K Street is where the lobbyist live in Washington, Virgina. They represent the interests of big corporations. During the Reagan years, between 1981 and 1985 the number of Lobbyist representing corporations on K Street quadrupled.

For a while the Dems ruled K street. Not because K Street wanted Democratic Principles, but because the Dems had the majority. The Dems needed corporate money to flourish, but their constituency was liberal and labor-based (ie, real people). The balance of power existed. Life was good.

“How does this lobbying work?”, asked Virgina.

Well, first we must look at what these corporations really want. They want legislation to benefit their companies so they hire lobbyists. The lobbyists spend time with members of Congress trying to convince them that their version of legislation is the best (this is sometimes called “spin” and the lobbyists are sometimes called “spin doctors”). A Lobbyist is just a hired gun, available to anyone for a price.

“So, if anyone can hire them, what is the problem?”

Pay attention here, Virginia, because this is story of how greed can come back and bit you in the tail. Remember how laws are passed? According to the constitution all bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House. A member of Congress presents a bill to the House for a vote, then it goes to the Senate, then the President signs it into law. If you want a law that has to do with money, you must first get past Congress (and we know how much corporations love money).

Enter 1994 and the Republican control of both Houses and the 2000 election of George Bush. This marks the birth of the “K Street Project” run by Tom DeLay (R-Tx) and Rick Santorum (R- Penn). DeLay and Santorum had the idea that since the Republicans ruled both houses, they could force K Street firms to hire loyal Republicans in high positions in their Lobbying Firms, thereby making business much, much easier.

“Why would it be easier for the Republicans?”

If the K Street Project leaders (Delay and Santorum) decide not to pass your legislation because you have not been making enough political donations to the Republican Party, your lobbying company becomes ineffective. This is called extortion, Virginia. This represents the greed of the Republican Congressman. Also, more Republican political donation money means more Republicans elected. It’s a vicious circle.

“Who cares if the big corporations give money to the Republicans?”

When government is run by corporations it is called facism. A lot of people know this is a bad thing, so much so they passed laws to regulate it. For example, the laws in Texas, where DeLay is from, say that corporations can contribute big bucks to political parties, but not to specific candidates. This didn’t stop DeLay from trying to create a Republican majority in Texas. His evil mind figured out that since political parties are allowed to contribute big bucks to specific candidates, if the party did the contributing, then the law would not find out it came directly from corporations.

This is money laundering and conspiracy to break Texas laws, Virgina. The K Street corporations gave money to the Republican Party who turned around and gave it to Texas candidates. Since this greedy Congressman has control over the corporations through the lobbyist on K Street, he can make them do it. Assuming money can win elections, then the corporations, controlled by DeLay, can have anyone they want elected.

“I can’t sleep now, mommy. I’m scared”

Me too, sweetie.