Activist or lobbyist?
Monday's annual gathering at the state Capitol is commonly called "Lobby Day" because hundreds of Virginians trek to Richmond to make their case to legislators on a range of issues.
But there is a distinction between most of the grass-roots activists who descended on the Capitol on Monday and the paid lobbyists who roam its corridors throughout the session.
Under Virginia law, a lobbyist is a paid advocate for an interest group, trade association, company or professional organization. The lobbyist's job is to influence and inform elected officials and regulators, which does not always take place in a state office building. Lobbyists often entertain officials, treating them to meals, trips and gifts.
A lobbyist must register with the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Each year, hundreds register, greatly outnumbering the 140 members of the legislature.
Andrew Cain
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