Lobbying is an effort by an interested person or organization to influence legislation. On one hand, lobbying provides information relative to the target legislation and lets the legislator know the feelings of a particular group of constituents. On the other hand, lobbying may also have the negative reputation of applying pressure on behalf of special interests.
Lobbyists may take the form of individual citizens who write to members of Congress or state legislators about a particular matter. Groups of citizens who band together in demonstrations, telephone campaigns, or other efforts to influence lawmakers and regulatory agencies are also lobbying.
At the professional level, there are full-time officials of powerful organizations and industries who are paid to present their employer's side of a controversial question to the appropriate congressperson or committee. Their titles may signify legislative liaison or public relations duties, but their actual work is lobbying. There are some professional lobbyists who represent several clients simultaneously.
Some of the most effective lobbyists are former congresspersons, state legislators, and other administrative officials who are no longer active politically but who know their way around state capitals or federal agencies.
The most active lobbying groups at all levels are those from business, labor, farming, education, churches, and citizens' groups.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Lobbyists operate at all levels of government in all parts of the country. Although some lobbyists are involved in "wining and dining activities," a lot of hard work accompanies the more glamorous activities. Long hours are normal, and it is often necessary to work irregular hours to get to see important congresspersons and state officials.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Personal integrity, good judgment, persistence, resourcefulness, patience, tact, an ability to get along with people, good communication skills, and physical stamina are necessary.
There are no specific educational requirements for a lobbyist. Training or experience in a particular field of interest, which provides a thorough background, plus a knowledge of how the government works and which people can make a difference are what make an effective lobbyist.
Potential and Advancement
So long as there is legislation being considered, there will be lobbyists employed to influence the legislators. Active participation in a professional or political organization can provide opportunities for lobbying, and membership in nationally active groups can lead to federal-level lobbying.
Income
Earnings of lobbyists are difficult to establish. Many people are unpaid lobbyists who work for organizations or causes in which they have an interest. Others, although registered lobbyists, earn the bulk of their income in some other line of work. An example is public relations directors for large organizations who spend most of their time in that function but also represent their companies' interest as lobbyists on a particular piece of pending legislation.
However, The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average lobbyist working in the United States earns an annual base salary of $47,350. The lobbying industry is expected to see an increase in its work force by 18 percent by 2016.
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