Lobbyists are representatives of special interest groups, looking to influence public policy by petitioning the government directly, or indirectly (Soltero, 2016; Lenz & Holman, 2013). Interest groups often engage in direct lobbying which consists of approaching government officials to persuade them of a position on an issue (Soltero, 2016). Direct lobbying can include, lobbying Congress by testifying in front of a committee meeting, lobbying the executive branch and independent regulatory commissions by meeting with high-level officials, providing commentary and information, as well as lobbying the judicial branch, by filing an Amicus Curiae brief in support of a party involved in a Supreme Court hearing (Lenz & Holman, 2013). Indirect lobbying efforts, or grassroots lobbying, consist of mobilizing the public to persuade the government to support a position on an issue, by contacting their representatives and participating in protests (Soltero, 2016). Indirect lobbying can include organizing public opinion campaigns, such as advertisements and direct mailing, as well as holding fundraisers and meetings to spread awareness of a political opinion (Soltero, 2016; Lenz & Holman, 2013).…