The book, which has drawn praise for its inviting and accessible style, thoroughly examines the lobbying scene: the settings in which lobbying takes place, the types and styles of lobbyists, the broad range of approaches and techniques used by lobbyists, and the role and influence of lobbying in our system of representative democracy. A favorite among professors and students alike, The Third House is a great choice as a supplement for courses on state politics or interest groups.

Preface

Chapter 1: Introduction
The Proliferation of Interests and the Growth of Lobbying
How Lobbyists Are Perceived
Observing Lobbyists and Lobbying
A Preview of the Book

Chapter 2: The People Who Lobby
Who They Are
The Business of Lobbying
Why People Lobby
Qualities and Styles

Chapter 3: State Government Relations
The Culture of the Corporation
The Organization of Associations
Contracting Out

Chapter 4: The Interests at Stake
Issues Big and Small
Keeping Track
Fighting It Out

Chapter 5: The Rules of the Game
The Legislative Arena
The Capitol Community

Chapter 6: Building Relationships
Natural Development
Forging Bonds
Trial by Fire
How Relationships Pay Off
Effects of Term Limits

Chapter 7: Playing Politics
Paying the Freight
Engaging in Battle
Going for Votes

Chapter 8: Generating Support
Coalition Building
Grassroots Mobilization
The Media, Public Relations, and Advertising

Chapter 9: Making the Case
The Principles of Direct Lobbying
The Elements of Defense and Offense
Targets in the Process
Education and Information
The Art of Compromise

Chapter 10: Power and Representation
The Influence of Lobbyists
Clients and Causes
Representing Interests

Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index

“Alan Rosenthal knows the workaday world of our state legislators as well as anyone in the USA; and he has now written the authoritative book about the people who lobby them--how, what, and why. The Third House is comprehensive, insightful, fair-minded, and comparative.”

- Richard Fenno, University of Rochester

"I don't know of anyone who has done a better job of getting inside the heads of lobbyists, detailing how they make their decisions in the rough-and-tumble of state politics....Those who write and teach about state government will find The Third House to be an especially helpful guide to the operations of state legislatures. This is a highly readable book and students will enjoy it."

- Jeffrey M. Berry, American Political Science Review

Alan Rosenthal is Professor of Public Policy and Political Science at the Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University. He has collaborated in activities with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the Council of State Governments (CSG), and the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) and worked on projects and studies for legislatures in about 35 states. Currently, he is working with NCSL, the American Political Science Association (APSA), and the Center for Civic Education on the development and communication of a new public perspective on representative democracy.

In New Jersey, he chaired the Ad Hoc Commission on Legislative Ethics and Campaign Finance in 1990, was selected as the independent member and chair of the Redistricting Commission in 1992, and in 1993 received the Governor's Award for Public Service. In 1995 Rosenthal received APSA's Charles E. Merriam Award, which honors a person whose published work and career represent a significant contribution to the art of government through the application of social science research.

His recent books include Republic on Trial: The Case for Representative Democracy (Rosenthal et al., 2003) and Heavy Lifting: The Job of the American Legislature (2005).