Mr. Myers, a longtime lobbyist for the mining and cattle industries, served as the top lawyer at the Interior Department in Mr. Bush's first administration.

Another longtime lobbyist here described the "feverish pitch" at which Republicans are pressing him and his clients for donations.

"He's one of the longtime lobbyists here, with extensive contacts deep into the Democrats and Republicans," Mr. Horner said.

"At this point, you're looking at a Codey administration," said Lynn Nowak, a longtime lobbyist.

Mr. Ryan's co-defendant is Lawrence K. Warner, a longtime lobbyist and close confidant.

"He was pretty pragmatic in who we ought to support," said his longtime lobbyist at the Texas Statehouse, George Strong.

There was also Dixie Breaux, Sylvie's grandmother, a longtime federal lobbyist for various oil companies, including Cypress.

He was a longtime lobbyist for the mining and cattle industries.

Mr. Myers has been opposed by Democrats who say he was chosen only because he is a longtime lobbyist for ranching and mining interests.

"They went along with her strategy of being nice to the mayor, and the mayor was nice to her," said John LoCicero, a longtime lobbyist.