Democrats have criticized the drug program as an example of special-interest politics at its worst, putting the drug industry above the interests of older Americans.

It is thus increasingly difficult to understand why he would want to huddle with Mitch McConnell of Kentucky under the umbrella of special-interest politics.

Our "can-do civic image" is a reflection of the individualistic, entrepreneurial Houstonians who have created a dynamic metropolis undistorted by bureaucrats and special-interest politics.

The hospital is an embarrassing anachronism, kept alive by crude special-interest politics.

"We learned a cold, hard lesson in special-interest politics at their very worst," he said.

But it demonstrates a mindset less interested in theories like local autonomy than in special-interest politics.

We will be watching to see if Republican moderates, who are essential to the coalition, stand firm against the Gingrich team's effort to save special-interest politics.

"It's an example of putting special-interest politics ahead of the good of the city and state."

In some quarters the study of women's health was somehow seen as the intrusion of "special-interest politics" into the business of science.

Yet last week it seemed mystifyingly clear that Mr. Lott sees himself as a guardian of special-interest politics.