lobbying to lobby

As he announced to the website Politico.com earlier this month, Dan Glickman, the current chairman and CEO of the MPAA, does not intend to remain in his position after his current contract expires in September of 2010.

The chair of the MPAA acts as Hollywood's top lobbyist to Washington, supported by all six of the major studios in an act of self-rating and regulation dating back to the early twenties. Glickman has used his position of the last five years to push a campaign of anti-piracy on behalf of the studios, with mixed results. While a trend of gearing support towards in-company lobbying groups has grown within all of the "big six" in recent years, the chair of the MPAA is still the most respected position in Washington with regards to the film industry, and its successor will undoubtedly be at the forefront of any political debates to arise during their tenure. Although nearly a year remains for Mr. Glickman, a few key suitors have already come into discussion. Let's take a look at a few of the frontrunners:

1) Richard Bates

A former executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Richard Bates has been one of the chief lobbyists for Disney since 1993. Some other studio executives might be concerned with a lack of neutrality in this regard, but the fact remains that many on Capitol Hill (especially those for which Disney has made campaign contributions) are more likely to cooperate with someone they've associated with in the past. Also, among the main frontrunners, Bates is the one with the most direct experience in the field of lobbying for the film industry. This, along with the support of the Disney studio behind him, could give him the leg up he needs to take the position.

2) Harold Ford, Jr.

With his present lobbying efforts, Ford has quickly emerged as the early front-runner for this position, which is ironic considering his lack of experience in the realm of southern California. But in the realm of connections in Washington, Ford is untouchable. Ford served in the House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007, representing the city of Memphis in Tennessee's 9th congressional district. After losing a senate race to Chattanooga mayor Bob Corker in 2006, Ford began teaching public policy at Vanderbilt University and was appointed the chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council. Although he doesn't have any direct experience with the film industry, Fords' enthusiasm to take the position, along with his extensive political resume, will be a formidable match for any other candidates.

3) Arnold Schwarzenegger

As the Governor of California since 2003, as well as a major actor that has been in the Hollywood system for a few decades now, there's little doubt Schwarzenegger is very qualified to take over the role as chief of the MPAA. With a largely conservative record, including efforts against copyright infringement, it is very likely that he will continue the efforts of anti-piracy that Glickman started.

The only question is whether the Governor is actually interested in the position. Though term limits prevent him from seeking election again, it is rumored that Schwarzenegger is more interested in a senatorial campaign in 2010 than taking over as chief of the MPAA. Although, this would be a much safer bet for him than attempting a run at the senate, and if he does begin lobbying efforts, his star power and Hollywood experience could all but guarantee him the position.