Capitol spending.

• Author: Kerven, Anne
• Position: Includes related articles on how to hire lobbyists - Political lobbying

Lobbying in Colorado is entering an uncharted era. Here's a map for business.

Lobbying: As old professions go, it ranks right up there with the world's oldest - and a wit might observe that the similarities don't end there.

Most of the time, lobbying trends follow legislative change and economic growth. New companies with a stake in state policy emerge. So do new interest groups with a need for a lobbyist.

But this is not most of the time. Term limits and spending limits have changed the rules of the game, potentially forcing a tidal change in lobbying's key tools - relationships with, access to, and impact on legislators. Successful lobbyists will sharpen those tools to compensate for their new limitations. Others may fall by the wayside. Lobbyists themselves disagree about whether the new rules will trigger a survival-of-the-fittest race for the ears of ever-new legislators.

And while lobbyists fight for niches, their business clients may want to keep a close eye on the action.

Some lobbyists say the waves of freshman legislators prompted by term limits, just kicking in this legislative session, will end the Old Boy network forever. Strict limits on lobbyist gift-giving and other factors also weaken traditional lobbyist-legislator ties.

One possible outcome: "Business will now have to think about (lobbying) with a constituency mentality," much as associations do, said 18-year lobbyist Ron Smith, of Englewood-based Solutions & Beyond Management LLC.

Smith theorizes that could mean businesses with statewide reach will have to curry favor at the grassroots level, as well as the statehouse. Industry associations use lobbyists, he noted, but they also rally local members to show local support when important issues arise. The combination of lobbying and the local touch can be potent.

While change ripples through the process, the basic clockwork remains: Lobbyists charge a fee to represent an association or business' position on an issue or a bill to the Colorado General Assembly. They may work for one company or as independents for several. Businesses usually hire one when the Legislature is deciding a policy or issue that affects them.

Bunches of businesses are doing just that: About 500 lobbyists are registered this statehouse session.

"More and more businesses and organizations have become involved in public policy because government controls so much of life," said Stan Sours of Denver-based Spur Consulting, a 25-year lobbyist. "There's been a growing need for...