Group: Lobbyists’ influence in Washington on the rise

For lobbyists, the cost of doing business in Washington could hit a record $37.4 million during the current two-year election cycle, according to a report released Monday by government watchdog Public Citizen.

Since 1998, lobbyists have made more than $77.1 million in personal contributions to lawmakers whose work they attempt to influence, and their political action committees, according to the 71-page report. When contributions made by the PACs of the firms the lobbyists work for are added to the fray, the figure jumps to $103.1 million.