A political cartoon depicts a common perception of lobbyists in Washington. Lauren Drell/MNS
WASHINGTON—Lobbyists. According to Merriam-Webster, they’re a group that conducts activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation. But on Capitol Hill, it’s a loaded term, one teeming with connotations.
In 2009, nearly $3.5 billion was spent to lobby in Washington with the help of 13,754 registered lobbyists, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Indeed, lobbyists aim to effect policy change and influence Congress to vote a certain way on a certain bill. But that doesn’t mean they’re a bad lot.
Take, for instance, Ellin Nolan. She’s president of Washington Partners, a public affairs firm that focuses on education. Her goal is to help schools and nonprofits get the funding they need to make sure children are well-educated and are exposed to quality teaching.
“We’re very mission-driven,” said Nolan of her team, which comprises educators, public relations experts, lawyers and former journalists. They gather data and evidence to convince lawmakers that a given program is worthy of federal investment.
This month, a House Appropriations subcommittee hosted 40 witnesses from health care, labor and education groups to testify, in an effort to maintain or grow their funding for fiscal year 2011. Sharon Washington, executive director of the National Writing Project, was one of those witnesses. And the NWP is happy to work with Nolan and Washington Partners as its advocate.
“I think people really underestimate the importance of lobbyists” and other advocates who help members of the public convey their messages to elected officials, Washington said.