I don't have an empirical standard and I'm not sure why you're asking for one. I will lobby (to the extent that I can) for my opinions to be implemented as policy, as will other people who might disagree with me. Whoever mobilizes the most resources towards their goal will win. I don't have an "empirical standard" for deciding who to vote for, either; it's more of a process of making the best decision possible with mind and heart, based on whatever information I can gather within reasonable limits. My approach to public policy is the same, only I don't get to make decisions about it directly.