There are a number of scientifically-minded, politically aware organizations out there. The Union of Concerned Scientists is one such organization (http://www.ucsusa.org/).

As for what they can do outside of lobbying, they could try to partner with interested philanthropists and venture capitalists that are willing to push the “status quo” envelope and see what develops (e.g. – Richard Branson, The X-Prize, etc.). When government is slow to move or respond, the trend seems to be to get enough grassroots or commercial involvement to awake the government from its policy slumber.

Old joke really, but one that seems appropriate most of the time, unfortunately. The thing is, when it comes to elected officials, most people vote a party, or a name they like, or have voted for before. Not because they have done any major research on a candidate, followed the speeches, debates or writings and position papers by the candidate.

But that being said, you DO have a choice on who you send to congress, and you DO get a say. The thing is that most people choose not to act, they choose to sit back and complain.

The House of Representatives is supposed to be the legislative body most closely in touch with the people. And yet, most people could not name their representative or which district they live in.

However, to answer the question asked, I'd rather have people who CARE be the ones to debate the issue and pass it on to the senate and then to the president. Whatever their background, Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief – if they CARE about the people they represent and work hard at doing that, I'm good.

Of course, I'd prefer that they agreed on things like marriage being for every person, and ensuring that no person is without health care or goes hungry long before any of the other issues come up, but it just doesn't work that way.

But, I do get involved with the process – I meet a candidate and listen to them, decide if I want them to represent me, and then vote for them. Even if my candidate loses, I know I learned enough to back the correct person in the firsts place.