Internship in the Office of
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Alisa Tiwari
10/7/11
Princeton Class 2014
Internship Background
• Internship purpose: understanding of the
challenges of developing and implementing
public policy initiatives
• Why Senator Bennet?
– Colorado and environmental
issues
– Senator Bennet and
environmental policy
Informing the Senator
• Attending hearing and meetings for the
Senate Committees
• Researching relevant information or
legislation for
– public statements
– press releases
– Floor statements
• Preparing memos on Colorado site visits
Constituent Concerns
• Responding to letters
• Meeting and greeting
constituent groups
• Answering the phone
Packets
• Preparing daily press packets
– National News: Wall Street Journal, New York
Times, Washington Post
– State News: Denver Post, Durango Herald,
Colorado Springs Gazette, Fort Morgan Times,
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Greely Tribune,
Pueblo Chieftain, Fort Collins Coloradoan,
Glenwood Springs Post Independent…
• Researching current legislation or news stories
Skills Acquired
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Understanding Congress
Conducting research and reading legislation
Justifying Senate votes or political decisions
Keeping up to date on current events
Writing talking points, briefs, and letters
Conclusion
• Challenges
– Budget crisis
– Functions of a Senate office
– Environmental issues
• Impact on my course of study