DeLay alumni earn at least $45 million for lobbying firms

WASHINGTON – Eleven lobbyists who once worked for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay helped bring in at least $45 million in fees for their lobbying firms during the last two years. By comparison, former aides of House Speaker Dennis Hastert's lobbying during that period helped bring in about $2.1 million, according to official disclosure records.

Along the way, Mr. DeLay's former assistants have aided clients such as ChevronTexaco Corp., Wyeth and Reynolds American Inc. in achieving legislative victories. They have also given Mr. DeLay the kind of Washington-insider clout he once criticized when Democrats were in power.

The track record of Mr. DeLay's alumni underlines the success he and fellow Republicans have had reshaping the ranks of Washington lobbyists over the last decade with what they call the "K Street Project," after the Washington street that houses many lobbying firms. The campaign encourages businesses and trade groups to hire Republicans.

Many of the more than 200 companies, coalitions and trade groups have hired former DeLay employees as lobbyists since he became House Republican leader in January 2003. In some cases, they have gained from those ties as he championed their causes.

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