It’s time to discuss lobbyists

For example, a problem is brought to you for a potential solution. The issues surrounding this problem are complicated, various, and complex. A quick and efficient way to get up to speed is to call in the lobbyist representing this group or concern. Let them explain the issue and its resolution from their perspective. They know the nitty-gritty and can supply the most truthful information.

Spending quality time with a good lobbyist will reveal the nature of the issue, the problems faced, and possible solutions.

If there are two sides to an issue, call in the lobbyist representing the other point of view as well. Now I have the perspective of both sides with no conjecture from the news or other outside sources and am better informed to decide what my action will be.

Perhaps it’s the old farm broadcaster kicking in. Get the facts and then report them accurately. This thought process is very effective when considering legislation.

Good lobbyists are honest and know they cannot deliberately misrepresent an issue. If they do, that word spreads amongst Congressmen faster than a West Texas grass fire with a 40 MPH wind! Once a lobbyist’s creditability is destroyed, that person will be driving a taxi or working in the cafeteria at the airport.

I meet some excellent lobbyists representing groups and beliefs they feel passionate about.

However, some groups, causes, or companies should never have wasted their money hiring a law firm or public relations outfit to talk to me about their problem. The group knows its issues better than some hired gun.

People without a full-time lobbyist and a troublesome issue would be far better off just seeing me in person.

Before leaving lobbyists for another subject, grab another cup of coffee, and pull your chair up close for another of Jim’s Quick History Lessons.

The term “lobby” traces back to February 12, 1777, when it appeared in a newspaper named “The Public Advertiser,” printed in London, England. The word’s usage applied to members of government and private-sector folks who met in the lobbies of hotels to have discussions. These lobby meetings, I assume, are because of a lack of an elected official’s office space.

In the United States, two stories compete regarding who coined the term “lobbyist.”

Story number one states that the term lobbyist is the name given to the people who came to the Willard Hotel’s lobby to catch President Lincoln for a bit of chat regarding their issue.

Story number two tells a similar tale; however, the President sitting in a comfortable chair with a cigar in one hand and a brandy in the other was Ulysses S. Grant.

Lincoln was President from March 4, 1861, thru April 15, 1865. Grant served as President from March 4, 1869, until March 4, 1877.

The choice, however, is yours to make. The US was still a free country when this book was written.

Learning the ins and outs of various legislation affecting my district and state is very important to me. However, sitting down and reading the hundreds to thousands of pages in each Bill is impossible. The time required is enormous. It’s time I do not have. Add to my time restraints, the Democrats have a habit of dumping sizeable bills on us quickly before a vote.

But in 1985, to the rescue was my Legislative Director, Christie Smith. As mentioned earlier, Christie is in DC working on Nebraska Congressman Hal Daub’s staff. Hal knows the tremendous learning curve, or should I say mountain to climb, I am facing and just gives me Christie to hire! Not only did Hal teach me how to debate during my first campaign, but now he is offering one of his top staff people to get me started on the right foot. My respect for and gratefulness to this man are unmeasurable!

After leaving Congress, Hal ran for election and won the Mayor of Omaha’s job. He rebuilt blighted areas, creating a beautiful parkway leading to the airport that eliminated a rusted-down manufacturing plant, old deserted warehouses, and just nasty, broken-down buildings that stood along the roadway for years.

Hal obtained funding for a new Federal Building replacing the old worn-out building that had served the Omaha and western Iowa area for years. He built a new first-class baseball park. Omaha has hosted the College World Series for years. I could list several more pages of items Hal created for the good of Omaha.

Hal Daub is what a genuine public servant should be. With all he did for the city of Omaha and his time in Congress, he never enriched himself in any way other than gaining the respect and trust of the thousands of people he represented.

Speaking of enrichment, no one serving in Congress or the Presidency should ever leave their elected jobs with a net worth higher than when they came in. You better have an excellent criminal lawyer check them out if they do. They have done something illegal. They have not been honest public servants.

Former President Harry Truman said it the best: “You can’t get rich in politics unless you’re a crook.”

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This is just one of the many personal stories in my book "Climbing Mountains with God."You can purchase "Climbing Mountains With God" on Amazon.com and get it shipped directly to you.

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You can Venmo me for an Autographed Copy for $15.00 + $5.00 (S&H) = Total $20.00. Be sure to include who you want the book autographed for and a return shipping address!

Stay tuned. There will be another short story from my book coming next week.