[Moderator's note: Not to mention that if you are 501(c)(3) status,
doesn't that mean you can't lobby to have ferrets gain legal status
in, say, California?  (I think no more than 5% can be spent lobbying
or something like that...)  BIG]
 
Have you ever known the Federal Government to make a rule *that* simple?
On April 15th, did you send in a flat 10% of your gross income or did you
have to fill out a form which could range from sorta simple to incredibly
complex???
 
My book has >18 pages (in English - not just laws) on lobbying.  The
federal government definition of lobbying is different than the common
understanding.  Lobbying relates to issues only; becoming involved with
candidates for a public office is not lobbying and is not allowed.  There
are 2 separate tests and what is considered lobbying under one rule may
not be lobbying under the other rule.
 
Needless to say, if you are doing any lobbying, consulting a lawyer is
probably a given.  Thankfully, the vast majority of the groups out there
won't be doing *any* lobbying.
 
    -Carla
[Posted in FML issue 2880]