Final answer:
Interest groups with large staffs take political positions aligned with their members' needs, often lobbying for influence and providing information to lawmakers. They support candidates who share their views and use their staff's expertise to shape policy goals and influence budget allocations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interest groups with large staffs are likely to take political positions in accordance with the preferences and best interests of their members. These organizations employ staff who have the expertise and experience to deal with complex and technical public policies. They take these positions to influence legislation and benefit their members, whether those are individuals in a labor union or professional organization, or corporate entities looking to impact policy to favor their business. Staff members are often responsible for pivotal tasks such as lobbying, providing lawmakers with information, and setting legislative agendas by drafting legislation or providing the technical details of policy proposals. Furthermore, these groups generally support candidates who are sympathetic to their views in the hope of gaining access and favor once those candidates are in office. Within these interest groups, leaders and staffers, guided by what is known as the 'iron law of oligarchy', often play a critical role in shaping the group's actions and policy goals. Their political positions reflect not only their organizational goals but also the socio-economic interests of their members. This can also include taking stances on budget allocations for various programs and lobbying for more sophisticated representation through hired lobbying firms.