GSPM Blog

How much of the debate on global warming is already tainted by money in the system?  

That was the question the Is There Really a Lobbyist Problem panelists addressed during the opening panel of today's discussion on Special Interests and Public Policy at the GSPM (you can join us throughout the morning at GW's Jack Morton Auditorium, 805 21st Street NW, Washington, DC). 

Panelists included Bob Edgar (Common Cause), Butler Derrick (Former Member of Congress, D-SC), Joel Jankowsky (Akin Group), and Dave Wenhold (American League of Lobbyists). 

Addressing the "Perception Problem"  

Today's panelists agreed that the lobbying industry faces a perception problem -- the perception that undue influence channels legislation in the wrong direction.

More than one panelists felt that "the whole lobbying community isn't bad just because one or two of its members are." 

Most Americans don't realize that they have a lobbyist looking out for their interests. Girl Scouts have lobbyists. Welders have lobbyists. Every American should participate in the system.

The government is doing something to you or for you every day, and that's why you need a lobbyist."  

Further, the panel argued, "Any lobbyist worth his/her salt has no problem putting his/her work in front of anybody. We all need to be registered, transparent, and open."

The entire system isn't bad just because one or two of its members are.  

Former Congressman Butler Derrick argued that during his tenure in public office, the biggest influences on him weren't lobbyists but the family and friends closest to them.  

Money and Elections 

The problem doesn't begin and end on K Street or in Washington, DC. Its roots  entwine throughout our entire electoral system -- beginning in the states. 

Several members of the panel argued that the rhetoric of campaigns has poured over into the rhetoric of governing -- and that a root of the perception problem exists in the way campaigns run.    

The perception problem starts with campaigns. If a political candidate were a product, Americans would never buy it because of all the negative things that happen as part of the campaign process.  

The panelists suspected that this perception problem will be exacerbated as long as Senate races cost $36 million.

Public financing is the only way you're going to cure the problem.

Creating Policy that Increases Openness and Transparency 

How do you address this issues? A few panelists felt that the problem will be partially solved through policies that create public financing of federal elections.

Most panelists felt that the Obama Administration's Executive Order on Ethics Commitments is a good start because it promotes dialogue and discussion about lobbying and ethics.

The executive order represents the DNA of Obama. He watched the system as a legislator. He understood how money works in politics. It's his first reaction to address the issue of access. What the lobbyist is looking for is access. People are buying access, and the people with the most money buy the most access.   

 The panel, however, felt that what the country needs is increased disclosure -- not complete prohibition of lobbying.  

Money plays a pernicious part of the system, but an executive order shouldn't prohibit a citizen from petitioning the government the way he or she chooses. Prohibiting that means that we're going too far.  

For example, said the panel, a system in which lobbyists disclose everything is far less corrupt than a system in which the CEO of a major corporation can have a private conversations with his or her Senator to talk about his or her industry after donating $50,000 to a campaign.  

In order for a lobbyist to have a seat at the table his/her views must be strong. Money shouldn't be part of the process. Increased disclosure on stimulus bill.  

As a first step, the panel recommended full disclosure of the stimulus bill, including completely open meetings.

The discussion will continue throughout the morning. For details, visit http://www.gspm.org/events/.

Push back? Questions, ping me at @JulieG on Twitter, and I'll make sure we put your questions in front of the speakers.