What is a Lobbyist?

What is a Lobbyist?

By Sydney Laney - Eastside

What is a lobbyist? According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, a Lobbyist is “one who conducts activities aimed at influencing or swaying public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation” (2014). In the Virginia General Assembly, Lobbyists attempt to influence legislative action. The most common way Lobbyists do this is through oral communication with legislative officials. Some Lobbyists lobby on behalf of certain associations and organizations.

In Model General Assembly the Lobbyists’ job is quite similar. They show their support for bills they take an interest in. They also face the task of researching these bills and providing a valid argument that supports their opinion. Jordan Harris, Randolph-Henry High School, stated: “essentially just providing facts to prove one side or another.” Caleb Moran, YMCA Arlington- Woodlawn, emphasized having: “sources that are trustworthy, like .gov.” Lobbyists talk in the committee offering up all the facts in order to persuade them before the vote is cast. They do lots of research and are the experts on the topic. Overall, Lobbyists use their voices as their tools to make a change and bring the facts.  

                        Jordan Harris (Left) and Caleb Moran (Right)

References:

“Lobbyist.” Merriam-Webster, www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/lobbyist.