Lobbyists Have Disproportionate Influence

Yesterday, on the way to my friend’s Super Tuesday gathering, I walked by a lone obama supporter working the corner across from circuit city. She was in union square, reminding people to vote. As I walked by, I calmly said, “Yes, we can.” To which, she screamed “Yes! WE CAN!” into my face. I laughed. I’m not going to knock her enthusiasm.

The next few weeks should be interesting. Obama needs to hit home the point about how much money Hillary’s received from lobbyists. Money now is about access later. Access later means more face time to put forth a persuasive argument while scientists with ill-fitting corduroys and big belt buckles are waiting in the halls with the latest climate change data.

Democrat Hillary Clinton has raised more money from lobbyists than any other presidential candidate while Republican John McCain has more of them assisting his campaign.

Clinton took in $823,087 from registered lobbyists and members of their firms in 2007 and the second-biggest recipient was McCain, who took in $416,321, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington-based group which tracks political giving.

McCain has 26 registered lobbyists as campaign advisers or fundraisers compared with 11 for Clinton and none for Obama, according to review of records compiled by Public Citizen, a Washington-based group that favors stronger disclosure laws for lobbyists.

Even as they pledge to rein in special interests, Hillary and McCain are relying on lobbyists to bring in campaign cash by raising money from other donors, a technique known as bundling.

``These bundlers and advisers are central to the financial success of top presidential candidates,'' said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics. ``As such, they will essentially carry with them an IOU from the campaign.''

Lobbyist Bundlers

Clinton's total from lobbyists is a fraction of what they raise on her behalf; her campaign doesn't disclose which donations are brought in by lobbyist bundlers.

Heather Podesta, a Washington lobbyist, donated $4,600 to Clinton, FEC records show. She's raised more than $250,000 for Clinton by tapping her network of contacts and holding fundraisers.

``Most of my attention is focused on raising money and new supporters,'' Podesta, sister-in-law to President Bill Clinton's Chief of Staff John Podesta, said in an interview. ``That's the best way for me to make a contribution.''

Like Podesta, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Steve Ricchetti has also signed on to be a so-called Hillraiser. Ricchetti's firm was paid $1.7 million during the first six months of 2007 to lobby on behalf of Amgen Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio, among others.

The democratic nomination is far from locked up and while Obama has cash reserves, Hillary’s dwindling money supply has made her ask for weekly debates in order to get air time. Ultimately, this is a good thing for Obama because although people want to be inspired in speeches, it seems as though debates will be where their differences in moral character and policy will be hashed out. It’ll also be good practice for debates against McCain.