ollective goods which do not benefit the members in any direct or tangible way) (Berry 21).
Lobby groups are important to political figures, especially legislators because: (1) they can provide important information, policy positions, or help support a legislator's policy positions or help make a policy decision; (2) they can assist a legislator with a political strategy; (3) they can provide legislators with ideas and innovative proposals; (4) their lobbyists are often long-time friends; and (5) they can provide campaign or electoral assistance through endorsements, assistance in voter registration, and campaign contributions (Ornstein and Elder 59-60).
Groups can also employ sanctions against members if the legislators fail to provide assistance or to vote for positions favored by the group. Interest groups can: (1) urge the party leadership of Congress to deny a member a committee assignment or other political benefits; (2) apply pressure to legislators in Congress and in their home district or state; (3) offer negative endorsements of candidates; and (
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