Blog 2.1: The Revolving Door

1. According to the research, who is more likely to become a lobbyist, a member of the House or the Senate?

Members of the Senate are more likely to become lobbyists.

2. Why were Congressmen less likely to become lobbyists in the 1970s and 1980s?

In the 1970s/80s, the lobbying industry was not as big and lucrative as today. 

3. Why does this research likely underestimate the revolving door?

The research only accounts for lobbyists who are registered, and many Congressmen prefer to go unregistered while still doing things that resemble what lobbyists would do. 

4. Why do you think committee chairmen are more likely to become lobbyists?  

Chairmen are more likely to become lobbyists because they most likely have the most connections and power. 

5. Does the author think that registration requirements help prevent former Congressmen from lobbying?  Why?

Tightening restrictions of the revolving door may have lowered the number of former members and staffers registering as lobbyists, but n the end, they all will find a way to lobby without having to register.

6. What is the difference in money spent on lobbying between "public interest lobbies" and corporations?

Corporations spend 34 times the amount public interest lobbies spend.

7. Which of those two groups are the Congressmen more likely to work for?   Why?

Congressmen are more likely to work for corporations because they will a significantly higher amount of money for the lobbying than public interest lobbies.