Reality Check: Lobbying vs. Pay-to-play

Let’s be clear about one thing: There is a big difference between lobbying and currying political favors, or buying votes. Lobbying is the act (or art) of providing information to legislators to educate them about issues and try to convince them to vote in certain ways. After doing research, and hearing from interests (even lobbyists!) on various sides of an issue, the legislator ultimately decides what action she will take. She may be advised, guided, or cajoled by lobbyists, but she weighs the information and acts accordingly. A “pay-to-play” arrangement, on the other hand, is the direct exchange of goods and/or services for political influence. In return for something of value (golf outing? European vacation? home repairs?), a legislator commits to voting according to the wishes of the “gift-giver.” The legislator gives up her own decision-making powers and judgment and turns it over for some personal benefit.

The corruption we need to rid government of is what essentially equates to bribery, not lobbying. Have some lobbyists engaged in such improper—and illegal—behavior? Unfortunately, yes. Is that what most lobbyists do? Certainly not. The vast majority of lobbyists represent a cause (like fighting AIDS or cancer or eliminating poverty or improving the quality of education) or industry (like lawyers or doctors or home builders) and make the best case for why their cause or industry should benefit or not be made to suffer through some legislative proposal under consideration. What’s wrong with that? What’s so bad about providing facts and figures, telling stories and making points? It’s up to our elected legislators to make the ultimate decision and decide the best outcome. Shouldn't they hear from all sides of the discussion?

Do some lobbyists have more access than others? Yes. We may live in a democracy, but some people will always have more clout than others. Legislators will always have a brain trust of individuals who they listen to, regardless of the amount of regulations placed on lobbying activities. In fact, lobbyists serve to expand that brain trust—to provide more voices and different perspectives and additional angles. At their best, lobbyists challenge legislators to rethink their assumptions and the status quo. Lobbyists are not mere puppeteers, pulling the strings of our marionette legislators. I hope we have elected more honorable people than that.