Specifically, they charged that a Democratic lobbyist hired by the Minnesota tribes had improperly influenced the department's decision by enlisting help from the Clinton White House and the Democratic National Committee.

When the Interior Department rejected their plan to turn a Wisconsin dog track into a casino, three bands of Chippewa Indians complained that a high-powered lobbyist hired by rival tribes had improperly influenced the department's decision.

Industries use lobbyists to influence their positions during legislature, certain industries seek out a specific type of lobbyist.

In that case, Assembly Democrats have begun an investigation into whether lobbyists with close ties to Gov. George E. Pataki improperly influenced a contract for the redevelopment of lakefront property in Syracuse that the canal authority owns.

Downing Street has now admitted that lobbyists do influence government policy "where we think they have legitimate concerns" - changing its response on the lobbying controversy, which ignited this week following undercover reporting by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism published in The Independent.

It is to hire the best-connected lobbyists to try and influence the best-connected legislators.

Barbour's friend, Democratic foil and restaurant partner, the colorful lobbyist Tommy Boggs, says that "in the Senate, where it's very difficult to get anything passed, a lobbyist can influence five to seven senators."

Some critics of these efforts say there are long-term implications for Washington, where the lobbyists are influencing economic and trade strategy.

A variety of watchdog groups, including Public Campaign and MoveOn.org, were concerned that lobbyists would influence the proceedings, and asked that lawmakers disclose meetings with lobbyists and refrain from political fundraising during the selection process.

In some countries, notably the US, pharmaceutical companies also employ lobbyists to influence politicians.