Lobbyists Aren’t Evil... and One of Them Is Spilling the Beans

Lobbyists Aren’t Evil… and One of Them Is Spilling the Beans

So it turns out… lobbying isn’t just shady cigar rooms and backdoor deals to let billionaires pollute rivers in peace.

One actual lobbyist just pulled back the curtain and—brace yourself—it’s kind of wholesome? And exhausting.

They said they got into it thinking lobbying was sketchy too. But now? They're repping tribes, zoos, disability rights orgs, clean energy, and schools. Yes, actual schools and zoos. Turns out, it’s not just oil barons and pharma giants in the room.

What do lobbyists actually do?

Fight to get bills written, edited, and passed

Sit in endless committee meetings

Organize community days at the Capitol

Track thousands of bills every session (thousands!)

Maintain rock-solid reputations so lawmakers don’t ghost them

Apparently, if you lie in a meeting? You’re toast. Lawmakers will never take your calls again. So honesty actually matters—because the next lobbyist walking in might contradict you and blow up your credibility.

Sure, some clients are questionable (especially early in the career when you don’t get to say no), but the job is often about moving real policy that actually helps people.

So next time someone says “ugh, lobbyist,” remember: not all of them are pushing to deregulate asbestos.

Some are just trying to get funding for schools, protect tribal lands, or keep zoos running.

Plot twist: Lobbyists might actually be—dare we say—activists in suits.