Obama and Dems Rake in Lobbyist Cash

And they do it without batting an eye:

(Bloomberg) As President Barack Obama thrashes Republicans for allowing “special interest takeovers of our elections,” his Democratic Party is benefiting from millions of campaign dollars brought in by lobbyists.

Lobbyists raised at least $1.5 million in the first six months of the year to help elect Democrats to the House, according to a report from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. That was the most of any congressional fundraising committee and almost three times as much as the House Republican campaign committee took in from lobbyists.

While Obama criticizes the influence held by lobbyists in Washington, candidates rely on them to help fund increasingly expensive campaigns. Reports released yesterday show lobbyists also personally contributed to Democrats including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.

Fundraising helps lobbyists get in “on the main floor with the Democratic members of Congress as well as the White House,” said Craig Holman, who handles campaign finance issues for Public Citizen, a Washington advocacy group. “When it comes to negotiating legislation, they get to be key players.”

The more things change...........