PlaydoughsRepublic

How do you address the traditional mentality that lawmakers only care about their constituents and don't care about the broader consensus?

I got my start in a state legislature (intern) and am now registered both federally and in several states. For what it's worth, I was hired on a combination of personality and basic understanding of the process. They figured they could teach me the details of what I needed based on those two things.

Keep at it; with Congress being so slow, the national organizations are increasingly realizing the value of a strong state presence.

As a fellow lobbyist, thanks for doing this.

It also helps to have a technical background. Remember that a lot of Hill staff major in political science, law, etc and usually cover several portfolio issues. Lobbyists go in as the experts - both to advocate for policy and shape policy. Hill staff work their asses off, but they simply can't know the details of every single issue, both in terms of legislative background and also practical application.

Wanna be a science lobbyist? Have some science background. Same goes for econ / monetary policy issues; public heath / health care issues, etc.

Consider lobbyists the overtly friendly expert in the room.

Would you say you're more of a Jonah or a Dan?