Scott Rausch
Policy Advisor for Rep. Ron Johnson
With 20 years of experience at the state and federal level, Scott Rausch brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the Hill. He honed his passion for politics at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he majored in political science. Scott launched his political career as the Office Administrator/Mobile Office Coordinator for a young Congressman Paul Ryan in Wisconsin’s 1st District.
After two years with Ryan, he transitioned to the Wisconsin State Legislature, where he served his home state for nearly a decade. Scott’s first Hill job came unexpectedly when Congressman Alex Mooney sought new policy staff. Following an introduction through connections with The Leadership Institute and a three-hour interview, he was hired as Mooney’s LD. After working for three different offices, he now serves as a Policy Advisor for Senator Ron Johnson.
He tells us, “It is a special honor to work for your home state’s Senator or Representative. My policy portfolio contains issue areas that touch all parts of the State of Wisconsin so I have opportunities to meet with Wisconsin constituents and it is the best part of my job.”
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Want to meet a policy advisor who is a proud owner of the Green Bay Packers?
Oh, you should talk to Scott Rausch!
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Scott's Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Burlington, Wisconsin
🎓 College: University of Wisconsin-Parkside
🌸 Favorite Hill Memory: Having two unique/special experiences running into both Senator John McCain and Senator Mitch McConnell.
🔗 CNCT with Scott about…
His love of sports
His upcoming trip to Scotland 🏴
His Miniature Schnauzer named Pepper
His grandfather who was a WWII veteran and spent a career in law enforcement
His openness to grab a coffee and expand his network!
Scott’s Fun Fact
“I am a huge sports fan; love the Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and I am a proud owner of the Green Bay Packers. I enjoy cooking multiple course dinners with wine pairings, and have made some really tasty dishes including a deconstructed lobster roll. My wife and I started collecting National Park stamps during the pandemic, so we like to travel to different regions of the U.S. to visit national parks, historical sights, and national monuments.”
Scott’s Guide to Connecting w/ Fellow Staffers:
“I try to connect with people on different levels and outside of politics and work. Try to talk with co-workers about their lives, their hobbies, their interests outside of what we do here day-to-day. Team building has always been a positive tool in my working life, but those exercises help to increase work cohesiveness and not necessarily personal connections. To make valuable connections, you have to put in the time and be genuine.”
For connecting with those in the opposite party...…
“We have more that links us together than divides us. We must always remember that… showing respect, being cordial and professional, and accepting the possibility of opposite opinions is what makes the American experiment worth having. It is what makes this environment on Capitol Hill unique. Partisanship is going to occur anywhere there is disagreement, but we don’t need to let it impact our ability to meet people or build professional relationships. We just have to be willing to ‘agree to disagree’ and grab a cup of coffee.”
Scott's Favorites ❤️
Coffee Spot: “Like all good Senate Staffers: CUPS”
Bar: Tune Inn & Shelly's Backroom Cigar Lounge
Happy Hour: “[I am a] Wisconsin Guy so I have to mention Hamilton’s Bar & Grill, but I also have a standing neighborhood Happy Hour with longtime friends at Glory Days in Annandale.”
Lunch Spot: PJ Clarke’s and Hawk & Dove
TV Show: Mad Men
Movie: Back to the Future & Ghostbusters (the originals)
Scott's Book Recommendations 📚
The President will See You Now by Peggy Grande
Revolutionary Characters by Gordon S. Wood
The Bartender’s Manifesto by Toby Maloney
Do you know someone on the Hill who should be our Staffer Spotlight for a week? Send us an email and let us hear their story!
Staffer Advice
“My advice for younger Staffers is: ‘Take advantage of everything that comes your way!’ If there is a hearing, a discussion, networking event, happy hour, reception; go to those events. You never know who you will meet, who will become your mentor, or who will become a major connection to help your career. When I first arrived in DC, I attended multiple events at The Leadership Institute. The connections I made at those events have helped me in every one of my job searches.”
“I also point out to younger Staffers that are struggling to find their way here in D.C. that you can do politics in a whole lot of different places. One of the most fulfilling is working in state legislatures. I understand that Washington D.C. is the epicenter of all things American Politics, but great and meaningful work is done at the state level. Don’t be afraid to take on that type of opportunity.”
"It can take years to achieve your goals. Celebrate even the small victories.”
- Scott Rausch