USA TODAY:
The recession has battered the U.S. economy, but the lobbying industry is humming along in the nation’s capital, even for companies that have shed thousands of jobs in the past year.
The 20 trade associations and companies that spent the most on lobbying increased their spending by more than 20% in 2009 to $507.7 million, up from $418.2 million a year earlier, according to a USA TODAY analysis of reports compiled by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics…..
“Companies have made the decision that they are going to have to spend money today in order to protect their bottom line tomorrow, even if they are in the midst of layoffs, even if their profits are dwindling,” said Dave Levinthal of the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks money in politics. “When Congress is debating sweeping legislation … they are going to come out in force, regardless of economic conditions on the ground.”
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