Ø       Don’t underestimate public officials.  With very rare exceptions, they are honest, intelligent and want to do the right thing.  Your job is to inform them what you think is right.

Ø       Don’t look down on government and politics.  They may have faults, but so does most any profession.  A disdainful attitude is an expensive luxury these days.

Ø       Be understanding.  Put yourself in the public official’s place.  Try to understand their problems, outlook and aims.  Then you are more likely to persuade them to do the same in understanding your position.

Ø       Be friendly.  Don’t contact public officials only when you want their help.  Invite them to be guests at meetings.  Take pains to keep in touch with them throughout the year – every year.

Ø       Be reasonable.  Recognize that there are legitimate differences of opinion.  Never indulge in threats or recriminations.  They are confessions of weakness.

Ø       Be thoughtful.  Don’t hesitate sending a note commending your legislator.  Any public official will tell you that they get dozens of letters asking them to do something, but very few thanking them for what they have done.

Ø       Don’t blame public officials for “failing” to do what you wanted.  The failure may be yours if you have not done a good job in preparing, presenting and following through on your case.

Ø       Be cooperative.  If a public official makes a reasonable request, try to comply with it.  Don’t back away for fear that “it’s a deal” or that you’re “getting into politics.”

Ø       Be realistic.  Remember that controversial legislation and regulation usually result in compromise.  It has always been so and it will always be so in a democracy.

Ø       Be practical.  Recognize that each legislator has commitments and that a certain amount of vote-trading goes on in the give-and-take of the legislative process.  Try not to chastise a legislator who normally supports you if he happens to vote against one of your bills.  This doesn’t necessarily mean he has deserted your whole program.  Give a legislator the benefit of the doubt and they will appreciate it and remember that you did.

Ø       Be a good opponent.  Fight issues – not people.  Be ready with alternatives or solutions as well as with criticisms.  This is constructive opposition.

Ø       Be informed.  Never meet with legislators to advocate a position without first studying the facts and the arguments pro and con.  The mere fact that you want a legislator to adopt one position or another won’t be enough to convince them.  Do your homework.  Remember that while some votes may be firmly committed, there will be many others that can be swayed on the basis of sound arguments that are properly presented.

Ø       Learn to evaluate and weigh issues.  Many bills which are tossed into the hopper “by request” are never intended to become law.  Try not to criticize legislators for bills which are introduced.  Don’t call out the army until you’re sure a bill is serious.

Ø      Don’t break a promise.  This is a cardinal rule.  If you tell the legislator you will do something, stick to the bargain.

Ø      Don’t change horses in the middle of the stream.  Never leave a legislator stranded out on a limb by changing your position after they have publicly stated a position that you have urged them to take.