08-03-2012, 06:46 PM
$tevie wrote:
In all seriousness, my friend's son worked for a (right wing Republican) lobbyist for a while and his job included many, many meals in restaurants with the lobbyist and various representatives. Not humble coffee shops, either, but nice restaurants. It was a tough job, believe it or not, which consumed a good 60 hours or more each week. Very few meetings took place during work hours nor in Congressional offices. Lobbyists are trying to woo you and feeding you is part of their arsenal.
How long ago was this? Because most people I know on The Hill (that have been there for quite some time) grumble because perks such as this are no longer the norm and everything must be reported.
The 90s seemed to be the heyday of lobbyist perks for staffers and members.