AT/LAN and AT Redux 1984


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By Jack E. Bobo, CLU, FLMI

One of the more important aspects of any legislative program is effective lobbying. Despite a lot of general knowledge of this activity, few people understand all the intricacies associated with lobbying. Even an appreciation of its true worth is hard to ascertain because it is so often demeaned.

The fact is, lobbying, in the usual context, is essential to the legislative process. When you consider the wide range of issues confronting lawmakers, and the enormous complexity of many of them, it is not hard to understand why outside help from informed sources is required. A lobbyist provides the lawmaker with specialized knowledge, albeit from the perspective of the particular interest being served by the lobbyist. Often it is necessary for legislators to weigh options expressed by many lobbyists before arriving at a proper course of action.

Sometimes lobbying addresses a single issue either in one episode or on a sustained basis. Addressing a single issue offers the lobbyist latitude not available to those who represent many issues on a continuing basis. Concentrating on one issue, particularly with a hit and run tactic, is, for the most part, a relatively simple process. However, when an organization has to monitor and speak to a great many subjects, and over many years, the job becomes extremely complicated.

Obviously if a lobbyist is to be effective then the message carried has to be believed. Credibility is the lobbyist's most important stock in trade. Credibility, in turn, can be maintained over a long period only if the lobbyist and the information being provided are reliable and consistent.

It is crucial in lobbying to be able to demonstrate that the public interest, the lawmaker's primary concern, is best served by the position being advocated.

Further complicating the process for an organization such as NALU is the importance of preventing a collision of objectives. Unlike the single-issue lobbyist, NALU is often dealing with many issues simultaneously. In such instances care must be taken to be sure arguments set forth to pursue one objective do not detract from testimony being made in respect of some other cause. For example, a delicate position may result when lobbying against increased taxes on insurance products or policyholders occurs at the same time testimony may be required in connection with balanced budget proposals.

Frequently, even a single piece of legislation may contain a number of separate issues, and this may necessitate establishing priorities. The insurance tax bill presently under consideration is a good case in point. Within this single bill, dozens of separate considerations must be analyzed from the perspective of all parties effected, a consensus or compromise must be reached, and then attested to in an effective way. Maintaining consensus and agreement among all the parties is difficult if discussions become protracted. Only rarely does a bill pass through a legislative body without change, and each proposed amendment starts the process all over again.

Moreover, no special interest can expect to prevail in all instances. For that reason it is crucial in lobbying to be able to demonstrate that the public interest, the lawmaker's primary concern, is best served by the position being advocated. Everyone likes to put his best foot forward, but in lobbying it is imperative.

On the other hand, we have all seen instances where issues were settled purely on the basis of raw political muscle. The reluctance of Congress to tackle sticky Social Security issues or to exercise economic courage is usually caused by the presence of powerful lobbying groups representing a large or very vocal constituency. Until such groups are opposed by equally determined voices, legislation will continue to favor the former groups.

I would guess that at various times NALU is engaged in many of the foregoing examples of lobbying. But regardless of our approach, there is always one common denominator in our activities. Above all else, we try to maintain the integrity of our testimony and remain steadfast in any commitments we make. Occasionally you may be successful violating this precept, but not on a sustained basis for the operative rule in Washington is: "Forgive and remember."

Open Book

Voices from the Field

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