Connecticut Commentary: Red Notes from a Blue State

It’s not all that unusual for leading politicians to bump up lobbyists, the vanguard of Wall Street, for campaign cash, but the latest romance between Larson and the enemies of Main Street has a new twist to it. Larson, a close student of the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha, widely regarded as the earmark king , now wants the titans of industry to pony up money AND “Messaging and campaign strategy,” according to the Roll Call report . “But the decision to formally assign lobbyists to lawmakers is unusual, according to several Democratic lobbyists. “’It was not just a fundraising ask,’ according to a lobbyist in attendance. ‘It was also to help out with campaign.’ “They said, ‘These people could use extra help, not only in terms of resources, but also advice in terms of setting up ground messaging,’ the lobbyist added. “They basically asked us to adopt a Member,’ according to another lobbyist at the dinner, who declined to speak on the record… “The ask was formalized Wednesday ev...