September 11, 2007

Inevitable, given the relentless accumulation of power in their offices:

At a panel discussion last month in Washington, D.C., Colorado Attorney General John Suthers (R) said lobbying of state law enforcers has become increasingly common since 45 attorneys general in 1998 forced tobacco firms into a record $246 billion settlement over smokers’ health claims.

“A cottage industry has sprung up. There are now hundreds of people making a very good living lobbying attorneys general,” Suthers said at the forum.... “When the 50 state attorneys general get together to discuss issues, there are often 100 or more lobbyists in the back of the room looking for an opportunity to further their cause.”