# 34 Lobbyists

Part 2

Objectives Describe the ways interest groups are funded. Discuss the impact of PACs, super Pacs and lobbying on policy making. Explain the difference between an iron triangle and issue network. Agenda Interest Groups & Funding slide/notes 60 minutes - Jack Abramoff Interest Groups share - activity HW – Study Guide

Foundation Grants Rockefeller Family Fund Ford Foundation Federal Grants & Contracts Not for specific lobbying but for projects an IG has taken up Direct Mail Asking for donations in the mail or online Techniques: teaser on the envelope, emotion, famous-name endorsement, personalization

Money is least effective way to influence politicians Little empirical evidence $ forces hand of politicians. Campaign Finance Reform Law of 1973 Restricted amount interest groups could give to candidates Creation of PAC’s  Rapid growth in PACs has NOT led to vote buying  More money available to both sides

 Candidates establish their own PACs  Challengers get more PAC $  Businesses split $ between two parties  PACs are mainly created by liberals mainly

1946 – Federal Regulation of Lobbying act Lobbying groups must register with the government and report contributions But … Defined Lobby as actors in direct contact with members of Congress Grassroots activity was not restricted No staff or department to review registration or enforce restrictions

Congress unanimously passed lobbying bill  Tightened registration & disclosure requirements  Broadened the definition of a lobbyist  Did not cover grass roots organizations (small donors)

People who spend 20% of their time lobbying People who are paid at least $5,000 in 6 months Corporations and other groups that spend more than $20,000 in any six-month period on their own lobbying staffs What do they do? Report 2x year Names of clients Income and expenditures Issues on which they worked

No gifts of any value from registered lobbyists or firms that employ lobbyists No reimbursements for travel costs from registered lobbyists or firms that employ lobbyists No reimbursement for travel costs, no matter the source, if the trip is in an part organized or requested by a registered from registered lobbyists or firms that employ lobbyists

As a result of Citizen’s United v FEC (2010) Supreme Court ruled that gov. cannot restrict independent expenditures by corporations or unions. Opened the door to super PACs Theoretically, super PACs cannot coordinate or make contributions directly to candidates Money = free speech “Uncoordinated” efforts with candidates, issue oriented Unregulated funds & undisclosed donors

 Former lobbyist and businessman  Republican National Committee National Chairman from 1981 to 1985 Republican National Committee  Top lobbyist for legal firms of Preston Gates & Ellis and Greenberg Traurig Preston Gates & Ellis Greenberg Traurig  Director of the National Center for Public Policy Research and Toward TraditionNational Center for Public Policy Research Toward Tradition  Convicted in ’06 for mail fraud and conspiracy  Served 3 yrs & 6 months of 6 year prison term Jack Abramoff: The lobbyist's playbook - 60 Minutes - CBS News Jack Abramoff: The lobbyist's playbook - 60 Minutes - CBS News

What kind of contact should lobbyists be allowed to have with members of Congress?

Alliances among bureaucrats, interest groups and congressional committees that form to promote a common cause. Particular area of governmental policy Strong & mutually supportive network “Insiders” and behind-the-scenes work %20Project/Iron_Triangle.html

How can you tell the difference between an iron triangle and an issue network?

Turn to your partner and share your interest group analysis. Each person should make notes on the back of the sheet. Find 2 other people to share with & take notes. What observations can make? What is surprising to you?

a. What is the fundamental goal of interest groups in the political process? b. What is the fundamental goal of political parties? c. How do interest groups support the goal of parties? d. For one of the forms you discuss in c., explain 2 different ways in which it helps interest groups achieve their fundamental goal in the political process.