With the top lobbying job still vacant at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, banking lobbyists have been buzzing about who the leading prospects are and how long the slot will stay open.

Three industry lobbyists say that at present Kevin Fromer, who ran legislative affairs at the Treasury Department under former Secretary Hank Paulson, looks to have the inside track. One of the lobbyists cautioned that there might be some "push back" from certain SIFMA members who would rather see the job go to a Democrat. The SIFMA post has been open for almost a month since Michael Paese, a Democrat, jumped ship to lead the Goldman Sachs lobbying team in Washington.

                                                                                                              -- Peter H. Stone