December 11, 2007 9:55 AM

Why the Democrats Often Disappoint Progressives

Do you ever wonder just why it is that special interests seem to win so often on Capitol Hill? It surely is not simply a partisan matter.

Yesterday's headline in Roll Call, the insiderish newspaper focusing on Congress, caught my eye: "Surging Market for Democrats". I could not tell if this was about one of those simulated stock markets for presidential races or something else. Unfortunately, it was about the top dollars being offered to Democratic staffers to lobby on behalf of corporate interests.

"A headhunter telephoned the chief of staff to a prominent Democratic Senator recently and, recalls, the staffer, said to him "Look, a downtown firm is looking for a senior Democrat, the package is $600,000, and could be more. Do you want to talk to us?"

You can be sure that this "downtown firm" was not lobbying on behalf of stricter CAFE standards or paid family leave. While perhaps priceless in terms of the common good, those who advocate for them don't have surging profits to pay for top lobbyists.

Now I know that thousands of people work selflessly on Capitol Hill and I admire and respect them. But all too many are on a different track, waiting for that $600,000 phone call. They behave differently before the phone call, after the phone call and once they hit K Street. They reap the salaries, their corporate sponsors get a big payoff, and we all pay the price.

They should be ashamed of themselves. They should be labeled for what they are - sell outs - and not welcomed in progressive circles.