Lobbyists Rush To Hire Republicans Ahead Of Midterms

New York Times:

WASHINGTON -- With Democrats in danger of losing control of Congress, some prominent lobbying shops, trade groups and contractors are already moving to bring more Republicans on board to bolster their political fortunes.

Lobbyists, political consultants and headhunters all say that the going rate for Republicans -- particularly current and former House staff members -- has risen significantly in just the last few weeks, with salaries beginning at $300,000 and rising to as high as $1 million for private-sector positions.

"We're seeing a premium for Republicans," said Ivan H. Adler, a lobbyist for the McCormick Group in Washington, which specializes in executive searches. "They're the new 'It' girl."

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[Gaylord P Farqua]

07:02 PM on 09/11/2010

That is odd. Don't they already work for the lobbyists representing the major banks, Wall Street, the drug manufacturers and the insurance companies? Another good reason to prohibit lobbying after serving in Congress or any governmental position. This 'cattle call" for lobbyists is the epitome of arrogance by K Street.

[Marconiusrex24]

03:05 PM on 09/11/2010

They must think that a majority of Americans are stupid and have a very short memory.....I hope they are NOT right!

[OldHick]

02:10 PM on 09/11/2010

Do Democrats believe those two actions are vote-getters or balm for getting more campaign money from business? Indeed, the tax credit mainly goes to super-profitable computer companies (Cisco, Intel, Microsoft) and big drug companies that already have outsourced their production to China and India.

And small business, which is receiving eight tax cuts under Obama, is waiting for consumer spending to increase. President Obama should fulfill his campaign pledge in 2008 to raise the federal minimum wage to $9.50 per hour by 2011, which would increase that buying power. Even that increase, while worthwhile, still wouldn’t equal the minimum wage of 1968, adjusted for inflation.

[roger37]

01:13 PM on 09/11/2010

Bagmen in our system of Government-by-Bribery. Pure and simple Corporate Fascism. We ceased being a representative democracy about 10 years ago.

[hypnotoad72]

08:19 PM on 09/11/2010

At least 30...

[nypapajoe]

10:10 AM on 09/11/2010

Republican lobbyist starting salary $300,000 plus to start! While the middle class struggles to make ends meet! The continued theft by the corporations! This is the big payoff for the politicians that enabled the greatest grand theft of the people since the last depression! While the people are concerned about "taking our country back" the republicans are plotting are demise while the likes of Beck and $arah have amazed a fortune!

[rory talbot]

09:12 AM on 09/11/2010

Well, why not!?! They already own Obama.

[Marconiusrex24]

03:00 PM on 09/11/2010

I think that remains to be seen....he's only through half his term. Some of the things he's been saying lately make me think he might come around. I hope his days of pandering to corporatists and repubz is coming to a close.

[Janine547]

08:48 PM on 09/11/2010

Good luck with that. Obama is one of the same.

[tandra88]

08:22 AM on 09/11/2010

Sad state of affairs this political system. You get what you vote for. The American public is really stupid to fall for the spin to put these repubs back into power and the me. The Democrats are pathetic in the way they've managed the reins of power they were given. Put them back in power and kiss your middle class a** goodbye! I think it's a wrap get your own, be selfish, don't care about your neighbors, what a pathetic situation.This country is finished.

[baffledman]

01:53 AM on 09/11/2010

HUFFPOST PUNDIT
Chris1962 22 hours ago (3:25 AM)
71 Fans
Become a fan
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>>>I find it very telling that you bow to praise a man who was merely a figurehead for big business(reagan)>>>

What the heck do you think Obama is?
_________________________________________________________________________

I 'm sorry did you say something..I can see why you view it in that respect after all with all you've accomplished.
It's true you mock him yet you post talking points for a pittance on a liberal web site . All for a good cause. I just can't imagine what it could be.
So I am sure your parents are very happy with the investment in your education and can also see what a better human and how much more intelligent you are than President Barrack Obama

[dennidus1680]

09:26 PM on 09/10/2010

If the American public is stupid enough to put these people back in after 8 years of Bush and the disaster that followed, then they deserve what they are going to get. More of the same.

[BlueSkyPilot]

03:41 PM on 09/10/2010

Gov't influence for sale to the highest bidder. That's the way we got here.

[osage]

01:48 PM on 09/10/2010

TODAY’S REPUBLICANISM.....IS THE VICTORY OF THE "ID" OVER THE "SUPER EGO"

Today's Republicans don't believe that intelligence, logic, compassion or an appreciation or acknowledgment of historical facts or legal precedents are relevant or worthy of consideration.

Driving jobs out of America and Americans out of their homes is "just business" to them; nothing "personal".

Corporations should be given the same first amendment free speech rights as individual citizens so they can "buy" political candidates and elections, despite the fact that works against the best interests of working class Americans and further diminishes their political relevance/influence.

Pollution, global warming and deforestation are all improvable "myths" of egg-head/tree-hugger scientists who are “socialist” enemies of “over-regulated” capitalism. The earth, which right wing evangelical extremists claim is only 6,000 years old, will miraculously heal itself! All we have to do is “pray”.

For today's mercenary self-focused deviant breed of dysfunctional near-sighted Republicans, it's not about right or wrong, good or bad, fair or unfair, rational or irrational.....it's about power and control, even if that means intellectual, moral, psychological and functional delusion, denial and dishonesty. They want what they want for no other reason than they WANT it……regardless of the consequences to themselves and everyone else! Somehow, that makes "them" feel good about themselves…..makes them feel safe?

[nypapajoe]

01:28 PM on 09/10/2010

Fact the republicans have sold the working class out to the highest bidder! The corporations and their CEOs have made billions (google company financial quarterly reports) bonuses and salaries while there has been massive layoffs, foreclosures and loss of life savings! The only ones that have made out like bandits have been the financial sector! The republicans enable this fiasco but the huge bailout plan that poured more bonuses and greater profits! While America was fed propaganda by the likes of Beck and $arah who have and continue to make millions and now plan to charge a fee for their 911 memorial address! What hypocrites! And the republicans call this being patriotic and conservative?

[getsit]

12:05 PM on 09/10/2010

Why does Huffington Post have a link to Meg Whitman's website just above this blog? Come on! Where's the link to Jerry Brown's website? And Barbara Boxer's website?

[mrspiffy]

12:00 PM on 09/10/2010

And therein lies our problem...
http://yieldpig.blogspot.com/

[getsit]

11:57 AM on 09/10/2010

Another reason not to shop at Walmart and Target. In fact, if HP lists corporations who donate significant money to the current fringe Republicans I won't shop in corporate stores or buy corporate products.

Jim Hightower printed in his newletter (it's great!) some of these corporations. I hope he does it again.

[freddychef]

10:46 PM on 09/10/2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FhMMmqzbD8
target flashmob, target aint people.