7 tips for selecting a lobbyist
A selection of guidelines by Janet Swandby and Idaho state Sen. Nicole LeFavour
• It is important that your lobbyist considers communication and respect as the most important responsibilities he or she has.
• A good lobbyist should be an excellent communicator, which means both the written and spoken word – it is no longer enough to be a good schmoozer. Check their experience in the communications field, and ask for examples of their work.
• Be cautious in choosing a well-known and powerful lobbyist whose bread and butter rests on relationships with members of leadership who are deadly opposed to your issue or legislation.
• Likewise, be wary of a lobbyist who is aligned too closely with a political party, as they may have more limited influence with members of his or her political opposition.
• Select a lobbyist with a wealth of experience as an insider on Capitol Hill, as they will know the legislative process firsthand and base their advice on that specialized experience.
• Choose a lobbyist who can cite their experience working in coalitions. The lobbyist who can cite the compromises he or she has crafted, and list the clients who were happy with these compromises as references, should be given careful consideration.
• Comfort with your lobbyist is important, which often means a good translator. The lobbyist must be able to translate the nuances of the legislative process into terms that you can understand.
