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Dem Lobbyists Leave K Street For Capitol

Obama's new rules have some seeking 'cleanse' on Hill first

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 26, 2009 2:37 PM CST

(Newser) – President Obama’s tough anti-lobbying policies have Democrats headed for Capitol Hill, Politico reports. “Any Democrat worth their salt in this town wants to go work for the administration,” one lobbyist says. “But they’re just not talking to us.” Because Obama has strict policies against hiring lobbyists, many plan to “cleanse” themselves with quick stints working for lawmakers.

Since lobbyists can’t vie for White House jobs, congressional staffers are leaving in droves, and lobbyists are eager to fill their jobs. “I’ll cleanse myself there and then go to the administration,” said the lobbyist—though doing so usually means a huge salary cut.

I'll cleanse myself there and then go to the administration, said a Democratic lobbyist prohibited from going directly from lobbying to working for Obama administration.
"I'll cleanse myself there and then go to the administration," said a Democratic lobbyist prohibited from going directly from lobbying to working for Obama administration.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama has instituted strict rules about lobbyists working in government.
President Barack Obama has instituted strict rules about lobbyists working in government.   (AP Photo)
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You can always go make money. You don’t always get the opportunity to work in the government at a time
like this. - Heather Podesta, Democratic lobbyist and sister-in-law of transition chief John Podesta

Democrats love government. We believe in government and we enjoy working for government. And so the temptation is always there and the pull is even stronger at a time of such historical significance. - Andy Rosenberg, Democratic lobbyist

Any Democrat who is worth their salt in this town wants to go work for the administration. But they’re just not talking to us. - A Democratic lobbyist

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