Any GC or legislative advisor to business knows that you have to watch Washington DC closely. Often things will happen that impact your business, sometimes negatively. But you can seek to legally influence the process (not this way) and improve the regulatory or economic climate.
It can be hard to get the attention of your Senator or Congressperson. One reason is that they are very busy. For example, earlier this year, Congress held hearings on a matter of national interest–steroid use in baseball.
Recently, a Texas congressman has proposed hearings on an even more pressing matter–whether the college football Bowl Championship Series is fair.
But I’m afraid that there is a Senate battle brewing early next year that threatens to divert Congress from its proper focus on sports.
That body’s Judiciary Committee will convene hearings in January to examine the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. Much effort is being expended to determine Judge Alito’s true beliefs and buttress arguments–pro and con–about his fitness to serve for life.
What’s needed is a quick way for committee members to mark their Judge Alito scorecard. Here’s my contribution:
Look closely. Bats right. (And no sign of steroid use).
There, now we can get back to the real business of state. I suggest this.