American League of Lobbyists - Lobbying and You

Resource Materials

ABA Lobbying Manual, by William V. Luneburg, Thomas M. Susman and Rebecca H. Gordon, Editors — (Discount available for ALL Members) — A complete guide to federal laws governing lawyers and lobbyists. This easy-to-use guide, with examples and forms, answer both common and esoteric questions that might arise when lobbying the federal government. The book covers not only the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, but also includes comprehensive information covering the numerous federal statutes, regulations, congressional rules and ethics restrictions application to both lawyers and lobbyists. Available from the American Bar Association in Chicago, IL.

Lobbying and Advocacy, by Deanna R. Gelak — A thorough yet practical presentation of the profession’s body of knowledge, the book includes lobbying strategies, resources and methods for maintaining compliance and staying abreast of ethical and legal requirements, as well as step-by-step guides for communicating with policymakers. Available at http://www.LobbyingandAdvocacy.com.

The Lobbying Compliance Handbook, by Lobbyists.info — Set up in spiral notebook fashion, the book is a comprehensive summary of laws, rules and regulations governing lobbying at the federal level. Includes historical and “how to” information as well as over 300 pages of appendices of actual law language and forms. Available at www.lobbyists.info.

The Ethics of Lobbying: Organized Interests, Political Power and the Common Good — Published by the Woodstock Theological Center, the book is the result of a project exploring the purpose and method of ethics in lobbying, ethical challenges facing lobbyists, the integrity of the Democratic process and includes a hypothetical case study. Available from Georgetown University Press in Washington, DC.

Lobbying and Government Relations: A Guide for Executives, by Charles S. Mack (ISBN 0-89930-390-0) — Written for executives of corporations, trade associations, labor unions and other organizations, some of the information is outdated but the book still provides good information about the origin and history of lobbying, the environments affecting lobbying, and some of the types and techniques of lobbying. Available from ABC-CLIO Press at 1-800-368-6868, extension 1.

Testifying Before Congress, by William N. LaForge — A comprehensive new guide to preparing and delivering testimony before Congress and Congressional hearings for Agencies, Associations, Corporations, Military, NGOs and State and Local Officials. In 400 pages, LaForge prepares potential witnesses for every eventuality, including using actual briefings and rehearsals. The book delves beyond preparing testimony and witnesses into conducting a political analysis of relevant issues, committee members, timing and other related circumstances to ensure a thorough understanding and successful outcome. Information available at http://www.thecapitol.net/Publications/testifyingbeforecongress.html

Persuading Congress, by Joseph Gibson — This book is designed for executives and others who visit congressional leadership in Washington, and shows them how to make those visits effective. It is a practical book, packed with wisdom and experience. For less than the cost of a cab ride to the airport, executives can learn how to stop wasting their time when they visit Washington. http://www.thecapitol.net/Publications/PersuadingCongress.html

Washington Representatives, published by Columbia Books in Washington, DC (202-464-1662), provides a detailed listing of lobbyists registered at the federal level, along with the organizations they represent, addresses and phone numbers and the issues on which they work.

The Washington Lobby, published by Congressional Quarterly in Washington, DC (800-432-2250), provides information on lobbying in general, the laws relating to lobbying, use of political action committees and congressional ratings in lobbying, and nine case studies of effective lobbying campaigns.

Lobbying and Government Relations, published by Greenwood Publishing Group in Westport, Connecticut (203-226-3571), provides information about the origin and history of lobbying, the environments affecting lobbying, the types and techniques of lobbying and sources and resources available.

The Lobbying Handbook is a "hands-on" guidebook for lobbyists and aspiring lobbyists. Among other things, it discusses what lobbying is, how one becomes a lobbyist, what background is necessary, how to hire a lobbyist, how a lobbyist does his work. Visit http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/00593.htm to purchase this book from John Zorack.