Lobbying does more good than harm for Washington politics

I would like to commend opinions writer Caitlin Reusche for her article on lobbying and lobbyists in the Sept. 16, 2009 edition of The Hawk. As a lobbyist for the past 15 years and an adjunct professor of political science, I have heard all the negative stereotypes used to define lobbying. Lobbying, however, is not only a vital and useful part of the governmental process, but the ability to do so is built into both our nature and our Constitution.

Perhaps, the distaste for lobbying stems not only from the rare unscrupulous individual (i.e. Jack Abramoff), but from our own perspective of good and bad. It's like rooting for the Eagles and hating the Cowboys-if you're an Eagles fan, then that sentiment makes perfect sense. If you live in Dallas, the opposite is likely true. And while my perspective dictates that the Eagles are better than Dallas (and they are), the fact remains that the various allegiances are perfectly acceptable and that "good and bad" exist based on personal interest.

The right for groups to associate and petition the government on their issues is part of what makes us Americans. It is protected by not only the First Amendment but a part of our culture, according to Alexis DeToqueville, who wrote that "in no country in the world has the principle of association been more successfully used or applied to a greater multitude of objects than in America."

As Reusche points out in her article, legislators and government leaders need help from special interests to understand very complex issues. Legislators can't be expected to be experts in every matter that comes before them.

The current health care debate is a great example. Strip away the hyperbole and what you will find in D.C. are dozens of different groups expressing their concerns, sharing their expertise, and asking important questions that will help legislators make decisions.

Advocates for the uninsured, HMOs, doctors, tax experts, hospitals, and many more have important information to share that a good legislator should be craving. Lobbyists for these different and opposing groups provide information and credibility on these and hundreds of other issues every day. It is left to the legislator to determine whose information makes the most sense in deciding the question at hand.

On the flip side, the legislative process is very complex, and most people don't know it or the players involved. When a company, association, or grassroots group wants to comment on a bill or regulation, it is quite likely they have no clue who to talk to or how to get their point across.

Lobbyists have the relationships and understanding of the process to assist those in need in navigating the complicating maze of government. I have represented labor unions, small businesses, and Fortune 100 companies, and government can be very confusing and sometimes intimidating to all of them. The lobbyist therefore acts as a conduit and an interpreter between the government and the groups who need to approach it.

It is also important that a lobbyist remain credible and trustworthy. Relationships are built on trust and the same is true in lobbying. Lie while representing an interest and you lose credibility. Losing credibility means you probably lose your client. It is therefore not in a lobbyists best interest to be shady or dishonest.

It's disheartening to me at times to hear my profession denigrated by everyone from the President to my students. However, I'm proud of what I do and I know that my lobbying has helped everyone from police widows to small business owners to fishermen and many others.

Thanks to Reusche for bringing to light a very important but little understood process in American government.