It's a $3 billion-plus industry with thousands of skilled practitioners. Yet Washington's lobbying and advocacy sector - the world known as K Street - is poorly understood and heavily stereotyped by the media, the public, politicians, and, at times, by K Street professionals themselves. What's more, lobbyists and 'special interests' have been pummeled on the election trail by one candidate after another - the very same candidates who turn around and put their hand out expecting lobbyists to slip them a campaign contribution.
National Journal has been reporting on and analyzing lobbying and lobbyists for years. We now take our coverage to the next level with this new blog, Under the Influence. Our aim is to help readers understand the business of a huge and powerful industry, who the players are, and how they influence and shape our nation's politics and policies. Just as important, we want to give voice to the individuals - the contract lobbyists, corporate representatives, trade group officials, nonprofit advocates, public affairs practitioners, and thousands of other professionals - who make up the diverse K Street community.
