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Thomas is regarded as r one of the best lobbyists around. Why? Because he is f “very effective, and he’s straight with you—and that’s important,” says Sen. Charles L. Waddell (Di 33rd).
Waddell, a 13-year assembly veteran, knows how straight Thomas can be. He has battled Thomas on issues before—particularly the returnable beverage container proposal known as the “bottle bill.”
Representing the Virginia Beer Wholesalers, Thomas is part of a powerful coalition of beverage industry and business groups that have crushed the bill year after year. This year the bill didn’t even get out of committee.
“It’s a very, very powerful coalition, and I found that out through the years,” says Waddell.
“They have the majority, of the committee sold on their point of view,” he says.
The best salesmen are the ones who give reliable information, says Del. Rob-'* ert T. Andrews (R-33rd).
“Generally I fiiwf'fhat they level with you,” Andrews says. “If they don’t, the word gets around...and they lose their effectiveness.”
How much influence do lobbyists have in the General Assembly? Legislators admit they have considerable influence, depending on the issue and the lawmakers involved. “They have a great say in
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