful congressional campaigns, including funding strategies, marketing techniques, and engaging diverse voter demographics.
After the Vote: Insights and Impacts Post-Election
In the final program of their series, former members of Congress Luke Messer (R-IN) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) will explore the critical period following elections, examining how outcomes shape policy, governance, and community engagement. The discussion will focus on the national results of the 2024 election and explore their implications for the upcoming congressional session.
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