If Obama Took Back Our Government From Lobbyists, Why Did They Have Record Spending in 2009?

One of president Obama's campaign themes was that the Government was run by special interests and lobbyists and he was promising to put an end to that kind of politics.

And as people have looked away in disillusionment and frustration, we know what's filled the void. The cynics, the lobbyists, the special interests who've turned our government into a game only they can afford to play. They write the checks and you get stuck with the bills,...

Did President Onama reign in the special interests and lobbyists? No. President Obama and democrats have been accused of paying off their special interests groups. Think about the 'Cadillac' health care plan tax exemption the UAW got and all the pork in the 'Stimulus.' Actually, lobbyists are very active and spending more money than ever.

Last year saw a more than 5 percent increase in lobbying expenditures as compared to 2008, said a new report released Friday by the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign finance watchdog.

More than $3.47 billion was spent on lobbying in 2009, about $170 million more than in 2008, according to the watchdog’s analysis.