Ed Draves has been called by the Buffalo News, "one of labor's most savvy political operatives." He serves as one of Bolton-St. Johns top labor lobbyists and heads up many grassroots campaigns for the firm's clients.

Before joining Bolton-St.Johns, Ed Draves was the Political and Legislative Director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees for more than 20 years. He coordinated the political action and legislative programs of the union's six New York affiliates, representing more than 325,000 members.

In 2003, Ed was the Campaign Manager for the first successsful statewide Transportation Bond Act since 1988. That same year, as a Campaign Political Strategist he helped to elect Buffalo's first African-American Mayor, Byron Brown.

Ed has worked on political campaigns at the county level, as well as the presidential level in New York, New Hampshire, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina and California, developing campaign strategy, message and themes, and assisting with debate preparation. In 2000, he served as a Deputy Campaign Manager for Hillary Clinton's successful U.S. Senate campaign.

Ed Draves has lobbied on labor, health care, communications, pension, racing and budget issues. He has organized and coordinated grass roots lobbying campaigns on local, state and federal issues.

Ed is a graduate of Cornell University.

Ed can be contacted at