Hymel's Ten Rules
for
Dealing With Congressional Staff
Gary Hymel is a well-known student of the Congress
who earned his wings as Administrative Assistant to former Speaker of the House Thomas P.
O'Neill and as a lobbyist with Hill and Knowlton, an influential Washington public affairs
firm. Here are his ten "rules" for effective visits with
congressional staffers:
- Keep it short.
- Know the arguments on the other side.
- Document your position. Prepare a summary and
supporting papers. Leave them with the staffer.
- Promise (and keep your promise) to supply answers and
documents requested.
- Never threaten.
- If you see a member alone, make sure you follow-up
with a staffer.
- Tell them who your allies are, if you have any.
- Tell them why their members might be interested in
your position, from a local or issue-related point of view.
- If they agree, leave soon.
- As Representative Lindy Boggs says "Always say
please and always say thank you." The basic rules of courtesy apply.
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Last Updated: April 13, 1999 |