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- Never lie or mislead a legislator about the relative importance of an issue, the opposition's position or strength, or any other matter.
- Look for friends in unusual places. In politics, a friend is someone who works with you on a particular issue--whether Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative – even if that person or group opposes you on other issues.
- Never cut anyone off from contact. Do not let an elected official consider you a bitter enemy because you disagree; today's opponent may be tomorrow's ally.
- Do not grab credit. Nothing is impossible if it does not matter who gets the credit.
- Your word is your bond. Never promise anything you cannot deliver.
- Do not waste time on opponents who are publicly committed to their positions. It is more productive to shore up known allies and to lobby elected officials who are least committed, or who claim to be neutral or keeping an open mind.
- Never forget to notice and thank anyone who has helped you.
- Do not gossip about elected officials or political friends and opponents. Knowing an elected official's peculiarities and peccadilloes is one thing: talking about them is another. Remember that discretion is the better part of valor.
- "When you are crossed politically, don't get mad. Get even." (Bobby Kennedy) The power of the ballot box is yours.
- Carry a rabbit's foot. In lobbying you can know your opponent; you can develop imaginative and reasonable compromises; you can burn the midnight oil to digest all the arguments; but it can all go right down the drain if you do not have a little bit of luck.
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