Political interest groups and their influence

Political Interest Groups and Presidential Elections

Within the United States and other democratic nations political interest groups are among "the most important institutions that define the character of the political system" (Thomas & Lynne, 3). Political interest groups are among other things a liaison between the public and government officials. Political interest groups often invest heavily in Presidential elections. Why? Ultimately political interest groups are interested in having their agenda pushed through during a given session. This means most political groups will do anything and everything necessary to get a candidate elected that sides with their interests. The electoral process as it stands now is set up to ensure a candidate is elected that will represent the interests and needs of the people. Because political interest groups represent the needs of certain groups of people within the U.S., they are an important aspect of most presidential campaigns.

The Influence Of Interest Groups In Campaigns

One example of a political interest group that recently influenced a presidential election is the case of the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth. This organization recently influenced the John Kerry and President Bush campaign. A nonprofit organization, the Swift Boats recently paid for a highly damaging campaign within the media suggesting that John Kerry presidential hopeful lied about his service in Vietnam. The nonprofit organization was able to spend money and place ads on television that were not subject to the regulations in place by the federal regulatory commission which currently monitors ads endorsed by presidential electorates. It is very likely that these ads, which portrayed John Kerry in a negative light, swayed more than one voter to Bushes side. The intent of the ads was to get the message across that not only was John Kerry a liar, but also an individual that would not stand the test of time and fight for his country when needed.

Political interest groups however do have freedom of speech. They provide a forum or support network if you will of people that support a common cause or position. Because these groups are often comprised of citizens, they are recognized and supported throughout the nation.

Benedict, Burbank & Hrebenar (1999) suggest that political groups including interest groups are "the essence of contemporary American politics" (p. 1). Political interest groups often are considered more powerful than political parties themselves, largely because of the influence they hold over ordinary people. Interest groups often also get more attention than formal political parties (Benedict, et. al, 1999). Part of interest groups strength lies in their lobbying power, which is the process of basically pressuring government agents to sway one way or another with respect to important legislation.

Political interest groups invest their time and energy in a wide range of activities that often according to some "challenge political parties traditional campaign lair" (Benedict, et. al, 1). Presidential elections are a prime target for political interest groups in part because they provide a superb forum or arena for interest groups to get their views known to larger groups of potential supporters.

Political interest groups have actively participated in elections since the dawn of time. The Republican party during the 1850s was influenced by abolitionist interest groups that "used the party as a vehicle to pursue their policy goal of ending slavery" (Benedict, et. al, 4). Labor unions, also considered a powerful political interest groups, exhibited much pressure and force over party campaigns and elections through the early 1930s (Benedict, et. al, 4).

Some may go as far to consider American elections as a battleground for political parties and interests groups to battle their causes (Benedict, et. al 1999). Part of the attraction again of electoral campaigns is the tremendous media attention and ability to influence voters that are easily swayed or have not yet made up their mind regarding a particularly candidate. Political interest groups not only influence presidential elections, but also have influenced government and public campaigns targeted at electing local officials.

Part of the power that interest groups have lies in the money they have to back their cause and campaigns (Thomas & Rienner, 2001). The federal government currently places limitations on the amount of money presidential candidates or other officials can spend within an election. There is only so much media coverage a candidate can buy. Interest groups however, often backed by wealthy supporters, can infuse as much money as they desire into their ad campaigns. What this usually means is their ads and opinions are often voiced louder or above those of key candidates themselves. Of consequence in this case, as evidenced in the recent election, is the fact that sometimes the interests of political interest groups are heard whether or not the information they are providing is factual in nature. This can actually hinder the democratic process typically associated with presidential elections, misleading the public and causing every citizen to question the legitimacy of campaigns.

Political interest groups may play varying roles in an election (Thomas & Rienner, 2001). Groups may dominate policymaking processes by pushing their policy objectives through lobbying; they may also contribute significantly to a political parties success by contributing financial and emotional support to their candidates during an election (Andres, 1998).

Are interest groups vital to the livelihood of campaigns and elections? Yes. In the same way political parties influence politics so to do interest groups. Like political parties interest groups often help bridge communication between voters and the candidates (Andres, 1998). Political interest groups can be considered a glue that helps hold the very concept of democracy together, because they facilitate communication between citizens and government officials and ensure that all viewpoints are freely expressed, shared, argued and communicated. Interest groups participate in a variety of important parts of an electoral campaign as well, much as political parties do. They may for example contribute to fund raising, provide staff members and even help candidates test their campaigns (Benedict, et. al, 1999).

Interest groups continue to campaign citizens or the public even in the off-season, or when presidential elections have come and gone. Their directives may include campaigning in "initiative and referendum campaigns" in an effort to have laws passed in state and local legislatures (Benedict, et. al, 1999). They may design media campaigns to attract members of the public to their group or to the candidate they intent to support at the next presidential election. Many attempt to establish themselves as representatives of the majority. They week out activities that will create "reservoirs of goodwill for future campaigns" and build loyalty that is likely to stand the test of time from month to month and year to year (Benedict, et. al, 1999).

As American moves ahead it is likely that interest groups will continue to dominate elections. Interest groups should be considered as important if not more important in some cases than political parties themselves. Candidates are certainly starting to realize the impact that interest groups can have not only on their campaigns but ultimately their success, both before and after elections. Interest groups can continue to ensure a presidential elects popularity before and after an election, helping to secure re-election in many cases. Interest groups engage in a series of campaigns that at best should be described as never ending (Benedict, et. al, 1999; Thomas & Rienner, 2001). They are the heart of the American democratic process. While at times eccentric, most political interest groups legitimately work to have their agenda transferred to state and federal legislatures for consideration.