- A lobbyist is someone who works to influence the decision of members of government in the executive and, particularly, the legislative branches in ways that are favorable to the clients of the lobbyists and their causes. Lobbyists work on behalf of special interest groups, industry associations, large corporations, non-profits organizations and private clients. Lobbyists can be found at every level of government: federal, local and state. When most people think of lobbyists, they think of federal lobbyists who lobby members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Lobbyists divide their time between meeting and checking in with their clients and meeting with and persuading lawmakers and their staff.
- A lobbyist spends a good portion of his workday meeting with clients or scheduling meetings with clients. The meetings can be in person or over the phone and in conference calls. During these meetings, clients typically convey expectations and interest in current legislation or some government regulation they are interested in.
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The most significant part of a lobbyist's work day is doing actual lobbying. Lobbyists usually meet with lawmakers and their staff, and other government officials to accomplish this and it takes different forms. A breakfast meeting with a senior senate staffer, a lunch meeting with the chief of staff of a congressman's office, and a face-to-face with a senator in his office are all ways lobbyists try to get face time with lawmakers and persuade them to vote a certain way on a certain bill.
Lobbyists spend most of their time outside the office and theirs is not a standard work day or a 9 to 5. Their days start as early as it is necessary to meet with a person in power that can make a decision that affects their client - even if it is an early morning tennis match or breakfast, or dinner or late-night drinks.
Many lobbyists are former staffers of Capitol Hill or the executive branch and are involved in lobbying their former colleagues or bosses, hence the term "revolving door." - The issue of lobbyists and their influence on legislation became more popular after the corruption conviction of former lobbyist, Jack Abramoff. Lobbyists were also scapegoated in the 2008 presidential election campaign, as they were blamed for much of what is wrong with Washington. Some would argue that the idea of lobbying is intrinsic to American democracy, as any individual or group is supposed to be able to present their points of view to their elected officials.
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