Why do lobbyists have such a negative perception?

Lobbyists have had a bad reputation for being negative or bad people for decades. It seems to just be part of the territory. But, why is that? First off, lobbyig itself is publically percieved as being bad or negative, for the most part. It is associated with bribery although it is legal. Therefore, those who take part in it are seen as negative.

Another reason is that lobbying comes into the spotlight when there is a scandal. Other than that, you don't hear much about lobbyists. The media covers it and lobbyists get publically exposed for dirty deeds. Rarely do you hear a lot about good lobbying or at least it doesn't get the attention that the scandals do. Some lobbying is actually for good causes but you don't hear much about those.

The media isn't set up that way. Lobbying is thought of as being a dark deed and those who take part are not seen as positive, aboveboard people but rather people who live in the shadows, taking advantage of the loophole called lobbying. Thus, they are usually thought of as the bad guys.