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Lobbying Watchdogs Have A Good Laugh Over Newt Gingrichs Historian Line
By Ryan J. Reilly
Good government types are getting a kick out of Newt Gingrichs claim at Wednesdays debate that he wasnt a lobbyist for Freddie Mac but was rather hired for his skills as an historian.
I have never done any lobbying, Gingrich said, adding that he only offered advice as an historian.
For some context, a full-time professor of history made an average of $63,119 per year around 2006. Newt racked up $300,000, or about 4.75 times as much.
But to get at a larger point, lobbying watchdogs say Gingrichs justification shows just how weak lobbying disclosures are and how easy it is to avoid registering.
It doesnt matter if youre a historian, CEO or pastry chef. If youre advising a group and representing their interests before policymakers, youre lobbying on their behalf plain and simple, the Sunlight Foundations Gabriela Schneider told TPM in an email.
More: Lobbying Watchdogs Have A Good Laugh Over Newt Gingrichs Historian Line | TPMMuckraker
The Rain Man is still a shyster. He thinks laws don't apply to him.