Republicans' Lobbying Grip Crumbles After Congressional Shakeup

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Republicans' Lobbying Grip Crumbles After Congressional Shakeup
By Jonathan D. Salant

March 16 (Bloomberg) -- The Republicans' loss of power in Congress is mirrored by a swift reversal of fortune in some key precincts of lobbying influence.

Gone in a matter of months was a years-long effort to build a permanent majority through an alliance with lobby firms and trade groups, which supplied high-paid employment to Republicans. Those lobbyists in turn made lavish campaign donations to the party to help keep it in power.

Instead, as soon as the Republicans lost control of Congress, even as they retained the presidency, lobby shops shook off the vestiges of what was known as the ``K Street Project,'' after the Washington boulevard where many firms are located. One of the highest-profile Republican hires was replaced by a Democrat. One trade group brought in a Democrat -- himself a project target -- to replace its Republican president.

"To coin a phrase, the K Street Project has been consigned to the dustbin of history,'' said Craig Shirley, a Republican consultant....

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A leader of the K Street Project, Grover Norquist, the head of Washington-based Americans for Tax Reform, said it is misguided for business leaders to hire Democratic lobbyists.

"What is the interest of the company or trade association?'' Norquist said. "The only reason to hire a D is because you're paying for access.''...

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=a6VJFfn.kWHQ