Lobbyists Wanted!

Issue

A recent TV ad by a particular U.S. Senate candidate discusses the issue of former and retiring Congressmen and women becoming lobbyists. Click here to view this ad spot on You Tube.

The ad suggests that Congress has been considering how long a former member has to wait before becoming a lobbyist either 1 or 2 years.

"Right now hundreds of former members represent big oil and special interests, no wonder gas is $4 a gallon. Something has got to change. If elected I will work to make sure former members of Congress never become lobbyists."

Viewpoint

Here we go again! Another wanna-be politician running for Congress against Congress! Another politician making blanket statements equating all lobbyists and "special interests" as evil.

Time to debunk the myth!

Here are the facts.

Elected officials cannot not possibly be experts on every issue that comes before them. They rely on their staff and yes professional lobbyists to inform them on issues. It is a fundamental part of the system. Remember at some point lobbyists are just organized citizens.

Do some lobbyists represent big oil and big coal? Yes!
Are all lobbyists and 'special interests' bad? No!
Are there bad actors in every industry? Yes!
Should we punish the many on account of the few? No!
Is there something wholly un-American about dictating by law what job an individual pursue? Yes!

Remember the "Americans" all have lobbyists (American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Medical Association) are you calling them 'special interests?' Should they be banned from Washington? Also, the Alzheimers Association has lobbyists should they not enjoy a quality and professional candidate who might also happen to be a former member of Congress with an extensive network and excellent knowledge of the process? If we allow some but not others then where do we draw the line?

It is time for all candidates to stop using sensationalistic but empty calls to end 'special interests' and lobbying.


Most lobbyists are exceptionally educated, professional, and highly dedicated to "doing the right thing."

Lobbyist does not necessarily equal "dirty, rotten, scoundrel!"