The Influence Game
In Washington, scandal has put congressional lobbyists under the microscope once again, and the polls say Americans are paying attention. Montanans are paying attention too. In Helena, Gov. Brian Schweitzer is demanding that legislators serve their constituents and not lobbyists who “prowl the halls” of the Capitol. Across the state this summer, citizens are being asked to slow the revolving door between the government and those who lobby it.
The questions about lobbying are piling up.
- How much do Montana lobbyists spend bending legislators' ears?
- What are the facts about lobbying in Montana?
- How accessible is the information?
- Are state disclosure laws all they should be?
Four University of Montana journalism students spent part of the 2006 spring semester digging for answers
