Candidates Taking Aim at Lobbyists
I think this article really reveals the hypocrisy that is budding in our government. Thinking back to the video we saw in AP Gov last week, Congressmen (in the video's case, only Republicans) were doing a lot of dealing on the floor of the house itself. I think that the lobbyists' point in the article is quite representative of my opinion:
"The American League of Lobbyists sent letters and press statements to Republican and Democratic campaign committees complaining that the attacks against it are unfair, and also hypocritical because the parties are constantly leaning on the league for contributions. 'If you think we're the biggest problem in the system, return our money,' league president Miller said. He said no one has taken up his challenge."
It is not very smart of Congressmen to discredit lobbyists as this articles states they are. Lobbists write legislation--they get things done in Congress. Although it is virtually impossible for lobbyists to stop lobbying (in response to these attacks), Congress would be seriously affected if something like this were to happen.
Lobbying, I would say, is also very important for porkbarreling. If a piece of legislation is passed, say one favorable for agricultural congressional districts, much of the 11th District would benefit (aside from Pleasanton). Representative Pombo would be interested in this piece of legislation, then, because it would help his district and get him more votes. He is mentioned in the article as one representative who is influenced by lobbyists:
"And in California, a group called Americans for Conservation went after Rep. Richard W. Pombo ® for advocating the sale of public land 'after mining lobbyists threw him a fundraiser.'"
What I find interesting in these cases where organizations are complaining against lobbyists: these organizations can be considered as lobbying organizations themselves! Lobbying, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition, is "to attempt to influence or sway (as a public official) toward a desired action." The "Americans for Conservation" would not necessarily be lobbyists if considering the AP Gov textbook definition (unless they began to influence the passage of legislation). The AP Gov book definition for lobbying is: "Strategy by which organized interests seek to influence the passage of legislation by exerting direct pressure on members of the legislature."
*Note: Current Events for 10/16/06
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