Lobbyists try for influence, without as much access to Oregon lawmakers Updated Mar 03, 2021; Posted Mar 03, 2021 Visitors, lobbyists and lawmakers hold conversations outside the legislative chambers. The pandemic has closed the Capitol to the public and lobbyists. The OregonianLC- The Oregonian Facebook Share By Jake Thomas, Salem Reporter SALEM -- An impromptu five-minute conversation can be politically effective in the halls of the Oregon Capitol. Such encounters have long been crucial for the army of Oregon lobbyists hoping to get a moment with a state legislator. Paloma Sparks, the vice president of Oregon Business and Industry who serves as the group’s lobbyist, described her practice of parking herself outside of a committee hearing or a legislator’s office. Once the legislator emerged, she could walk with them to their next appointment or committee hearing.