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Storm Gives Toyota More Time to Speed Up Lobbying Effort

Feb. 9, 1:41 p.m.

Toyota, beleaguered with the fallout over a massive recall, will have a little more time to roll out its public offensive in Washington, D.C., after House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.) postponed Wednesday’s hearing on Toyota’s vehicle acceleration problems because of the impending snowstorm.

DSCC Blasts Lobbyists but Still Wants Their Cash

Feb. 9, 12:37 p.m.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee apparently is smacking lobbyists with its left hand this cycle while accepting their campaign contributions with its right, according to a recent fundraising pitch.

Lobbyists Looking Busy While Hill at a Standstill

Feb. 9, 12 a.m.

As most of Washington, D.C., spent Monday digging out from the weekend’s blizzard and bracing for another snowstorm expected today, lobbyists continued to press ahead even though some of their signature issues are hanging in limbo.

Big Business Pushing FTAs

Feb. 8, 12 a.m.

With renewed White House support but tough midterm elections expected this fall, the business community says this year’s legislative window is closing quickly for a trio of trade deals still awaiting Congressional approval.

Lobbyist Prepares for Real Battle Far From Capitol Hill

Feb. 8, 12 a.m.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Patrick Wilson was just another Hill staffer. Wilson, now a lobbyist, was working as legislative director for Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) on the day the Capitol was evacuated and later when Pence received anthrax in the mail. Those terrorist threats made him want to fight back, but joining the military was impossible since he had passed the maximum age limit of 34.

Ring’s Corruption Trial Postponed Until July

Feb. 5, 10:55 a.m.

U.S. District Judge Ellen Huvelle agreed Friday to postpone the retrial of former House-aide-turned-lobbyist Kevin Ring until July.

AstroTurf Aces Push Credit Fee Event

Feb. 4, 12 a.m.

Consumers for Competitive Choice, a self-described grass-roots nonprofit representing mostly small-business owners, is storming Capitol Hill today in a push to lower the fees that credit card companies charge merchants.

‘Don’t Ask’ Ignites Policy War

Feb. 3, 12 a.m.

With his future at stake, Lt. Dan Choi hopped a train from New York to catch Tuesday’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays serving in the armed forces.

Groups Launch Uphill Battle for Amendment

Feb. 3, 12 a.m.

Grass-roots advocacy groups will kick off a national lobbying campaign later this week to rally support for a constitutional amendment that they hope will mute a recent Supreme Court decision.

McConnell’s Outgoing Chief May Launch Firm

Feb. 2, 6:43 p.m.

Kyle Simmons, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R) longtime chief of staff, plans to launch a bipartisan lobbying shop with a trio of former Senate chiefs of staff, according to a source familiar with Simmons’ efforts.

Ex-Members to Face Buyer’s Market on K St.

Feb. 2, 12 a.m.

Law firms and lobbying shops are preparing for a flood of résumés from soon-to-be unemployed Members, as popular discontent and, ultimately, November voters push lawmakers toward the exits.

Reform — All Over but the Lobbyin’?

Feb. 1, 12 a.m.

With their signature issue struggling for survival, liberal groups are now rallying behind the budget reconciliation route to pass health care reform, despite concerns about the practicality of the legislative maneuver and some skepticism on K Street about pursuing the politically troublesome issue.

Chamber Members Jump on Jobs Bandwagon

Feb. 1, 12 a.m.

As President Barack Obama pivoted last week to make job creation a centerpiece of his agenda, the country’s largest business association moved to aggressively push its own policy to promote economic growth across the country.

Sebelius to Health Reformers: ‘Game Is Still On’

Jan. 28, 12:02 p.m.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sought to reassure liberal health care advocates Thursday that the administration was still trying to push the massive health care reform bill through despite recent setbacks.

Members Give Cool Reception to Obama’s New Lobbying Proposals

Jan. 28, 8:14 a.m.

Democratic lawmakers said they were uncertain they could muster broad Congressional support for new lobbying rules President Barack Obama proposed Wednesday night in his State of the Union address.

Under Attack, Wall Street Seeks a Voice

Jan. 28, 12 a.m.

Using the bully pulpit of the State of the Union address, President Barack Obama continued to target Wall Street on Wednesday, calling for Congress to act swiftly to pass sweeping financial regulatory reform. Obama’s aggressive posturing comes as the financial services industry is scrambling to find its voice to rebut the president’s assault while facing withering clout on Capitol Hill.

Ford CEO Drives Agenda to D.C.

Jan. 27, 12 a.m.

Ford Motor Co. President Alan Mulally took a quick victory lap around the nation’s capital on Tuesday, appearing at the 2010 Washington Auto Show and rolling out the automaker’s legislative wish list for the remainder of the year.

Boutique Lobbyists Lure Big Payout

Jan. 27, 12 a.m.

At Capitol Tax Partners, a boutique lobbying firm that, as its name suggests, specializes in arcane budgetary issues, it took seven lobbyists to bring in $11.9 million in lobbying revenue last year. Across town at powerhouse firm Patton Boggs, the shop that grossed the most lobbying revenue last year, it took 137 registered lobbyists to pull down $40.7 million.

K Street Mounts Campaign to Sway Obama Speech

Jan. 26, 12 a.m.

Lobbyists and representatives for interest groups are engaging in last-minute conference calls and meetings with White House officials hoping to sway what President Barack Obama says to Congress and the nation during his State of the Union address Wednesday night.

K Street Comes to Mr. Brown

Jan. 25, 12 a.m.

Sen.-elect Scott Brown’s arrival on Capitol Hill on Thursday had all the pomp and circumstance of a celebrity jaunt. The Massachusetts Republican was greeted with applause in the Russell Senate Office Building, had an invitation to meet with Senate leadership and was swarmed by a gaggle of reporters at every turn.

Court Decision Could Spark Unlikely Alliance

Jan. 25, 12 a.m.

Longtime K Street antagonist Fred Wertheimer may soon find that he has an unusual collection of supporters for his revived attempt to create a public financing system for Congressional races: fundraiser-weary lobbyists.

MPAA Chief Glickman to Be President of Refugees International

Jan. 22, 11:43 a.m.

Former Rep. Dan Glickman (D-Kan.) formally stepped down Friday as CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America after six years atop the powerful trade association.

Elite Lobbying Firms Posted Big Gains in 2009

Jan. 21, 12 a.m.

K Street’s top 25 firms cashed in on the aggressive legislative agenda unleashed by the new president and bigger Democratic majorities in Congress in 2009 to post double-digit growth of about 10 percent over the previous year.

K Streeters Feel Shock of Brown Senate Win

Jan. 21, 12 a.m.

Sen.-elect Scott Brown’s (R-Mass.) victory on Tuesday is sending shock waves down K Street, where trade associations, contract lobbyists and interest groups began frantically reconsidering their advocacy strategies in light of the GOP’s new power to filibuster.

U.S. Chamber Reports Eye-Popping $123 Million to Lobby

Jan. 20, 5:12 p.m.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has been leading a high-priced campaign against health care legislation, shelled out $123 million for federal lobbying in 2009, almost double what the business group spent the previous year.

Union Sources: Card Check Is Doomed

Jan. 20, 1:23 p.m.

In the wake of Sen.-elect Scott Brown’s (R) stunning victory in Massachusetts, union officials on Wednesday are acknowledging privately that the flip of late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) seat likely dooms “card check” legislation.

Health Care Stakeholders Scramble After GOP Win in Massachusetts

Jan. 20, 12:42 p.m.

Industries and groups with a stake in the outcome of the health care reform debate hastily regrouped Wednesday to determine their next move in the aftermath of the Massachusetts Senate election.

Google’s Book Project Gets Capitol Hill Attention

Jan. 20, 12 a.m.

A coalition well-stacked with Google’s corporate enemies is building a case on Capitol Hill this week against an anticipated court decision that would allow the search giant to publish millions of library books on the Internet.

Despite Lagging Economy, K St. Still Thrives

Jan. 20, 12 a.m.

The economy may be in the dumps, but that did not stop the oil giant Chevron from pumping up its lobbying budget in 2009 to respond to a busy agenda set by the Democratic Congress and President Barack Obama.

Life Insurers Seek New Chief

Jan. 19, 12 a.m.

Several high-profile Democrats, including North Dakota Rep. Earl Pomeroy and former Sen. Bob Kerrey (Neb.), are said to be in the running to fill former Oklahoma Republican Gov. Frank Keating’s post as CEO and president of the American Council of Life Insurers.

Anti-Abortion Activists Gin Up Support for Rally

Jan. 15, 3:53 p.m.

An anti-abortion-rights coalition is gearing up for next week’s March for Life, an annual Washington, D.C., grass-roots lobbying event that has drawn millions of protesters since it began in 1974.

Keating Set to Exit ACLI; Pomeroy, Kerrey Eyed as Replacement

Jan. 15, 12:01 p.m.

Frank Keating, the one-time Republican governor of Oklahoma, will depart his post as CEO and president of the American Council of Life Insurers. And the ACLI has started a search to find his successor.

Scanlon Gets Sentencing Date Four Years After Guilty Plea

Jan. 13, 5:57 p.m.

More than fours years after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the influence-peddling investigation centered on disgraced ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, another key figure in the scheme, Michael Scanlon, is set to be sentenced in federal court.

Interest Groups Prep for Health Endgame

Jan. 13, 12 a.m.

Industries and advocacy groups with a stake in health care reform legislation are increasingly assuming that Congress will approve an overhaul and are shifting their focus to ensure that their top priorities are protected in the final bill.

Clark & Weinstock Shake-Up Continues

Jan. 13, 12 a.m.

The game of musical chairs at Clark & Weinstock continues after the firm’s merger with fellow Omnicom Group-owned lobby shop the Washington Group.

Chamber Promises to Play Big Role in 2010 Midterms

Jan. 12, 11:33 a.m.

Promoting job creation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue pushed back Tuesday against the Obama administration’s legislative agenda, threatening to use the chamber’s power during the 2010 midterm elections to defeat the president’s allies.

AFL-CIO Chief Warns Democrats Not to Take Labor for Granted

Jan. 11, 4:03 p.m.

En route to a health care summit with President Barack Obama on Monday, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka warned Democrats that they risk repeating 1994’s electoral blood bath if they fail to make good on legislative promises to unions.

Reform Groups Praise Obama for Lobbying, Ethics Reforms

Jan. 11, 11:33 a.m.

Reform groups are giving the Obama administration high marks for its first year of lobbying, ethics and transparency reforms.

Onlookers Hope Dodd’s Retirement Plan Helps Push Banking Reform

Jan. 6, 5:09 p.m.

Congressional Republicans and financial services lobbyists alike said Wednesday that they hope the retirement of Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) will not blow up bipartisan banking reform legislation this year.

Sutton, Lobbying Groups Attack Japanese Auto Subsidy

Jan. 6, 5:06 p.m.

Domestic automakers are getting a boost from Capitol Hill this week, as Rust Belt Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio) joined the business community and unions in pressuring White House officials to settle a trade beef with Japan.

K Street Eyes Dorgan, Dodd

Jan. 6, 1:19 p.m.

The decisions of Democratic Sens. Chris Dodd (Conn.) and Byron Dorgan (N.D.) to exit Capitol Hill are spurring widespread speculation downtown about whether the lawmakers will head to K Street.

Union-Backed Group Starts New Health Care Ad Campaign

Jan. 5, 4:31 p.m.

A liberal coalition that has been highly critical of the Senate health care legislation has launched a campaign to prod Congressional negotiators to adopt a final measure that resembles the more expansive House version.

Ex-Ogilvy Lobbyists Launch Thorn Run Partners

Jan. 5, 7 a.m.

On the heels of major departures at Ogilvy Government Relations in the final days of last year, two more lobbyists are leaving to launch their own K Street shop. Democrat Andy Rosenberg and Republican Chris Lamond are setting up Thorn Run Partners this week.

Clergy Appealing to a Lower Authority

Dec. 21, 12 a.m.

Although an unapologetic Democrat, the Rev. Rick Friebel has shied away from politics in recent decades. But that all apparently changed nearly three years ago, when the Roman Catholic priest cut a $2,300 check to then-Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) surging presidential campaign, the first political contribution of Friebel’s 31-year career.

Savoring the Sweetest Job in Washington

Dec. 21, 12 a.m.

Larry Graham has the kind of job every trade association leader wants.

Retailers, Manufacturers Influence Health Care Legislation

Dec. 21, 12 a.m.

Attention holiday shoppers: If you thought you could escape key players in the health care lobbying debate by hitting the malls, you might want to reconsider.

K Street’s Campaigns of the Decade

Dec. 21, 12 a.m.

While the ongoing health care debate and this year’s $787 billion stimulus package are putting downtown influence peddlers in high cotton, the first nine years of the decade also provided no shortage of work, intrigue and headaches for K Street. From massive fights over free-trade bills to an expansion of Medicare to earmark reforms, it has been a full decade for lobbyists since the new millennium arrived almost 10 years ago.

Health Care Players Hope Holiday Ads Will Break Through

Dec. 18, 6 a.m.

As the contentious health care debate drones on into the holiday season, advocacy groups are looking for creative ways to keep the attention of the public and lawmakers who may be dreaming of a policy-free Christmas.

K Street Takes Stock of Hill Prospects

Dec. 17, 12 a.m.

While the job market across the country has taken a tumble, K Street’s thirst for Capitol Hill talent is holding steady.

Reduced Tax Still Splits Medical Device Makers

Dec. 16, 12 a.m.

Earlier this fall, Congressional Democrats writing health care legislation and manufacturers of medical devices were at loggerheads.