MRA Gives Backing to Census Chief

US professional body the Marketing Research Association (MRA) has announced its official endorsement of Robert Groves, the President's nominee as Director of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Dr. Groves will testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee this Friday May 15th, beginning at 9:30am Eastern Time. His nomination, in early April, provoked alarm among Republicans, as did talk of the successful candidate 'working closely' with the Whitehouse.

In a statement, the MRA said it 'urges the Senate to promptly approve Dr. Groves and let him get to work'. The Association's Director of Research Standards, Patrick Glaser, comments: 'MRA applauds the Obama Administration for selecting such a widely recognized leader in the field of survey and opinion research.' He continues: 'Dr. Groves' expertise with the issues and operations of the U.S. Census, proficiency with the design, management and administration of complex research, and knowledge of complex practical and theoretical issues in statistics and measurement make Groves a wise choice for the position.'

Groves is currently Research Professor at the University of Michigan, and previously served as an Associate Director of the Census Bureau from 1990 to 1992.

The MRA, which recently merged with advocacy body CMOR, is online at www.mra-net.org .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.