"Former Lawmakers Find Lucrative Jobs"

[GreenPartyVoter]

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Republican congressman who helped regulate the drug industry now works for it. A maverick Democratic senator who derided special interests has signed on with a law firm representing many of them. A former House Republican is president of one of the nation's largest lobbying operations.

Recently retired lawmakers, who would have made $162,100 if they had returned to Congress, are signing on for more lucrative Washington jobs advising clients who crave government contracts or the largess of the annual spending bills, or are determined to ensure a bill's passage or defeat.

In the near term, retired lawmakers must keep their distance. Federal law bans former lawmakers from contacting any congressional office with the intent of influencing official action for one year.

After that, one-time members can get back into the business of Capitol Hill.

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20050112/D87I84RG0.html

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