Profiles and stereotypes of lobbyists in Oklahoma

Abstract

The authors surveyed registered Oklahoma lobbyists by mail during the winter, spring, and summer of 2006. The results were used to develop a preliminary picture of lobbyists and lobbying in Oklahoma. The responding lobbyists evinced political attitudes typical of the Oklahoma political culture of several years ago. Their incomes are lower than lobbyists in other states although their education levels are at least as high. The proportions of minority and female lobbyists are lower than in the population and electorate. They do compare favorably with lobbyists in other states. Lobbyists are often stereotyped as too numerous, too moneyed, too powerful, and too little concerned with the public interest. Oklahoma lobbyists are not as numerous relative to legislators as lobbyists are in most other states. By several attitudinal indicators, they do not see lobbyists generally as too powerful. However, Oklahoma lobbyists are increasingly concerned about the power of money in lobbying and about professional ethics.