Introduction: Interest Groups and Lobbying in Texas
Overview
Introduction: Interest Groups and Lobbying in Texas
Chapter Learning Objective
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Evaluate the role played by interest groups in Texas
Introduction: Lobbyists are Important for Democracy
"Say you’re passionate about finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. You can try to be a lone voice in the wilderness, but chances are there’s a lobbying organization that can bolster your argument with research and facts, and the ability to get that info to people who make the decisions.
Critics like to slam lobbyists as stand-ins for special interests. That’s the funny thing about special interests. They’re easily dismissed as “special,” until they’re yours. Lobbyists represent all points of view on issues confronting the country: environment, labor, the elderly, veterans, but also privacy advocates, pet owners, and even online poker players. That’s the great thing about America.
Everyone has a voice, and lobbyists are an eﬀective way to get those voices heard."
Source: Brian Pallasch, former president of the American League of Lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Lobbyists are important for democracy [PODCAST]. February 13, 2008. American Public Media: Marketplace.