Roll Call: With control of House within reach, Dems begin to court lobbyists heavily

RAW STORY
Published: Thursday September 7, 2006

On the verge of possibly regaining control of the House after the fall's elections, Democrats have begun courting lobbyists "heavily," according to an article in Thursday's Roll Call.

"With control of the House within reach for the first time in more than a decade, Democratic lobbyists say they’re feeling unusually intense pressure from House Democratic leaders to open their wallets and help their party close the deal," reports Tory Newmyer.

"But Democratic lobbyists are rising to the challenge, a dozen Democratic consultants said, upping their personal contributions and making the case to their corporate clients that they need to pony up as well," the article continues.

Excerpts from article:

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Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) “has been pretty blunt with people,” one Democratic lobbyist said. “Now, people downtown are finally paying attention and believing.”

“There’s been a significant increase in House Democratic fundraising activity. Folks are really working it hard,” said another well-placed Democratic lobbyist.

With recent media coverage and poll numbers suggesting a Democratic takeover of the House, aides and lobbyists alike said the fundraising pitch is becoming an easier sell.

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