Lobbyists Urge Candidates to Refrain From Attacking Lobbying Profession as a Campaign Tactic

While the League neither supports nor opposes any particular candidates, a key component of the association's mission is to promote the professional ethics, reputation and service of government relations professionals. We are concerned that political rhetoric can unfairly characterize government relations professionals by ignoring the overwhelmingly positive contribution these individuals make daily to the public policy process.

"It's unfortunate that as we begin the official campaign season, candidates are already using the lobbying profession to scare voters into supporting them, not only in the voting booth and but also through financial contributions," stated Paul Miller, League president.

"It is grossly unfair, and in fact hypocritical for any candidate to negatively portray the lobbying profession to generate votes and campaign contributions. If a candidate feels this strongly about his views, I would urge him to publicly agree to return any and all contributions received from either a lobbyist or his clients. One cannot unfairly portray our profession in a negative light simply to gain votes and then turn to us for financial support,' added Miller.

The text of the letter is below and will be posted on our homepage at www.alldc.org.

The text of letter sent to candidates from American League of Lobbyists' President Paul Miller follows:

Dear ________:

Established in 1979, the mission of the American League of Lobbyists is to enhance the development of professionalism, competence and high ethical standards for advocates in the public policy arena and to collectively address challenges which affect the first amendment right to "petition the government for redress of grievances." The American League of Lobbyists promotes ethical lobbying through our Lobbying Code of Ethics (A copy of our Code is enclosed).

We are writing major candidates for public office in light of several recent public statements concerning the lobbying profession. The American League of Lobbyists is a non-partisan and diverse organization which does not support political candidates. The American League of Lobbyists is concerned that political rhetoric can unfairly characterize lobbyists, ignoring the positive contribution they make daily to the public policy process.

Lobbying is an essential part of the American political process that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and one of the major ways that politicians are held accountable to the people. Lobbyists represent all points of view on the major issues that confront the country and the Congress - including environment, labor, the elderly, teachers, veterans as well as corporations.

We urge politicians to accurately describe this necessary and essential part of the public policy process.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Paul A. Miller
President

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Last updated: November 8, 2006