Lobbyists enjoy access to establishment politicians of both major parties. But Boehner leaves behind a career that is marked by a particularly extreme coziness with K Street.
He was once caught handing out tobacco industry campaign checks on the House floor before a vote on tobacco legislation…
As he raised millions from corporate political action committees, Boehner encouraged lobbyists to have a direct influence over the policy process. Under Speaker Boehner, the reverse revolving door became a blur, with more and more corporate lobbyists hired to manage the day-to-day business of key congressional committees and to serve as senior staff.
—Lee Fang
Lobbyists Mourn House Speaker John Boehner’s Departure
