Monday, January 29, 2007

Support for Grassroots Lobbying Disclosure

This Roll Call ($$) opinion piece explains why some lobbyists are pleased that grassroots lobbying disclosure is absent from the Senate bill. Grassroots lobbying actually weakens the link between lobbyist and lawmakers. "Requiring grass-roots organizations to register or compelling lobbyists to disclose when they assist groups in contacting fellow citizens would strip consultants of constitutionally guaranteed anonymity and would deprive organizations championing unpopular causes of skilled representation."

An editorial in this weekend's LA Times also describes some regret that the grassroots lobbying measure was not included. The piece asserts that lawmakers have a right to know if a campaign is orchestrated by a professional lobbyist.

It's a minimal burden on free speech in the cause of making the legislative process transparent and accountable. "AstroTurf" lobbying shouldn't be illegal, but neither should it be disguised as coming from the grass roots.