Rules of the Game
Alan Rosenthal
Third House
Chapter 5
Rules of the Lobbying Game
Variables that can effect lobbying:
1) State Cultures: from Professional to Populist to Traditionalist
2) Strength of Interest Groups: Varies by States Political pluralism has
been expanding…at the state level. No longer the case that a few
interests dominate state politics.
3) Economic Condition of States: Looming Deficits Effect Lobbying
Rules of the Lobbying Game
The Structure of the Legislature (80)
Modernization/Professionalization of State legs:
State legislatures have become more professional, independent, and
powerful in relation to the governor’s office.
Rules of the Lobbying Game
The Structure of the Legislature (80)
Lobbying and Professionalization: Careerism in Legislature (81)
In most states, legislative work has become a full time job, and they have
become obsessed with reelection. This has changed lobbying, but
Rosenthal does not mention money.
Fewer legislators are lawyers, and business professionals…The shift from
citizen to professional legislature has hurt business interests. Legislature
is no longer a good old boy-business network.
Rules of the Lobbying Game
The Structure of the Legislature (80)
Lobbying: has Become More Diverse (82)
Lobbying and Legislative Staff
The rise of a professional staff has meant that lobbyists in many states
have to engage with staff as much as legislators. It has also undercut the
role lobbyists used to play as the principle source of information on bills.
Rules of the Lobbying Game
Elements of the Process (83)
Lobbyists need to know the legislative process in their states inside and out.
Examples: (84-85)
1. Differences Between House and Senate: Cultural, Institutional, Across
States
2. Work Schedules: Pace of Schedule (heats up near the end)
3. Procedural Variations: Bill limitations, for example
Rules of the Lobbying Game
Politics and Power (86)
Partisanship: Become More Acute in State Legislators
Campaigning: Permanent Feature of Legislature Culture
What about lobbyists and money?
Rules of the Lobbying Game
Lobbying and Partisanship:
Whoever controls the legislature, that is, which party essentially determines
which lobbying groups and interests will be favored.
Q: Which Party is better for lobbyists? Which Party is better for which
lobbyists?
Power in Legislature: Become More Dispersed
Lobbyists cannot simply focus on the powerful: they have to deal with
virtually every legislator in some states.
Rules of the Lobbying Game
Lobbying and Partisanship:
Whoever controls the legislature, that is, which party essentially determines
which lobbying groups and interests will be favored.
Q: Which Party is better for lobbyists? Which Party is better for which
lobbyists?
Power in Legislature: Become More Dispersed
Lobbyists cannot simply focus on the powerful: they have to deal with
virtually every legislator in some states.
Rules of the Lobbying Game
Changing Times (94)
Culture, Lifestyle of Legislators and Lobbyists has changed. There is a lot less
“winning and dining” and after hour entertaining.
Ethics Laws and Legislation:
Tightened Ethics Laws and Legislation has place severe restrictions on
the amount of money legislators can accept.
Rules of the Lobbying Game
The Effects of Regulation (99)
Lobbyist Ethics (102)
Professionalized:
Higher ethical standards