#5 is great and should be amended to include understanding what interests the representative has in taking a particular stand.
Barney Frank is the same guy who was actively fighting (1) against George W. Bush's initiative to tighten up lending requirements ahead of the Great Recession; Barney Frank was against it due in part to then boyfriend, who he helped get a job, being on the executive committee (2). Getting him to change his opinion would have been night impossible.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW5qKYfqALE
2. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/26/rep-frank-admits-... I know it is Fox News, but only quick-link I can find to support my claims.