Decisions and Interest Groups

For Monday, read Lawrence, all (it is a short, easy-to-read book) and bring it to class.

On Monday, we shall do role selection.  If you cannot make it to class, ask someone to represent you.

On Wednesday, we shall have a guest speaker who will discuss legislative bargaining.

For your papers, do NOT worry about first and second readings.  Focus on key status steps (committee action, rules, floor votes) and patterns of support and opposition.

Foreign lobbying (pp. 382-83)

Russian influence in the news  DOJ: "He is actively peddling new lies that could impact U.S. elections after meeting with Russian intelligence officials in November."

Other covert means:

• Manafort
• Butina (and a postscript)

Overt means:

• Direct means
• Inirect means

Interest group ratings (375-76)

• HRC
• US Chamber of Commerce

Influence

• WHY WAS THE NRA POWERFUL? IT IS NOT THE PAC CONTRIBUTION (Note that NRA has gotten weaker) 
• Always think about the grassroots.
• How many households have guns?
• How many Americans are economically dependent on fossil fuels?  The industry itself and industries that depend on fossil fuels
• The "Daschle Loophole" -- his ill-fated HHS nomination
• Lobby numbers
• Deregistration 
• A graphic

• Think tanks
• Consultants
• Brookings and Qatar
• Recognition and awards
• Philanthropy
• Politicians' charities 
•  and government relations
• Rent-a-friend as deep lobbying
• Lobbyist cites letter that he ghost-wrote!
• A summary