The Most Common Myths of the Political Process

Myth:  My Congressman will take care of my issue.

Reality:  Your Congressman has numerous issues and constituencies to deal with every day.  You are but one of countless concerns.  Aegis is experienced at persuading Congressmen to place the needs of our clients at the top of the priority list.  There may be constituents within the District who have contrary interests or are competing for the same benefits.  Representation can ensure that your needs are given more weight than other interests.

Myth:  All Congressmen are equal.

Reality:  All Congressmen are not equal.  Some have a tremendous amount of influence and power, while others are relatively weak.  There are also wide discrepancies of influence depending on the issue at hand.  For example, a Congressman may have enormous power in banking issues, but may be powerless in influencing educational or appropriations policy.  Aegis understands the power structure in place in Washington, DC and on Capitol Hill.  We can advise clients on whose support is needed and whose support would produce few benefits.

Myth:  Congress is only split between Republicans and Democrats.

Reality:  Republicans vs. Democrats is only one of dozens of schisms within Congress.  In addition to the Republican-Democrat division, there are urban-rural, regional, House-Senate, and seniority-based schisms that operate independently of party loyalties.  Aegis can follow and exploit the various schisms to the benefit of our clients.

Myth:  The legislative process moves slowly.

Reality:  While it is true that it often takes years to pass major legislation, Congress can move with surprising efficiency and speed on certain issues and when circumstances dictate.  Even those cases that do take years are often dormant for long periods of time followed by extremely short periods of intense activity and negotiations.  Aegis can more speedily respond to the latest developments and protect a client's interests before it is too late.

Myth:  There is no money in the Federal budget to address my needs.

Reality:  The size of the Federal budget is tremendous (measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars).  There is money in the budget for your project and a myriad of others.  However, Congress must be convinced that your needs have relevance for the entire nation, and not just for you.  Aegis can help make the case that the entire nation benefits from your needs.