City Cast Las Vegas How Powerful Are Lobbyists in Nevada?
Mar 31, 2025
Tabitha Mueller, Capitol Bureau Chief at the Nevada Independent, shares her insights on the bustling world of lobbyists in Nevada's legislature. With over 1,000 lobbyists registered, she explains their essential role in aiding lawmakers. Topics include the ethical dilemmas of lobbying, the transition of former lawmakers into lobbying roles, and the dual nature of lobbyists as advocates and legal advisors. Mueller emphasizes the need for greater transparency and accountability in the lobbying landscape, particularly given the complexities of healthcare and gaming legislation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Oakland A's Lobbying
- The Oakland A's hired numerous lobbyists (18-19) in 2023, demonstrating the scale some organizations employ.
- This raises questions about who constitutes a lobbyist, as some consultants argued their role was merely to improve legislation.
Lobbying vs. Consulting
- Controversy arose regarding whether consultants like Jeremy Aguero and Steve Hale should register as lobbyists for the A's.
- This highlights the ambiguity around defining lobbying versus consulting or providing analysis.
Lobbying Styles and Compromise
- Lobbyists advocate for specific measures or work on bill details, employing diverse styles and tactics.
- Ideally, they aim to achieve compromise behind the scenes, as illustrated by the Uber and trial lawyers' agreement.
