Occupy Wall Streeters angry about the role of lobbyists in government can now, theoretically, protest Gibson Guitar, which just hired lobbyists for the first time — but they might want to think about how government precipitated this search for lobbying aid.
From the Center for Responsive Politics:
In September, Gibson hired lobby shop Cromwell & Moring to the tune of $10,000 during the month — the company’s first ever lobbying expenses, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Gibson reported six lobbyists on their payroll. They include Stephanie Daigle, who once worked as the deputy staff director of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and also spent several years working at the Environmental Protection Agency, and Patrick J. Donnelly, who previously worked for both the House and Senate agriculture committees, which also deal with forestry issues.
