He has written on a variety of topics, including Congress, interest groups, state legislatures and public policy. His books include "The New American Politician" (Basic, 1988), "Time, Politics, and Policy: A Legislative Year" (University Press of Kansas, 1994) and "The Contemporary Congress" (St. Martin's Press, 1996). In addition, he has co-edited five editions of "Interest Group Politics" (CQ Press), the leading reader in the interest-group field.
At present, Loomis is at work, with Professor Darrell West of Brown University, Providence, R.I., on a book that will examine lobbying efforts on high-profile issues such as health care and telecommunications. The book, to be titled "The Sound of Money," will be published by W.W. Norton.
In 1984, he directed the Congressional Management Project, which produced the first of many editions of "Setting Course: A Congressional Management Guide." The book helps newly elected legislators organize their offices and activities on Capitol Hill.
In addition to teaching courses on congressional politics, interest groups and policy making at KU since 1983, Loomis has directed KU student internship programs in Washington, D.C., and Topeka. He won a Kemper Teaching Award in 1996, in part for his work in establishing KU's Washington Semester Program.
Loomis lives in Lawrence with his wife, Michel, and son, Dakota.