What is Lobbying?
Lobbying is a routine part of American politics. Registered lobbyists work to influence legislators on policy issues with briefs, private meetings, and gifts.
In Mississippi, these gifts can range from a packet of almonds to an election party sponsorship or even free tickets to a football game. They can also be cash donations to a candidate’s campaign, favorite charity, or hometown. Federal law limits how much someone can donate to a campaign, but there’s no limit on lobbying.
Bribery vs. Lobbying: What’s The Difference?
Bribery, by definition, is a direct quid‑pro‑quo exchange: a payment made with the explicit expectation of receiving something in return. In theory, lobbying isn’t bribery because it lacks a guaranteed payoff.
A note on reporting:
All lobbyists register with the government and disclose their activities under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. These filings are the source of our data here, which allows us to track some of the money that firms invest in individual lawmakers. That being said, reporting requirements still leave a lot of room for secrecy.
Companies often hire lobbying firms to lobby on their behalf, and these firms don’t have to disclose who their clients are or what the reported expenses were used for. To get a full picture of how money influences politics, we need to change public records laws and require full transparency.
Take Action
The research above is a basis to map power and strategize towards a more democratic Mississippi. Below are ideas of how organizers, community leaders, and everyday Mississippians can translate the knowledge on this webpage into power for you and your people.
Talk to your neighbors.
Activism starts at the interpersonal level. Talk to your neighbors, family members, local shopkeepers and business owners about LobbyWatch MS. Did you learn anything new about the people who represent you? Did any of the information here surprise you? Outrage you? Share those thoughts and feelings with people in your network and consider what changes you want to see as a community.
Express public opinion.
Find out how your state or federal politicians receive public comment and express your concerns to them directly. Most politicians have a contact form, email address, or phone number on their official websites. Check their social media pages for future events where you could voice your concerns to them in person, too.
Boycott and divest.
Use the research above to create a power map for your area. Which individuals and/or companies influence political decision-making against the will of the people, and how are they financially vulnerable to the will of consumers? Identify key targets (an energy franchise, a local politician’s real estate business, etc.), rally your neighbors, and announce a public boycott until your community’s needs are met.
Vote (or, better yet, run for office).
Look up the next time your electeds are on the ballot. If they have a record of putting profits over people, show up to the polls and vote them out. If there’s an alternative candidate with a convincing commitment to represent the people of your district, campaign for that person and help them win. If there isn’t, consider running yourself.
Contribute to this database.
If you notice something missing on this webpage, have a well-sourced correction, or want to drop us a tip, let us know. Your message will be kept anonymous and confidential.