Patrick Baskette is a Managing Director of Mercury Public Affairs. A nationally-recognized expert in grassroots advocacy and coalition building efforts, Mr. Baskette brings more than twenty-five years of experience as a senior Democratic Party operative and public affairs strategist to the firm. With a strong background in state politics and public affairs, Mr. Baskette directs Mercury’s 50-state network of bi-partisan political operatives. The firm excels in creating grassroots and grasstops mobilization efforts that connect with voters and move the needle of public opinion. Baskette’s experience in the political campaign arena has allowed him to devise winning strategies at both the state and federal levels for corporate and coalition-based clients in such high-profile industries as energy & environment, healthcare, international trade, financial services, telecommunications, and consumer products.
Prior to joining Mercury, Mr. Baskette ran his own grassroots and public affairs firm, and previously served as president of Troutman Sanders’ Public Policy Group and as a principal with Dewey Square Group. Mr. Baskette’s political experience includes serving as special assistant to then-Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), and chief of staff to Congressman Owen Pickett (D-VA). Additionally, he has held senior roles in the State Democratic Parties of Tennessee and Virginia, and he currently chairs the federal affairs committee for the Tampa, Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Based in Washington, DC and Tampa, Florida, Mr. Baskette is married to Margaret Lee Baskette, Esq and has two daughters, Mary-Elizabeth and Izabelle.