Lobbying

1. What are the 3 most powerful lobbying groups in America?

The AARP is widely considered to be (one of the) most powerful lobbying groups in the U.S.

2. How could I start a lobbying group against big corporations like Walmart?

3. What is the difference between lobbying and bribery?

Bribery is a quid pro quo of offering money in return for for political action. Lobbying is offering political support (usually votes or expertise) in return for political action. Legal lobbying does not involve direct financial support. This is the difference between Bribery and Lobbying, and it is why some lobbyists end up accused of bribery.

4. How can we distinguish between the positive side of lobbying the negative side?

If they are trying to get something for me, it is good lobbying. If they are not, but are trying to get something for you, then, yes, it is bad lobbying. Does that help?

5. What limits if any would you place on lobbying?

No. Lobbying let the idiots in congress make decisions based on the facts they research on the topic in question or in committee with some expert. No ex-parte communications. It isn't allowed at the local level, why is it allowed at the national level? Becasue there is room in the conversation to talk about payola, that's why. Imagine how we could slow this whole legislative effort down if we made them actually learn about what they are voting on instead of cutting backroom deals over a nice steak and a bunch of martinis. If they couldn't cut deals, then why go thru the door?

6. Where can I find information about an interest group in Virginia that is lobbying for an MLS team?

honestly, I don't know of one, and I live in DC hang out in VA all the time. I know of plenty MLS fans (mostly DCU ones...hehe) but I don't think they see the point of making a VA team if they already have a great one like DCU. :)

7. What is the role of campaign contributions in lobbying strategies?

lobbysit contribute to both parties in order to assure support regardless of who wins marijuana legalization lobbying, waste of money haliburtion lobbying, priceless.

8. Why is lobbying in congress a bad thing?

It is bad because it distorts the democratic system. It apportions influence by money, instead of democratically. So politicians who are supposed to do what is best for the people are instead influenced to do what is best for those groups powerful enough to hire lobbyists.

9. is their anyone or organization lobbying to raise age for United States Army reserve ?

Probably not, because the age limit is based upon the fact that 42 is the latest you can enlist and still retire at 62 with 20 years of service. There may be organizations out there lobbying to raise the retirement age, that would be a separate issue. I do know that there is an effort to lower the retirment age for Reservists, so they can get their benefits earlier. I'm not sure how that would affect the age limitations for joining. Note: the rules for senior officers are usually different on this sort of thing.

10. How do I get involved in lobbying?

And lobbyist get paid large amounts of money... also a plus. My company has hired lobbying firms in the past and a while back we hired a former lobbyist as our sales manager (her husband is now the only one lobbying in their family). It is 95% who you know... and 95% of the lobbyist in the U.S. live in Washington DC where the majority of the law makers are. It is possible to get a job with a lobbying firm, but the firms usually court past assistance to powerful elected officials who have connections or retired/former elected officials themselves (Senator John Breaux of LA makes a small fortune off the contacts he made as a senator for 18 years, Bob Livingston (former speaker of the house from LA - stepped down because of some scandal) has his own lobbying group based in DC). If you don't live in DC, I would suggest trying to get a job locally with a state senator or representative. The employ lawyers all the time to help write the laws for them that they then present to the rest of the representatives. Make connections (preferably bipartisan connections) however you can. Its all about networking and who you know.

11. How do I go about lobbying a 4 day work week for myself?

This might be a tough sell. The best business decisions benfit both parties. You need to find a way to present the new schedule, so that it's to the employer's advantage -- not just to your advantage. Perhaps the office can be open additional hours or there will be better coverage by you working 10 hours per day, 4 days per week. Approach your employer as I would be willing to stay after 5 pm (or come in early, or whatever) so we wouldn't miss those calls, if I only worked 4 days per week. Working from home one day per week is an even tougher sell. Many, many employers are reluctant to pay someone who is out of the office. If your work includes a monitoring system (for example, if they can see that you are logged in on the computer and working) then the employer might more readily agree. You can always ask, but chances are the employer will say no. Again, unless there is an advantage for them in the deal. One of the problems is that all too often, working from home really means not working. If you are willing to take a pay cut in return for working fewer hours, say so. You can also propose that the employer try the new schedule for 2 months. Then if it doesn't work out, you can go back to your current schedule. Present them with a proposal (preferably written) that outlines the advantages to this system for them, and details your responsibilities under it. Issues like who will pay for computers and office supplies have to be resolved. Employers sometimes agree to an alternate work schedule to keep a valued employee who has found a better job. But, don't try to bluff -- you're likely to end up with no job!

12. What's an entry level job title in a lobbying/government relations firm?

aide

13. Should Lobbying and Corporate Campaign Contributions be Outlawed for the good of preserving Democracy?

14. Can someone tell me the difference between bribery and lobbying?

it is dependent on whether it is friend or foe doing it.

15. What are the best techniques for lobbying at NY state captial?

With any lobbying, you need to find out exactly why each person you are going to speak to should support it. Don't just tell them why it is good, tell them why their constitutents will support it and support them. Remember, why should an upstate representative want to put money to the city instead of to their own district. Come up with a good answer to that and you're in business. You will probably meet exclusively with less-than-interested staffers, since most of the Legislators will be in session or off at other things. Don't let that get you down, and have materials with talking points to leave for them.

16. What lobbying groups are for the legalization of illegal aliens?

You mean La Raza

17. What are some interesting Lobbying Groups, and Cases?

I think Amnesty International is one of the best lobbying group. you may find more about them at http://web.amnesty.org/pages/aboutai_faq

18. Why does the media try to convince us that political lobbying is wrong?

This is a great question. Most people against lobbyists and special interests are probably not aware that lobbyists and special interest groups exist that are advancing their own personal beliefs. Take any policy stance, any one of them, and I promise you there is at least one interest group or lobbyist working towards that goal. Lobbying and special interests are the manifestations of people's access to politics. We do have access to our politicians, it's just that given the large populations, you need to construct a formidable group in order to be heard -- this is what lobbyists and special interests are. Lobbyists and special interest probably get a bad name because some of the more powerful groups have done some unsavory things. The tobacco lobbyists come to mind.

19. Who out there would be interested in lobbying for a none of the above button in the voting booth?

I just do not follow your reasoning. Why vote none of the above, when you can just stay home? It would be IMPOSSIBLE for either party or even independent parties to come up with ANYONE that would handle ALL the issues the way that most of the voters would want. It is up to the voter to decide which of the candidates sees the MOST IMPORTANT issues (the ones the voter thinks are the most important) as he sees them and vote accordingly. Needless to say, the party platform has a lot to do with how the candidate would handle the issues.

20. What are some Canadian interest groups that are lobbying gov't to regulate industries to reduce global warming

council of canadians canadian action party