Meet Ches McDowell – Managing the GR team at Checkmate Government Relations.
Release Date: 11/11/2024
Pigskins and Politics with T.J. Birkel
The Political Life
In this week’s episode, hosts Head - Government Affairs, West, for Kroger and host of his own podcast, They chat about T.J.’s time on Capitol Hill, his transition to the private sector and state affairs, building businesses and of course, Nebraska football. Go Big Red.
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Meet New Mexico Speaker Javier Martinez
The Political Life
On today's episode, is joined by . They discuss his ascent into politics and legislative leadership, the issues that matter most to him, how he leads his chamber, the big issues that the legislature tackled this session and what's ahead in 2026.
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NCSL Marks 50 Years with Tim Storey
The Political Life
In today's episode, welcomes back to the show, CEO of the to mark the organization's 50th anniversary. The two discuss the origins of NCSL, its impact on states as well as thousands of state legislators and staff, current programs and NCSL's important role in states rights. Tim also shares a preview for the 50th Legislative Summit set for Boston next month.
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Meet Nneka Chiazor, New President at the Public Affairs Council
The Political Life
In today's episode, is joined by , the newly installed President for the The two discuss Nneka's career, her vision for the Council moving forward, and she shares all the ways any professional in public or government affairs can get involved. More about upcoming Public Affairs Council events .
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A Tribute to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman with Cristine Almeida
The Political Life
In the wake of the tragic political assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, sits down with of Almeida Public Affairs in St. Paul, Minnesota. The conversation explores Speaker Hortman's career and legacy in Minnesota as well as the impact of her death reverberating in the community of states and the challenge to our country which faces increased threats of violence to public officials.
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Reconciliation & Medicaid: What's at Stake for States with Barrett Thornhill and Brock Ingmire
The Political Life
Today, we are rebroadcasting a recent MultiState virtual client event hosted by on the budget reconciliation bill which contains President Trump's domestic policy agenda currently moving in the U.S. Senate. In May, the House narrowly passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" — which would cut taxes, increase border and military spending, and notably scale back Medicaid, among other provisions. Maggie alongside two of her health care policy expert colleagues,with Forbes Tate Partners and with MultiState, explored the current disposition and provisions of the...
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SGAC Celebrates 50 Years!
The Political Life
On today's episode, hosts President of the This year, SGAC celebrates its 50th anniversary. Fred shares an 101 on SGAC and how the organization is marking this milestone year with a national campaign to celebrate the state government affairs profession and raising funds for He also talks about his favorite new spot - Bowdie's Chophouse in Lansing, Michigan, where he had his best meal this year.
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Meet Machalagh Carr – who has held some incredible jobs on Capitol Hill; General Counsel on the Ways and Means Committee, General Counsel for the Speaker of the House and Ultimately Chief of Staff for the Speaker.
The Political Life
Machalagh Carr is a trusted and discreet counselor with decades of private sector and government experience. She has nimbly navigated the intersection of congressional investigations and oversight, law, geopolitics, international anticorruption measures, and policy, and served as the top staffer in Article I as Chief of Staff to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. She is the Founder & CEO of Quell strategies, a boutique consulting firm where she helps client navigate Washington and translates the intricacies of public policy to the business world. Prior to her role as Chief of...
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On the Front Lines – Representing X at State Capitols – Meet Jordan Rodell.
The Political Life
Jordan Rodell is a seasoned public policy professional specializing in technology and free speech advocacy. She currently serves as Public Policy Manager at X (formerly Twitter), where she leads legislative and executive engagement efforts across the U.S. Prior to this, she was the State Policy Manager at the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), advancing policy on content moderation, privacy, digital taxation, and antitrust. Earlier in her career, Jordan tracked emerging legislation at Stateside Associates, with a focus on tech, privacy, and economic development. She...
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How the state AGs are Asserting in 2025
The Political Life
During The Political Life podcast's legislative session recess, we bring you another rebroadcast of a recent MultiState virtual event. To gain insights on trends and a better understanding of the state of play with attorneys general, MultiState'sand Kelley Drye & Warren's, AG Practice Chair, hosted a conversation on March 25, 2025. For many states, March marks the halfway point for legislative session and aptly coincides with the excitement and chaos of March Madness. In 2025, March seems to have a little more madness with a new presidential administration and state attorneys general...
info_outline**This episode was recorded prior to the 2024 election**
Ches McDowell leads the Checkmate Government Relations team and focuses primarily on the North Carolina General Assembly and the North Carolina Congressional Delegation.
He has delivered victories for clients in health care, financial services, entertainment, technology, outdoor sports, aviation,municipal government, nonprofits, state-wide associations, elections, energy, pharmaceuticals, real estate development, gaming, and professional sports.
He has been selected as one of the top 10 lobbyists in North Carolina by the North State Journal – every year they have done the poll – and has received honorable mentions for representing a diverse portfolio.
Ches was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2023 and 2024 for Government Relations Practice. He was selected by Triad Business Journal as one of its “40 Leaders Under 40” in 2021. Ches was recognized as a “Young Gun” in 2019 by Business North Carolina magazine.
Ches’ career began while he was earning an undergraduate degree at North Carolina State. He became one of the only college students to work full time at the legislature, where he managed various projects for State Senate Leader Phil Berger.
Ches also remains committed to civic engagement and serves his community and state in multiple capacities, including as a Trustee at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a member of the Board of Visitors of Campbell Law School. In addition, he serves on the National Board of Directors for Cross Trail Outfitters, on the Host Committee for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s annual Wine, Wheels, and Wildlife fundraiser, and as Deputy Province Commander of the Kappa Alpha Order’s Smith Province.