1. In the Legislature, logic is your weakest argument.

Explanation: Legislators vote on the basis of what their constituents feel, which may be more emotional than logic.

2. The importance of a hearing varies inversely
with the importance of the bill.

Explanation: Legislators are familiar with the arguments for and against important bills before the public hearing and have already decided how to vote. They aren’t familiar with minor bills, so what they learn at the hearing may influence their vote.

3. Don’t drop the bomb on Luxembourg.

Explanation: Don’t shoot the works on an unimportant issue.

4. The purpose of a study is rarely to find anything out.

Explanation: Studies are devices to buy time.

5. When you get up to dance with a gorilla,
you don’t sit down until the gorilla gets tired.

Explanation: Don’t wine and dine Legislators. It shouldn’t be done because once you start, you can’t stop.

6. Trying to get a Legislator’s attention is like trying to
argue to a jury that’s wandering around Disneyland.

Explanation: Legislators are busy, and their attention span is very limited.

7. Lobbyists thrive on panic and confusion.

Explanation: When people feel scared, helpless or frustrated, they’re most likely to hire a lobbyist.