An interest group is an organization whose members have a common cause in seeking to influence the public policy in order to achieve their set goals. The members of the interest group do not aim for profit gain but rather are interested in in influencing policy without seeking control in politics[1]. Examples include public interest group, environmental interest groups, business groups’ professional associations, labor unions and employee associations and economic interest groups. These interests provides information to both the public and the government and enables the citizens to participate in politics thus achieving a common goal.
The most powerful interest group in Texas are mainly under labor, professional and business associations. These include Texas Association of Business, medical society, mid- continent oil and Gas Association and Texas trial Lawyers association[2]. These groups are therefore termed as well-heeled groups having more influence than the other interest groups. These groups thus have array of tools and resources that enable them to seek government influence. They achieve the power to influence the legislation by directly influencing the government elected members such as executives, members of the government bureaucracy and even the legislators. These groups also mobilize the public and organizing for public dialogues thus the public opinion is ensured to be in favor with the interest groups[3].
The lobbyist serves an importance source of information to the interest group. They help to link the congress and the various interest groups and thus can organize various campaigns in favor of the groups and also give political strategies to the members involve in the politics. The lobbyists however, influence policy formulation and implementation. They achieve these through getting in touch with the legislators, executives and therefore hold meetings with them hence ensure success in agenda layout. This greatly affect the outcome of the public policy.
