Lobbying 101
From April 2006
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Rees adheres to what she calls her 30-second rule: “It’s important to be focused and concise and to express your message in the time it takes to walk from a legislator’s office to the committee room because sometimes, that’s the only time you’ll have.”
“Expect to spend 15 minutes from ‘hello to goodbye,’” adds Darren Schwartz, former legislative aide to state Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach). “Give a brief statement of why you’re there, and then share a couple of case studies that pertain to the issue and be done halfway through the 15 minutes. Then, ask the member if he or she has any questions.”
Remember to bring and leave behind for future reference two sets of information; one for the legislator and the other for a staff member. “A lot of members will take the information to the floor to read down there; sometimes things don’t make it back, and the staffer is left with nothing,” Schwartz says.
Never Talk Money
On the “don’t” side, consider these pointers from former assemblymember, state senate candidate and lawyer Darrell Steinberg: “Don’t ever mix the conversation about legislation with campaign fundraising. Never expect the legislator to see it your way, but instead, understand that you’re there to make your case and know that the legislator will make his or her own decision.”
Rees also advises, “Do not threaten a legislator with words such as, ‘If you do not vote my way, I won’t support you.’ ”
Add to the list the sage wisdom of never arguing with a legislator who may be on the opposite side of your issue, because it may obliterate even the consideration of what you had to say.
The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest recommends asking the legislator what the next step is. Don’t feel intimidated, and don’t forget to thank the legislator and staff member for taking the time to meet with you. If there was a question you couldn’t answer during your meeting, get back to your contact with the information as soon as possible.
Continued...
“Expect to spend 15 minutes from ‘hello to goodbye,’” adds Darren Schwartz, former legislative aide to state Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach). “Give a brief statement of why you’re there, and then share a couple of case studies that pertain to the issue and be done halfway through the 15 minutes. Then, ask the member if he or she has any questions.”
Remember to bring and leave behind for future reference two sets of information; one for the legislator and the other for a staff member. “A lot of members will take the information to the floor to read down there; sometimes things don’t make it back, and the staffer is left with nothing,” Schwartz says.
Never Talk Money
On the “don’t” side, consider these pointers from former assemblymember, state senate candidate and lawyer Darrell Steinberg: “Don’t ever mix the conversation about legislation with campaign fundraising. Never expect the legislator to see it your way, but instead, understand that you’re there to make your case and know that the legislator will make his or her own decision.”
Rees also advises, “Do not threaten a legislator with words such as, ‘If you do not vote my way, I won’t support you.’ ”
Add to the list the sage wisdom of never arguing with a legislator who may be on the opposite side of your issue, because it may obliterate even the consideration of what you had to say.
The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest recommends asking the legislator what the next step is. Don’t feel intimidated, and don’t forget to thank the legislator and staff member for taking the time to meet with you. If there was a question you couldn’t answer during your meeting, get back to your contact with the information as soon as possible.
Continued...
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