Airbnb and Uber Mobilize Vast User Base to Sway Policy - The New York Times

An interesting career path pattern; also see Amazon Hires Jay Carney, Former Obama Press Secretary (20150226 NYT)

"Those billions are predicated on lots of future growth. So both companies have hired seasoned political operatives to woo legislators and beat back regulatory threats.

Mr. Lehane, a former political operative in the Clinton administration, was nicknamed the Master of Disaster for his no-holds-barred approach to winning political fights. David Plouffe, a former adviser to President Obama, is now a senior adviser to Uber and a member of its board.

Mr. Lehane and Mr. Plouffe have both tried to frame their companies as middle-class saviors in a moment of economic anxiety and income inequality — themes that are playing out in the presidential election as well. Jeb Bush and other Republicans have bragged about their Uber rides on the campaign trail, praising these companies as the future of self-sufficient employment."

Airbnb and Uber Mobilize Vast User Base to Sway Policy - The New York Times