What is a Lobbyist?

The term “lobbyist” is often used in a negative context, particularly when discussing the involvement of political figures or big businesses. The term is often misunderstood, however, and surprisingly diverse. Lobbyists range from grassroots organizations to multi-million dollar corporations. Simply put, a lobbyist is a person or organization employed to influence legislative outcomes on behalf of a business, individual or organization.

Lobbyists in Action

When a lobbyist is successful, laws and regulations may be shaped or amended to favor a specific agenda. These changes often result in favorable outcomes for the person or organization who employed them. Lobbyists are most actively engaged during debates and legislative sessions, working behind the scenes to provide information and shape public opinion.

The Lobbyist-Politician Relationship

The relationship between lobbyists and politicians has grown quite polarized in recent years, but the two need one another. Without lobbyists, politicians may have difficulty understanding the effects their decisions will have on certain industries or organizations. Conversely, lobbyists benefit from the presence of politicians by having the ability to petition and introduce legislation which furthers their agenda.

The Chief Lobbyists

While lobbyists come in all forms, the chief or principal lobbyist is often the most well-known. These lobbyists often report directly to the business or organization which employ them, and carry the bulk of the responsibility. Many of these lobbyists are top government and business leaders, or well-known public figures.

Conclusion

The job of a lobbyist is an essential one, but it has become increasingly controversial in recent years. That being said, lobbyists serve a necessary purpose – providing information to governmental leaders and representing the interests of those who employ them.