The Lobby

The PPH examines the role of lobbyists in state government.

The newspaper's survey of state records found that more than two dozen lobbyists each earned $40,000 or more over the last eight months. Eight lobbyists reported earnings that exceeded $100,000, and two of them pulled in more than $200,000 apiece. [...]

[A]s political scientist Marvin Druker of Lewiston-Auburn College noted, the best lobbyists have the time, the experience and the expertise to assure that their clients are heard in the halls of power and that their arguments are presented effectively.

"It does tilt the playing field, to some extent," against those who have less money and are less well-organized, Druker said. He noted, though, that lobbyists are only one group in a system of checks and balances, not the least of which is the importance of public opinion as elections draw near. [...]

In Maine, [Umaine political scientist Amy] Fried said, "state government is extremely accessible" to everyone. Even so, "the lobby" has one undeniable advantage that John and Jane Doe will never have. "Most of us," Fried said, "don't have the time to go hanging around the State House."

Visit the new Maine Politics.