Tobacco, Education Lobbyists Top Spenders During 2011 Session

Boise Metro Chamber / Flickr

The front steps of the Idaho State Capitol

During the 2011 Legislative session 423 lobbyists registered with the Idaho Secretary of State.  Those lobbyists represent 569 different organizations ranging from the senior citizens lobby AARP to Idaho potato growers.

Most lobbyists and the organizations they represent are required to register with the Secretary of State and file monthly expense reports detailing how much they spent on lawmakers for things like entertainment, food, advertizing and travel expenses.  Lobbyists aren’t required to report their salaries, personal expenses or any other expenses that are reimbursed by their employer.

Here’s a list of the 30 top spenders from the 2011 session, January through May.  (Annual numbers will be released at the end of the month)

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According to the Montana-based National Institute on State Money in Politics, Idaho is one of 22 states that don’t require its legislative lobbyists to report how much their being paid.  Idaho lobbyists also aren’t subject to routine audits.

*Altria Client Services Inc. is the parent company of tobacco giant Philip Morris.  Melaleuca Inc. is a health and wellness company, but spent thousands on an ad campaign in favor of education reforms.