Interest Groups & Lobbying Chapter Seven

Interest Groups in the Political Process Interest groups provide support for existing policies, support legislators in their electoral campaigns, and help to articulate ideas from which policies can be crafted. What is an interest group? An organization established to influence the government’s programs and policies Interest groups can be found in every level of government: local, state and federal The issues addressed can range anywhere from labor and agriculture to law and public interest groups. Can you think of any examples? MADD, TAMSA, AARP, NAACP, AFL-CIO, NRA, Sierra Club are just a few examples. Note: Not all interest groups are big and/or popular.

Reasons for Interest Groups Legal and Cultural Reasons Citizens have the right to organize for political, economic, religious and social purposes. There are thousands of interest groups today. Decentralized Government Power is divided between the national and state governments. This kind of structure allows for interest groups to flourish and strengthen. The Strength of the Party System and Political Idealogies Lack of strong and organized political parties gives rise to more interest groups and more elected officials depending on them. Public officials rely more on their constituents for issues, so they remain susceptible to the pressures of interest groups.

Resources and Strategies of Interest Groups Why is it important that interest groups strategize and have a set plan? Interest groups have members. How influential a group is can be dependent on the group of people it represents. Some people are more important than others, but quantity matters too! Interest groups have the ability to raise money. Few can donate a lot of money or many can donate a little bit. Interest groups have information about their members and about problems that concern their membership. This information is valuable to politicians, because they can use it to raise money or promote a specific policy objective. Many times, the first draft for bills introduced into the House or the Senate comes from interest groups.

Interest Groups & Democratic Politics Why is it important that interest groups strategize and have a set plan? Interest groups have members. How influential a group is can be dependent on the group of people it represents. Some people are more important than others, but quantity matters too! Interest groups have the ability to raise money. Few can donate a lot of money or many can donate a little bit. Interest groups have information about their members and about problems that concern their membership. This information is valuable to politicians, because they can use it to raise money or promote a specific policy objective. Many times, the first draft for bills introduced into the House or the Senate comes from interest groups.

Interest Groups & Democratic Party Interest groups need to act together in order to make a difference. It is more likely that a group of business organizations (or small groups) will influence policy more than individual citizens. Why? Resources, Money, etc. So interest groups need to give citizens an incentive to give back. Ex. AAA (roadside assistance, travel discounts) Upper-class business interests are more likely to be represented than lower-class minority interests. As difficult as it is to organize large groups for broad interests, is how strong and how much power that group can create. Narrowly-targeted interests are probably more likely to have any influence- why do you think this is?

Interest Groups & Democratic Party cont’d Business-oriented groups dominate Texas Politics and they have for a very long time. Ex. 8F Crowd: Group of business leaders that dominated Texas politics for almost 40 years. Elite, powerful, wealthy and pro-business. Lobbyists play an important role and get paid a lot money to influence politics on behalf of a group. What do you think is the role of a lobbyist?

Types of Interest Groups & Lobbyists Lobbyists: can be a full-time job or a contract job (hired for one specific issue). These folks are often hired by various interests groups and companies to influence the government. They can represent industries as well as professional groups. Ex. Teachers, lawyers, chiropractors, dentists, accountants, etc. Three Main Types: Economic Groups, Business Groups, Labor Organization Civil rights groups have been successful in both the legislature and in the courts through litigation. Consumer groups and public interest groups focus on issues like the environment, consumer issues and other general public issues.

Interest Groups Activities Each interest group is trying to get policies passed that are of interest to their specific group. The policymaker also benefits from maintaining a good relationship with the interest group. How? Help with campaigns, raise funds, obtain important information, Interest groups also help the general public learn about important issues so that they can make informed decisions. It’s always more beneficial to join an interest group to actually influence the government. The group is strong than the individual! Bundling: combining contributions Ex. Governor Perry & Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Interest Group Activities Cont’d Electioneering: participating in political campaign activities. Lobbyists spend a lot of money trying to entertain legislators in order to spend just a few minutes with them to make their point. This has been criticized in the past– why do you think that is? Ex. Dinners, golf, trips, guns, jackets etc. Private jet for Governor Perry: $14,580 so he can attend the Rose Bowl 36 North Texas lawmakers have spent $560,000 on travel and entertainment, $470,000 in living expenses, and $290,000 on food. Sometimes, a lobbyist is a former legislator. This makes a easier for them to have access to the legislators and maintaining long-standing and strong relationships. These are often the highest-paid lobbyists. In 2010, 65% lobbyists were former legislators. Texas has weak laws dealing with lobbyists.

PACs, Bribery and Unethical Practices Lobbyists in Texas represent mostly business interests. Interest groups often end up promoting the political interests of elected officials who support their viewpoints and oppose the interests of those who do not. Political Action Committee: a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns. These are created by the interest group. There have been many instances of bribery and unethical practices in the Texas Legislature- but no one really gets in that much trouble! Texas Ethics Commission is not that strong in Texas!

Another Side (Dark Side) to Lobbying Defeating opponents is much easier if you’re an incumbent because interest groups often back incumbents. This is because it is safer for them to use their money and resources on someone they’ll know they can count on to be a policymaker. Sometimes PACs give money to more than one candidate. This ensures that no matter who gets elected, the interest group will be able to maintain some level of influence. Dark money: political money where the donors of the money do not have to be disclosed. What do you think about this?