Effective coalitions for coalitions
Mar 20th, 07
By: John Breaux
Contributed to The Hill
Washington, D.C., is the only place I know in America where it's necessary to have an association for associations!
There are thousands of organizations that represent just about every interest that exists in America - each a "special
interest" for the people it represents. Some may wonder, "How did we get where we are today? Why is it necessary for
hundreds of organizations to exist to represent Americans in Washington?"
The same question might be asked about the more than 35,000 registered lobbyists that every day argue for the various
positions citizens take on thousands of issues. Many said to me during my 30-plus years in Congress, "We don't hire
lobbyists: I have a congressman and senator."
The reality is that these organizations and lobbyists are a real part of the democratic legislative process. Associations are
merely a structural means for individuals and companies with similar interests and purposes to band together and
support one another. It certainly is a smoother and more effective operation than if 50 or more voices were all arguing for
the same principle without any coordination.
Lobbyists are voices for those who want to have their point presented before Congress. The fact is, most people don't
have the time or opportunity to personally visit their congressman or senator. Many don't have the wherewithal to travel
to Washington to speak to a congressional staff or to testify publicly before congressional committees. They are busy
working at their jobs every day, taking care of their children or aging parents.
But as AFL-CIO or the Chamber of Commerce members, citizens know these advocacy organizations will be there for
them. If they're farmers, the Farm Bureau or the other farm groups will be their voice. If they are concerned about the
environment, there are numerous organizations they can join to be assured their views will be aggressively represented
in the halls of Congress.
If they want to support candidates for office who agree with their political philosophy, whether liberal, moderate or
conservative, but have no idea who the candidates are, then they can join a political action committee (PAC). Through
their PAC they can be assured that the money they contribute will go to support candidates who represent their
philosophy of government.
For those who view PACs as nefarious organizations designed to undermine good government, I've always said, "Were it
not for PACs, many Americans would never have the time to analyze candidates, read their materials or have the chance
to interview them in person. PACs do that for millions of Americans, and allow citizens to participate in the democratic
process in ways they otherwise could not."
Since I left the Congress, I have proposed the formation of coalitions of coalitions to focus more resources on broad
policy issues such as healthcare reform, energy and taxation. What I am suggesting is the establishment of working
groups comprised of many separate associations that have common goals and principles on important issues. United,
these groups can become more powerful and more effective than they could be acting alone.
As an example, after Congress passed the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill, I worked with colleagues at my firm to form
the Prescription Drug Network. I realized that this new program could provide wonderful benefits to our nation's seniors,
but that it could be confusing if not properly explained. We formed a coalition of about 80 separate groups that came
together for a single purpose - to help explain on a national scale the benefits of the Medicare Drug Program and how
seniors could take advantage of it.
By pooling all of the interested coalitions, we were able to get exposure in the print media, radio and television, attend
town hall meetings and host public forums around the country. Each organization contributed the resources it could to
create a true national effort. Almost none of our members could have done so much individually, but acting together they
become incredibly effective.
I believe that this example of a successful effort will be replicated in the future. Coalitions of coalitions make sense - it's a
matter of people with common ideas and goals realizing that working together actually works.
John B. Breaux is senior counsel at Patton Boggs LLP. He served in the Senate from 1987 until 2005, and in the House
from 1972 to 1987.
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