Federal Lobbyist

Isn't a donation to a political campaign just a different name for a bribe? Surely there must be some implication that, if I donate $1M to your campaign, you'll introduce laws favorable to me?

Asked by Alexis almost 13 years ago

Actually, it's not the same as a bribe. Or at least it's not supposed to be. There are organizations in DC (like the Sunlight Foundation) that spend all their time looking for connections between political contributions and Congressional action. When they find it, they expose the Member of Congress and the political contributor. If that happens, the Member of Congress' career is done. Also, it's very difficult to prove a quid pro quo exchange. There are also limits to the amount of money that someone can donate to a campaign ($2500 for a primary, $5000 for a general election). Members of Congress will not risk their careers for such a meager payoff.

Do you ever just get sick of dealing with politicians all day? Having worked with so many for so long, do you think most are just completely full of it?

Asked by Sammy $$$ about 13 years ago

As long as you remember that politicians on every level are only in their own political self-interest, it isn't bad. The best way to lobby is to appeal to their self interest.

Do you have a lot of personal dirt on D.C. politicians?

Asked by Andy about 13 years ago

No. It's important for lobbyists to have good and honest relationships with Members of Congress and have a degree of trust. If I had personal dirt on a Member of Congress --- and I used it against him, I would lose my credibility on Capitol Hill.

Are lobbyists allowed to make political contributions?

Asked by brikhaus almost 13 years ago

Yes. But unlike everyone, lobbysits have to file reports with Congress twice a year detailing every political contribution they make. Also, many Members of Congress (and President Obama) won't accept contributions from lobbyists.

How can I get a female off her charges of violation of probation when the whole start of the problem was not dealt with properly to begin with.. the woman has already lost a thumb and almost raped and now she failed 1 pee test because her daughter

Asked by Chad DeWeese over 8 years ago

Everyone's talking about how "powerful" the NRA lobby is. What are generally considered to be the most powerful or influential lobbyist industries in the country?

Asked by James almost 13 years ago