Jack Abramoff Quotes

“Lobbyist” has been a dirty word in politics for a number of years.

Too many terms corrupts politicians so they only want to be reelected.

The reason that lobbyists are so corrupt is that government is too big.

I needed the good will of the legislatures of four states. I formed the legislative bodies with my own money. I found it was cheaper that way.

Since the breakdown of party discipline, lobbyists have been able to pick off those members [of Congress] most strapped for cash.

Saxby Chambliss spent over $100,000 of leadership PAC money to play golf…. Even after a politician leaves office he can use leadership PAC money to enhance his lifestyle….The irony is that the leadership PAC concept was intended to help other members of the party to get elected to office.

The average American doesn't realize how much of the laws are written by lobbyists.

In reality, everybody in Congress is a stand-in for some kind of lobbyist. In many cases it's difficult to tell whether it's the companies that are lobbying the legislators or whether it's the other way around.

The number one lobby that opposes campaign finance reform in the United States is the National Association of Broadcasters.

There’s a real fundamental need for us. You think we have a bad system now? Without us lobbyists, just see what kind of government we would have them

I noticed that the highly organized lobbies in Washington were producing results regardless of the justice or injustice of their demand.

The principal reasons that special interests can extract their price from government is money .... Those who do not accept money from PACs are those who have other sources.

When I have to choose between voting for the people or voting for the special interests, I always stick with the special interests. They remember. The people forget.

Members of state legislatures are owned by doctors and lawyers. That's why workers' compensation cannot be solved.

When you buy a Presidential candidate, you buy his party and you buy 20,000 appointees you never heard of.

Corporate power in the political process is a reality.... Why violate the law by bribing public officials when there are legal and more traditional methods of persuasion that are more effective? Among these methods are campaign contributions, advertising, lobbying, and government-business job exchanges.

The men and women who now run for Congress have special features. Most of them are much wealthier than their constituents. Surprisingly few have strong policy interests or experience. Most are willing to spend a day or two or three each week asking strangers for money on the telephone, a demeaning but obligatory exercise. Most have internalized an ethical code that allows them to solicit campaign contributions from people directly affected by legislation they vote on. This is not rare or even unusual — it’s standard

I think members of the legislature, people who have to run for office, know the connection between money and influence on what laws get passed.

Senators who once supported common-sense legislation have gone silent as stones under the threat of the polluters' spending.

Government unions should not be allowed to influence the public officials they are lobbying, and sitting across the bargaining table from, through campaign donations and expenditures.

The power of incumbency and the power of money is just overwhelming.

Lobbying has become a term of reproach, as if it were improper to push for a particular belief. This has happened because of paid lobbyists whose opinions are for hire and the fear that decision-makers, whether politicians or officials, are susceptible to their charms and wiles. This has tarred entirely proper lobbying with the same brush.

A lot of what is preventing us from getting things done on the federal level is that there is too much influence from special interests over members of Congress.

Congress continues to pass laws to limit lobbyists' influence, but people find ways to get around them.

When you go to a political convention, the best place to spend time is at the numerous parties put on by lobbyists. And you don't go for food. You go to beg for money.