I love my iPad. I really love my iPad. I probably use it more than my office desktop and television combined. It’s not only a great way to watch videos, read e-books and check email and social media networks; it’s also becoming a part of how I do my job as an association lobbyist. In the process, I’ve discovered some apps and other items that all iPad-toting lobbyists should have in their arsenal.
1. 112th Congress Member Directory. Produced by the Government Printing Office, this app is a basic listing of every member of Congress by state, chamber (House or Senate) and political party. To access the app, go to http://m.gpo.gov/memberguide, then place it on the home screen of your mobile device. Free.
2. MyCongress. It’s another member directory but more robust. From your member of Congress’ page, you get a bio, access to his or her website, contact information and recent news, including the member’s social media networks. The app hasn’t been updated to reflect changes in redistricting, and there’s an issue with accessing the Congress member’s Twitter feed, but it’s worth the minor hiccups. Free.
3. PopVox. This app allows you to search for legislation via keyword or bill number. Once you find the bill, you can get a co-sponsor list by party, a list of organizations for and against the bill as well as the bill’s text. You can also share the bill’s text on social media sites including Facebook and Twitter. To use the app, you will need to create an account. $9.99.
4. Congressional Record. This app, developed by the Library of Congress, gives an accounting of the daily activity on Capitol Hill, including bills to be considered on the floor. Free.
5. Evernote. This app organizes your notes by month and allows you to share them via email, Facebook and Twitter. And it’s perfect for coalition meetings. Free.
6. Dropbox. Ever wonder how you can access your desktop files on your iPad without having to email them to yourself? Dropbox is your answer. By setting up an account on your PC, you can upload files that can be accessed on your iPad whenever you’re away from the office. Free.
7. OnLive Desktop. OnLive Desktop allows you to replicate Windows on your iPad, complete with Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The app is free, but you must create an account. Additional paid accounts, which start at $4.99 per month, offer added features such as access to cloud storage, Web-based email and browsers that can use Adobe Flash. Free.
8. C-SPAN. Even though there’s no dedicated iPad app for C-SPAN, you can download the iPhone version onto your device. Never miss another hearing or floor action in the House or Senate with access to C-SPAN 1, 2 and 3, as well as C-SPAN Radio. Free.
9. LinkedIn. Finally, LinkedIn has released an app for the iPad, and it’s fantastic. In addition to the regular features, users also have the option of adding their calendar, along with current weather conditions and a stock ticker, to the update page. The format will remind readers of Flipboard, which makes for a wonderful user experience. Free.
10. Zaggfolio iPad Keyboard Case. Obviously not an app, but lobbyists looking to increase their productivity between meetings on the Hill will need a case like this. Using Bluetooth technology, the keyboard connects to your iPad and creates a modified notebook. The case makes it easy to respond to emails and work on documents on the go. The keys are similar to what you’ll find on a standard keyboard; and despite its compact size, the keyboard is comfortable to use. This does add some weight to your iPad, but not that much. $99.
11. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover. If you’re looking for a keyboard that doesn’t add weight to your iPad, this is your device. In fact, it is lighter than the iPad. Like the Zaggfolio, it connects via Bluetooth, and the keyboard is comfortable to use. Unlike the Zaggfolio, it covers only the front of the iPad, leaving the back vulnerable to scratches. However, a simple sleeve can solve that issue. $99.
What are your favorite apps? Please let me know in the comments.
Association Advocacy Chick 
Thanks so much for sharing! I’ll say that if you pay the $5/month for Evernote ($3.50/month if you pay for the whole year) that you can have offline notebooks and notes which really comes in handy, especially when on the go and wifi is hard to come by.
Thanks for the tip Thomas! I will definitely look into that.
These are some great suggestions – definitely a big fan of both Evernote and DropBox, I’ve used Real Time Congress, which is a pretty good app to see what’s on the floor schedule for any given day. (It looks like MyCongress may be a more robust option.) Those involved with state-level advocacy may want to take a look at Open States.
By the way, it looks like PopVox is $9.99 to download.
Hi John,
Thanks for your comments! I’ll update the post to reflect that new info.