We know that if Reid were Republican, the Hill would be flipped in a firestorm of rage, public protests would ensue, Republicans would be getting clowned as Klan caricatures and another powerful White guy would find himself bowing out in disgrace (only to end up as either a well-paid talk show host, a Fox News contributor, or the partner of a high-end lobbying firm).
Seen this way, it is no surprise that journalists and regulators have long struggled to determine where policy wonking ends and lobbying begins, especially as sponsoring think tanks seems to have become a standard tactic for lobbyists on both sides of the Atlantic.
Mr. Reyle's array of metal sculptures and wall reliefs with bright chromed color and occasional LED lights qualify mostly as exceptional high-end lobby art.
If we start naming the city's spans after living politicians, there will be no end of the lobbying.
Of the 126 people who have left the financial services committee since the end of 2000, lobbying disclosure forms show that 62 have registered as lobbyists at some point.
Mr. Mugabe, in turn, claims that Mr. Tsvangirai has not held up his end of the bargain: lobbying the West to end travel and financial sanctions on him and his coterie.
That is where lobbying ends and corruption begins.
The Securities Industry Association, for example, spent $7 million in the 12 months ended June 30 on lobbying Treasury officials, Congress, the White House, the Federal Reserve Board and the S.E.C.
American Express and Time Inc. have had a working relationship since 1993, when they formed a management services agreement to partner on advertising deals and back-end operations, like lobbying jointly for postal reform.
The network is a year-old federation that brings together rap stars, record company executives, civil rights stalwarts and newer grass-roots groups with a sprawling agenda from ending racism to lobbying on behalf of industry concerns about restrictions on hip-hop music.
It's also a convenient end-run around lobbying disclosure laws.
