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Obama Aides Take Lobbyist Meetings Across Street

That way, they're not seen in visitor logs

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 25, 2011 2:17 PM CST

(Newser) – Apparently Barack Obama’s opposition to lobbyist influence isn’t as strident as advertised. Obama’s aides still consult with lobbyists, Politico reports—they just do it across the street from the White House. These chats, held in meeting rooms just off the White House campus, aren’t recorded in the visitor logs that have, under Obama’s orders, become public knowledge. “They’re doing it on the side,” said one immigration reform lobbyist, adding, “It’s better than nothing.”

The White House says it uses off-site locations when all the space in the White House is booked, and notes that some lobbyist meetings wind up in the logs. “Our driving principle here is that lobbyists should have the same access to the White House as non-lobbyists,” says a spokesman. But lobbyists say they’re being hidden, particularly because they’re made to sign confidentiality agreements before meetings. “When they need us, they call us,” says one. “When they don’t, we’re evil.”

A Secret Service Officer stands guard outside of the White House October 3, 2003 in Washington, DC.
A Secret Service Officer stands guard outside of the White House October 3, 2003 in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 26 comments
WallyEFunk
Feb 26, 2011 9:37 AM CST
Common sense saids there has to be a dialog with them, You can't ignoring them completely, like you can't ignore or not have the closed door meeting Republicans insist apron. Which also Obama said he was going to do. Playing the game, maybe it's the time to change the game, limit the amount spent or given by all groups and organization, to any political party.
SPHeroid
Feb 25, 2011 10:52 PM CST
With the exception of The Tea Bag party, all groups, corporations, unions, trade associations, PAC's, foreign countries and individuals argue in their best interests... And they have every right to.... It is the money changing hands that is at the root of corruption...
janbee
Feb 25, 2011 6:32 PM CST
I think things are progressing nicely. The lobbyist have the feeling they are evil - bad is good, we're cool. Lobbyist need to change their understanding of how things work. If a corporation or business group would like to hire someone to sit with a government official and listen to what message the current adminsitration or legislators expect of them, fine - however these same groups should not hire a lobbyist to extract favors from the government. "Ask not what your country can do for you - but what you can do for your country" Stop the bitching everyone we are moving in the right direction. Any day a lobbyist believes they're evil is a good day. Wouldn't you agree?

 
Barack Obama • lobbyist • lobbyists • Washington lobbyists • Obama administration

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