by Yves St.OuiRain

Created on: May 21, 2007

Remember way back; when Bill Clinton was running in his first presidential primary? His campaign was nearly broke, and it was looking pretty dismal in his bankbook....his campaign may be coming to a grinding halt. However, one of his aides found two groups willing to donate big bucks to his campaign, enough, in fact to turn the tide completely, if Bill would only speak to the groups. HIS support would garner THEIR support! Win/win situation, which, in retrospect turned into a stellar move for this politically hungry contender. Bill Clinton spoke before a powerful and monied gay rights group, and the equally monied teachers unions and refueled his broke campaign coffer. Such is the maneuvering of power, money and influence peddling in Washington....

Over the years, the power changes hands, positioning on the "top 25" on the Power List undergoes change, but one thing is constant: The money to influence is there!
Neither major party has a stranglehold on money or influence. Also, it takes lots of time, donations from adherents to the lobby and support from those already elected and in Washington, to make strides on "The List". Additionally, the trend is no longer focused on dollar signs only. Influential lobbying groups now represent large and focused voting blocks. They deliver votes as well as finance.

Of no surprise, The AARP is the number one lobby right now. Number twenty five is the controversial Teamsters Organization. In between is a diverse group, that changes frequently. The Association of Trial Lawyers, The American Medical Association and The American Israel Public Affairs committee are also on the coveted "Top Twenty Five" list. Currently, the AFL-CIO is the number 3 spot, no surprise there. Nor is the number 10 spot, The National Right to Life Committee a surprise, either.

The National Federation of Independent Businesses (the "small business" lobby) comes in at an impressive number 4. While the National Rifle Association, long a supporter of the second amendment, is sixth on the list. The Christian Coalition is number seven. The powerful lobby of these groups lies in their firm and huge "grassroots" support, to be sure.

Interestingly, groups with large memberships that rely on the government for their paychecks, rank high on the list. Examples are: The National Education Association at number nine, and AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, is number 14. Also within this type of lobby group is the American Legion at number 23 and the Veterans of Foreign War at number 16, whose members get government benefits and also have a (well deserved) patriotic influence on politicians.

The only investor related lobby in the Power 25 is The American Bankers Association, at number 12.

It is interesting and always changing, while stubbornly remaining the same.

~Facts in this article were obtained by public lists and "Fortune" magazine~

Learn more about this author, Yves St.OuiRain.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.