Frequently Asked Questions

1. Results - Hiring a lobbyist is one of the most important and effective steps you can take for your group to advocate for your issue. There is no replacement for having representation in the center of political influence, advocating for your interests with a daily presence at the state capitol and city hall. Having a full-time representation builds your credibility and demonstrates your commitment to your issue.

2. Cost Effective - Information gathered with real time technologies and the knowing background on stories and issues will help you make decisions with the best available knowledge.Gathering information on who to talk to, where to find them, when to meet them,and what to say, is time and labor intensive and is often not cost effective for many groups or individuals. A lobbyist can have this information in advance of your retaining their services and can advocate for many clients at one time.

3. Knowledge is power - and knowing the political landscape is crucial for your organization, company or industry. Political Consultants provide important services such as legislative knowledge,contacts, the skills of negotiations and consensus-building. Knowing which elected or appointed official to contact for your specific issue. Knowing who to communicate with gets results. Knowing people and personalities, party leaders,committee chairpersons and their staff is half the battle. Lobbyists like PPA are experts in this area. 

4. Relationships- A good lobbyist can be counted on to have the relationships and network of contacts through government meeting attendance and membership on local community and charity boards along with good political party participation. Moving elected officials and agency staff with impassioned pleas requires someone in the presence of legislators, smoothing corners and making connections on your behalf.

5. Experience with government process, such as grassroots, “grass tops”, political campaign issues and candidate issues helps a lobbyist understand elected officials particular and specific challenges. Whether your organization needs a government grant, a government contract or departmental intervention, an experienced lobbyist understands politician’s obstacles to getting intervention and resolution for your issue.

6. Marketing - Experience with marketing, advertising and/or public relations can prepare a lobbyist for the many ways a client can communicate their message to the public, elected officials, or other key decision makers  can assist with you identifying your target audience, as well as assist you with developing your message.
 

7. Reputation – Above all an excellent lobbyist hasa good reputation in their community and good relations with individuals. A lobbyist with a good reputation, choosing reputable clients with rationalissues, charging reasonable rates, can act ethically on their client’s behalf. Lobbyist can make appropriate political contributions and report logicalexpenditures for meals, travel and entertainment, to regulating agencies whileseeking effective action for your issue and helping you achieve your group’s goals.