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No

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Absolutely, emphatically, no.

A lobbyist's duties can be boiled down to one unwavering principle: sway someone in a position of power to your way of thinking. Revealing that person's identity to the public, while not directly damaging a lobbyist's chances at succeeding, could present the wrong message to a senator or house member interested in maintaining a certain image with the voting public.

Especially when dealing with divisive issues, politicians tread dangerous waters in the public eye. With election years looming around every corner, they often cannot risk making decisions that might cost popular support or crucial votes. The last thing any politician needs is for the public to believe he or she bows to lobbyists- even though most Americans know it happens anyway.

If said lobbies clearly display the names of every incumbent or candidate they approach, even beneficial parties could lose their influence as politicians grow increasingly shy of tarnishing their public image. Bodies such as the environmental lobby could suffer just as much as, for example, "big oil" promoters.

Americans interested in the voting practices of their representatives ought to be more interested in getting involved in the political game than watchdogging those who already are. In the meantime, we shouldn't let our fears of an ultra-persuasive lobby prevent us from voicing our own ideas- no matter who they talk to.

Learn more about this author, Travis Reynolds.
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