The number of registered lobbyists in Washington has doubled since 2000 and lobbyists are now charging clients nearly twice as much, The Washington Post reports.

The paper says there are more than 34,750 lobbyists in the nation's capitol. "Lobbying firms can't hire people fast enough, Starting salaries have risen to about $300,000 a year for the best-connected aides," the paper says.

Republican lobbyists have been the winners of the expansion thanks to a Republican White House. Two top GOP firms have doubled their client list and added more lobbyists to their shop.

Lobbyists are also paying for Congressional travel despite ethics rules barring it, USA Today reports. Lobbying firms can form non-profit groups to get around the prohibition.

Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), the current House majority leader, is facing questions over trips he took that were arranged by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. His old law firm says House ethics lawyers sanctioned the travel as long as the costs were passed onto the client.

Get the Story:
The Road to Riches Is Called K Street (The Washington Post 6/22)
pwpwd
Lobbyists showing Congress the world (USA Today 6/22)
Informal Advice on Trips Cited (The Washington Post 6/22)

Related Stories:
Lobbying Report: The revolving door in Washington (06/06)
Gaming leads to new concerns about lobbyists (05/26)
Who's lobbying who in DC: An Indian law firm (5/23)
Familiar problems aired at recognition hearing (05/12)
Lobbying Report: National Indian Gaming Association (05/09)
Lobbying scandal prompts new look at tribal rules (05/09)
Senate panel urged to move with caution on gaming (04/28)
Land-into-trust for gaming under more scrutiny (04/28)
Update: Senate hearing on Indian gaming (04/27)
Group presses NIGC on tribal lobbying scandal (04/27)
Former DeLay chief of staff lobbied for NIGA (4/26)
McCain to address federal recognition concerns (04/22)
One GOP group won't give records to McCain (04/22)
McCain subpoenas GOP groups linked to Abramoff (4/21)
Indian lawyer cites 'hostile' atmosphere in Washington (04/15)
Recognition handed to a 'not well informed' Cason (04/01)
GOP letter to Norton came after Abramoff sent checks (03/30)
McCain plans to finish hearings on lobbyist scandal (3/21)
Vitter responsible for anti-tribal appropriations rider (3/16)
Tribe gave $75K to group founded by Norton (03/14)
Griles fought casino opposed by Abramoff's clients (03/14)
DOI investigates contacts with group started by Norton (03/03)
Report: Former Norton organization subpoenaed (3/1)
Tribes gave $175K to group founded by Norton (2/28)