The result is that lobbying and campaign contributions often go together. According to John Wright, a political science professor who studies lobbying, scholars, and politicians acknowledge some connection between PAC money and lobbying. Nancy Watzman, research director for Public Interest, a 150,000-member organization that Ralph Nader founded in 1971, says the influence of PAC and lobbying money on the political process concerns her organization. What concerns us is how money can pervert the system. Congressional insiders concede that money can indeed open doors on Capitol Hill, but that doesn't mean Congress is the hostage of special interests.
Industry lobbyists see nothing wrong with being labeled a special interest group.
Environmental groups are representing the best interest of their membership. Almost every American has some organization or somebody in Washington, DC representing their interests, whether they are young or old, a homemaker, a veteran, an environmentalist. . . . People who think lobbying is bad don't stop to think that they have somebody in Washington representing them. Still, many industries and trade associations seem to be shy when it comes to talking about environmental lobbying. Several industrial organizations declined to be interviewed, including the API, CMA, and the Chlorine Chemistry Council.