In reality, everybody in Congress is a stand-in for some kind of lobbyist. In many cases it's difficult to tell whether it's the companies that are lobbying the legislators or whether it's the other way around.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The corporate lobby in Washington is basically designed to stifle all legislative activity on behalf of consumers.
I am not a lobbyist. I am not a political activist. I am not a leader, as far as I'm concerned.
There are a lot of people in Congress who would never have made a great career or fortune in any other profession. But after they spend a while hanging out with the rich guys, they begin to feel they've been undervalued, and that an eventual seven-figure income as a lobbyist isn't just an opportunity, it's their due.
There are good people in the lobbying industry. Lobbyists can serve a very useful purpose.
I have had lobbyists, and I have had some very good ones. They could do anything.
I want to make it clear that the lobbying sector does an important job. It is very useful to the government to hear the views of a broad range of groups to make sure we get the best.
I'm not a lobbyist.
I have seen the times when the grassroots has moved the Congress. We listen way more often to our constituents than the lobbyists. And the grassroots are going to have to do it.
Too often government responds to the whispers of lobbyists before the cries of the people.
The corporations don't have to lobby the government anymore. They are the government.