I did a quick search on Wikipedia for information, and they reference OpenSecrets.org, which houses some interesting information about who the biggest spenders were in 2009:
| Lobbying Client | Total |
|---|---|
| US Chamber of Commerce | $65,211,000 |
| Exxon Mobil | $20,750,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Rsrch & Mfrs of America | $20,165,000 |
| General Electric | $19,661,000 |
| Blue Cross/Blue Shield | $16,727,065 |
| Pfizer Inc | $16,340,000 |
| Chevron Corp | $15,515,000 |
| AARP | $15,060,000 |
| National Assn of Realtors | $13,857,000 |
| Verizon Communications | $13,450,000 |
| ConocoPhillips | $13,292,079 |
| American Medical Assn | $12,600,000 |
| American Hospital Assn | $12,337,176 |
| FedEx Corp | $12,290,000 |
| BP | $11,370,000 |
| AT&T Inc | $11,368,732 |
| Boeing Co | $10,720,000 |
| National Cable & Telecommunications Assn | $10,660,000 |
| Altria Group | $10,170,000 |
| Lockheed Martin | $9,928,992 |
Surprise! The US Chamber of Commerce spent the most on lobbying last year. Sounds, impressive right? According the chamber of commerce website:
More than 96% of U.S. Chamber members are small businesses with 100 employees or fewer.
However, the next 19 biggest spenders collectively spent $2,615,536,322, 4000% as much as the US Chamber of Commerce.
I’m reviewing this information to learn about how independent businesses are represented in Washington, D.C., and in the process I’m shocked at how much money is spent on lobbying. Incredible.
]]>“Alaska, wake up! Get this bum out of office - and as for corporate lobbyists, tarring and feathering should make a comeback in Washington.”]]>
House Ethics Panel Probes Earmarks by 7 Lawmakers
I only skimmed through the article right now as I've got to start work on another project but plan to review it later. Here at the lawmakers under review:
The lobbying company in question is the PMA Group, a company whose offices were raided by the FBI and dissolved afterwards.
]]>Its laughable to me that lobbyist registration in the EU is a voluntary act.
]]>One part of True Blood that caught my interest right away was the fact that the vampires, in their quest for equal rights, have organized a lobbying group in Washington.
Interesting, very interesting.
]]>I imagine that the biggest gun lobbyist is the NRA, but I’ll have to look into that. It could be the health care industry.
]]>Stay tuned! And if you know anything about lobbying, please share your knowledge or suggestions on good places to find out more about lobbying.