John Clayton is a lobbyist who has been involved in politics for several years. He spent his professional life in politics in the state of Georgia. John Clayton started his career in politics with a position at the Georgia House Appropriations Office and later went on to become the Deputy Finance Director for the re-election campaign to Governor Roy Barnes. He was the former Chief of Staff to Terry Coleman, speaker of the house. John holds a degree in Public Affairs from the University of Georgia, and in law from Georgia State University. He is the founder of Piedmont Public Affairs and Georgia Public Affairs, both leading government affairs agencies in the State of Georgia.
John Clayton, as a lobbyist has been active in the government. He says that the job of a lobbyist is in persuading members of the government to enact legislations that would be beneficial to clients. While some people view lobbyists as paid professional operatives, John Clayton says that no matter how people perceive the job of a lobbyist, the lobbying profession is a fundamental part of the political system. Part of his job as a licensed attorney is to research and analyze legislations and regulatory proposals. His job is to attend congressional hearings and educate corporate officers and government officials on vital issues. He also has to influence public opinion through media, by influencing opinion makers like columnists and newspaper publishers.
John Clayton is a well-known lobbyist and has been in the political arena for several years. He says that lobbying is a regulated industry and is a protected activity under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that guarantees the rights to petition, assembly, and free speech. His role as a lobbyist for the government is to act as a broker. He has to take information from his clients and communicate it to the elected officials of the government. Often he has had to take such information to the cafeteria at the Capitol and discuss it over lunch with government officials.
John Clayton Lobbyist 