Lobby of Lobbyists
The Practice of Lobbying
Lobbying, in one fashion or another, is as old as government itself. Yet the term “lobbying” is of rather recent origin. There are competing explanations for how the term began. While some claim that “lobbying” began with President Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), who was fond of talking politics while on visits to Washington’s venerable Willard Hotel, the more plausible explanation is that it originated in the Halls (“lobbies”) of the British Parliament.
The Revolving Door
Open Secrets is a study that has been conducted to expose those who have been through the revolving door, including former congress members, congressional staffers, and many more.
Lobbying has become a term of reproach, as if it were improper to push for a particular belief. This has happened because of paid lobbyists whose opinions are for hire and the fear that decision-makers, whether politicians or officials, are susceptible to their charms and wiles. This has tarred entirely proper lobbying with the same brush.
Is Lobbying Good or Bad?
Lobbying is a multibillion dollar industry in the United States. Though it is legal, there have been times and places where it was banned (a Georgia law in 1877 banned lobbying). Lobbying is regularly used by powerful interests to amplify their voices in the halls of power. But lobbying also serves a practical function of providing decision makers with information and expertise on complex issues which they do not have.
Jack Abramoff
Former Lobbyist & Convicted Felon
As was one of the most powerful lobbyists in Washington, the breadth of Jack Abramoff’s criminal activity is often pointed to as emblematic of Washington excesses, particularly with regard to lobbyists’ access to the corridors of power.
Among other crimes, in January 2006, Abramoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy, fraud, and tax evasion related to a lobbying scandal which bilked several Native American tribes out of millions of dollars. Following four years of incarceration, in 2020, Abramoff pleaded guilty to additional charges, this time for his role in a crypto currency scheme.
Investigations into Abramoff’s extensive criminal activities have resulted in arrests and convictions of dozens of others, including many in government.
