March 5, 1999

Illinois Ag Leadership Program - National Travel

Washington D.C.

If you want to be a gunslinger, you need to shoot straight.

Panelists (l-r): Pat Souders, Bill O'Connor, Pat Wolff, Chris Guidry, Eric Vaughn, and Gary Baise challenged the class of 2000 to be effective lobbyists on Capital Hill.
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Gunslingers, as paid lobbyists are sometimes called, are best armed with facts and honesty. And shooting from the hip can permanently close a congressman's door to your message. Those were just some of the tips an expert panel shared with us in our final D.C. session.

"Top priority in any successful lobbying effort should  be to know your facts," says Eric Vaughn, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. His secret for tapping into the power on Capital Hill: "Work with staff in a short, concise way."

"After a visit, leave behind a one page position paper," suggests aid Chris Guidry. As legislative director for Congressman Ray Lahood, Chris is a busy man. A short summary gives him something to share with his own and other congressmen.

"Make it easy for lawmakers to do the right thing--the right thing being what you are lobbying for." That advice comes from Pat Wolff, senior director of government relations, American Farm Bureau Federation. Pat, and the entire Farm Bureau lobbying effort, were complimented by other panelists. Some other tips she gave: Know the person you are lobbying and the type of information they want. Also, understand timing. Get your points to staff when they need it."

"Individual constituent lobbyists can be very effective. But, many individuals are not effective because they aren't prepared," cautions Bill O'Connor, staff director for the U. S. House Committee on Agriculture. "If you lobby me, be prepared to answer questions I might have," he says. "But if you don't know the answer, never make it up or lie. Your credibility is your key to lobbying--don't lose it."

O'Connor, who has survived writing the last three farm bills says our methods need to change with the times. Ag can no longer count on exemptions from environmental laws, for example. You must arm yourself with a stronger technical base of information. The ethanol lobby has done one of the best jobs of using science to influence legislation.

Pat Souders, projects director to Senator Richard J. Durbin agrees that individuals can be strong lobbyists. "It's valuable for us to hear your personal story on how legislation affects you," he says. Also, Illinois congressmen and senators are in a strong position to help agriculture right now. Souders says that is due to excellent committee assignments. In addition, our entire state delegation meets on a regular basis so farm friendly members can influence urban members on issues. He also says we need to lobby non-farm lawmakers. 

Gary Baise, an Illinois native, has worked both sides of the fence in Washington. A pioneering attorney in the area of environmental law, he told us "I don't lobby government, I sue them." Taking a page from environmental groups' strategies, he touched on how his law firm plays hard ball to protect agriculture and manufacturer groups interests.