My First Taste of Lobbyist Power

On November 29, 2022, I walked into the South Carolina Statehouse as an elected representative for the very first time.

Along with 26 other new legislators, I began what they call "freshman orientation." It was a full day and a half of paperwork, and procedures--signing forms for health insurance, filling out disclosures, listening to lectures, and being briefed on the ethics rules we were supposed to uphold.

It was also our first introduction to the House leadership, the staff, and the official responsibilities of serving as a legislator. Everything seemed straightforward enough--until the very end.

On November 30, we were told that a "special treat" awaited us. State vehicles were waiting, or we could drive ourselves to Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the South Carolina Gamecocks. I had been there many times before, but I was not prepared for what came next.

When I arrived, I was greeted by cheerleaders, trustees of the University of South Carolina, the university's president, and even Cocky, the school's mascot.

Nice music from a live ensemble played, as food and beverage were provided. So many different "important people" patted me on my back as they told me how wonderful I was. "How great that you stepped up to serve," they said. "We're looking forward to working with you."

Then came the finale. The lights in Willie B were lowered. The Jumbotron lit up.

One by one, the faces of each new legislator filled the screen as dramatic movie music played over the stadium speakers.

At 76 years of age, after a long life of raising a family, starting and running a business for 35 years, and faithfully serving my community and my church, I was not impressed!

Frankly, it made me want to throw up!

My worth will never come from being elected to public office. My worth is in my integrity, my courage, and my commitment to doing what is right--not in being elected to office and then being treated like a celebrity by lobbyists.

Unfortunately, I did notice that evening that some of my fellow freshmen were eating it up, literally and figuratively. They were enjoying the food, the wine, the flattery. You could see it in their faces: they were starting to believe the lobbyists who told them how important they were. They were beginning to feel powerful, and they hadn't even been sworn in yet!

That night was my first look at how lobbyists and special interests get their hooks into new legislators. They don't start with policy papers. They don't start with bills. They start by appealing to ego--making you feel important, making you feel special, making you feel like you owe them something. They pretend that you are powerful, knowing full well that they in fact are the power. They have the money--the budget to use to get you to do what they want. You are simply a pawn on their chessboard.

And it works!

Some legislators were already turning before they had ever taken a single vote. Whatever USC wants, USC shall certainly get from them!

I share this story because it should be repugnant to every voting citizen in South Carolina. We are supposed to elect men and women who represent us. We are supposed to be governed "of the people, by the people, and for the people," but too often, the lobbyists and special interests use their power, their money, and their carefully staged spectacles to bend legislators to their will before the first gavel ever falls.

This was my first experience with the influence of special interests in Columbia, and I can tell you this: it is real, it is powerful, and it is a danger to the people's governance.

There are over 3,000 registered lobbyists at our South Carolina Statehouse--each with an agenda. Come down to the Statehouse some day when we are in session. Observe for yourself. Better yet come down to the clubs and restaurants near the statehouse on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening while we are in session and see how much money is being spent to buy your representative's vote.

I'd rather hear from 5 constituents in District 40 than any of them.

A side note: (just my opinion)

Ever wonder why we can't seem to get good insurance and good insurance rates? Ever wonder how our judicial system seems to favor criminals instead of victims?

Two of the most powerful and well-funded groups are insurance interests and lawyers. Many of our legislative impasses are because the legislation could favor one of those over the other. (think Tort reform)