Lobbyists are an "integral part" of the Republican operation in the House, The Washington Post reports in a profile of House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Missouri).

Blunt has organized a coalition of lawmakers and lobbyists who count votes on key issues. The Post said "Blunt Inc." has been responsible for more than 50 GOP victories in a row.

Lobbyists play such an important role in the operation that they are "on par" with Blunt's assistant whips, the paper said. Even Blunt's 29-year-old son is in the lobbyist game back home in Missouri.

There are no federally recognized tribes in the state but that didn't Blunt from signing a letter warning Interior Secretary Gale Norton about "reservation shopping." The letter came after Blunt received campaign contributions from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his wife.

Get the Story:
House Majority Whip Exerts Influence by Way of K Street (The Washington Post 5/17)
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Relevant Links:
Rep. Roy Blunt - http://www.blunt.house.gov

Related Stories:
GOP letter to Norton came after Abramoff sent checks (03/30)