Lobbyists Study Bush's Cabinet Nominees

[Khephra]

Lobbyists Study Bush's Cabinet Nominees
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: December 30, 2004


Filed at 3:10 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Long before they start their new jobs, President Bush's Cabinet picks are getting close attention from lobbyists who follow the smallest moves from start to finish -- even urging senators to ask specific questions at confirmation hearings.

The most influential lobbyists get calls from the White House discreetly seeking their views and background information on those Bush considers for top jobs.

While many lobbies do not hesitate to suggest names, they often shy away from aggressive campaigning. Besides the risk of dooming a Cabinet prospect by making him or her seem self-promoting, there is also the danger a group's favorite won't be chosen by Bush and the person who is will find out the lobby really wanted someone else.

``We tend to talk with the White House about the kind of person that we would urge him to appoint and he selects the actual individual,'' said Steve Bartlett, president of the Financial Services Roundtable, whose members include banks and other financial-services companies.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Cabinet-Lobbying.html

[papau]

1. Lobbyists ARE Bush's Cabinet Nominees

sigh

:-)

[EFerrari]

2. Wait -- I thought lobbyists appointed W?!