As presidential candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain both focused a significant amount of attention on the role of lobbyists and what they – the candidates – felt was their corrupting influence on the policy making process. Since his inauguration, President Obama has continued to pay public attention to the issue by severely restricting the ability of lobbyists to be appointed to positions in the administration, and by restricting employment possibilities in the lobbying arena for former administration officials.

The press has also been a source of much criticism of lobbying and lobbyists. A string of egregious corruption scandals surrounding the lobbying community has led the media to question the very purpose of lobbyists in the American democracy, as well as how lobbying is conducted. Following President Obama’s inauguration, the news media seems to have intensified its coverage of and commentary on these issues. If this perception is accurate, why has more attention been focused on lobbying? Has the coverage been objective or biased?

Join The Forum on Ethics and Leadership in Public Life at The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management for its first discussion on the right to petition and restrictions on lobbying. The forum will raise a number of questions including:

• Is there really a lobbyist problem?
• How can real change be invoked in Washington policy making in this realm?
• Does lobbying fit within the Constitution’s First Amendment right to petition the government for the redress of grievances?
• What limitations are appropriate?
• How can legislators and executive branch officials craft appropriate government policies toward lobbyists?

A wide range of presentations and reactions will be made by administration officials and public interest groups, as well as, representatives from Capitol Hill, the press, and the lobbying community itself.

The Forum on Ethics and Leadership in Public Life at The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management through a series of discussion colloquia will explore ethical issues affecting those who work in political and public service. Bringing together prominent individuals from public life with faculty, advisors, and students of The Graduate School of Political Management, The Forum will bring to the fore issues of ethics and professional responsibility in politics to stimulate greater understanding of and thought about the serious dilemmas facing the American democracy. We intend to explore both systemic and institutional problems and the behavior of individuals who work professionally in all aspects of public life. The Forum on Ethics and Leadership in Public Life is funded in part by the Paul O’Dwyer Fund for Ethics in Politics, a gift of Brian J. O'Dwyer.

GW's Graduate School of Political Management offers graduate programs in political management, legislative affairs, public relations, and PAC management, as well as international programs in Latin America and Europe. The school seeks to improve politics by educating students and professionals about the tools, principles, and values of participatory democracy; preparing them for careers as ethical and effective advocates and leaders at the international, national, and local levels.

For more news about The George Washington University, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org. For more information about the GSPM, visit www.gspm.gwu.edu.