>>From my experience as an unpaid lobbyist on Capitol Hill in the 1970-72
timeframe, it was more a matter of gaining influence with some members
by doing expert staffwork for them, not necessarily on my own topics of
interest, but on the topics of interest to the member, and thereby
gaining access and influence on the topics on which I was most
interested. That influence obviously would follow the members I
assisted, but could sometimes also carry to other members seeking
assistance on a topic on which I had done some work and developed some
reputation. Much of this kind of thing was reviewing and drafting
legislation and writing speeches. The best lobbyists were their own
experts.
The fact of governmental life is that the issues requiring expertise
vastly exceed the expertise of congress members, their staffs, or
executive branch personnel. The gap is partially filled by those who
can learn fast and present their findings persuasively, if not always
competently or impartially. It is amazing that government doesn't cause
even more disasters than it does.
Epitaph for Humanity: They were smart enough to create problems for
themselves they were not smart enough to solve.
Humans are inadequate. Get used to that. Hang on. It's going to be a
rough ride.
On 02/02/2011 02:24 PM, Smith, Brad wrote:
The expert
briefs the
lobbyist, the lobbyist briefs the representative by placing viewpoints,
ideas, and potential end consequences before him or her.
-- Jon
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