Still, legislators say they need lobbyists to help them sort through the thousands of often-complex bills and resolutions introduced each session. But they expect lobbyists to give an honest accounting of all sides of an issue, including any potential political hazards back home. Not all lobbyists are alike. Typically, a lobbyist is a lawyer or full-time lobbyist who has several clients, but others are employees of the companies or associations they represent at the legislature. Others lobby for local and state government agencies and for public and private colleges and universities.
Some lobbyists are volunteers for their causes.
Almost 1,500 people registered to lobby last year. Charles R. Duvall Jr., owner of Lindl Corp., another Richmond lobbying firm. James W. Hazel, vice president of Vectre. All but Duvall work for the firms that made the most money from lobbying last year. He doesn't talk much.