26 January 2010

2.8 Girls for Every Guy...

..or about that many lobbyists for each delegate and senator in the West Virginia Legislature.

The Associated Press notes that the recently updated roster from the state Ethics Commission lists nearly 380 lobbyists registered for the ongoing regular session.

"More than 480 businesses, associations and special interest groups are represented," the article said. "Sixteen lobbyists started the session without being affiliated with any particular employer."

Some of the largest blocks of client groups include pharmaceutical companies, labor unions, health care professionals, chambers of commerce and groups representing public agencies programs and officials.

Mountain State Blue Cross and Blue Shield appears to have the most lobbyists registered this session, at seven. "Appalachian Power, the state Chamber of Commerce and the associations for hospitals and independent oil and gas operators are each fielding six," AP reports.

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