By hiring politically well-connected lobbyists and lawyers, some vendors apparently hoped to gain an advantage.

As it turns out, one group of Americans had already made themselves comfortable: well-connected lobbyists and corporate consultants hunting for fees.

In Florida, 44 public sector clients of one well-connected lobbyist netted $173 million in earmarked projects since 2001.

The system's many critics say it has squelched debate, rendered committees impotent and made well-connected lobbyists more powerful than average lawmakers.

For its part, the industry has found benefit in playing the political game, and begun hiring well-connected lobbyists and stepping up its campaign contributions.

Did public financing insulate the Dinkins administration from undue influence by well-connected lobbyists?

In each case, powerful business and labor interests, armed with well-connected lobbyists and money for campaign contributions, won a victory that looked unlikely not too long before.

But the energy companies that own the plants are major campaign contributors, and employ well-connected lobbyists in Albany to protect their interests.

(The Jets have hired their own coterie of well-connected lobbyists.)

With a large treasury and well-connected lobbyists, the organization sways many votes on Capitol Hill.