Politics and senior-level financial executives.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: Editorial

In considering some of my previous columns, I note a thread running through much of my writing: A great deal of my message pertains to the regulatory and political climate, which in a sense directs much of the work you do. I'm wondering if perhaps I've been a bit too "political" and focused on the big-picture instead of on day-to-day aspects related to readers' jobs.

Upon examination, however, I realized that each issue of the magazine contains many articles on subjects that do relate directly to your jobs and roles as senior-level finance executives--which of course the magazine should do. That is, after all, our purpose.

The political discourse and opinions I offer are my views of the bigger picture of how those with political power make decisions that drive the direction of policies that impact how you do your jobs day to day--whether it be new laws pertaining to financial regulation (read: derivatives), health care, taxes, lease accounting or revenue recognition.

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Still, it is the political season, and our cover story examines issues and events that will shape governance, both in D.C. and in the boardrooms of U.S. companies in the months ahead. Freelance writer Stephen Barlas writes about election 2010 and some key races that could make a difference. Should the Republicans win a majority in the House and/or Senate, it will change the current balance of power and could have a major impact (at least until the next election) on recently passed legislation, as well as future laws, taxes and the federal deficit.

In addition, see the Washington Insights column, by Matt Miller, FEI's vice president of Regulatory Affairs, who also covers aspects of the midterm elections.

Among other articles sure to catch your attention in this issue is one on working capital in which freelancer Paul Sweeney writes about how some small- and mid-size entities are surviving the economic doldrums...