The Limits of Lobbying: Null Effects from Four Field Experiments in Two State Legislatures

Abstract It is widely thought that lobbyists exert influence over legislators’ policy positions and, as a result, outcomes. One mechanism of the provision expertise. Yet, there little credible empirical evidence lobbyists’ expertise influences legislative Across four experiments fielded with three in two state legislatures examine public measures positions, we find no positions. We do find, contrast, same treatment influential when provided by staffer. conclude information can but legislators are cautious lobbyists.