Lobbyists takeover Kilroy and Driehaus campaigns

Lobbyists contribute to campaigns.

It's part of the natural order of politics.

But it's completely another thing for campaigns to be run by lobbyists.

And that's where Reps. Steve Driehaus and Mary Jo Kilroy stand out.

Lobbyists may be persona non grata on the campaign trail, but that hasn’t stopped the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee from tapping K Street’s brain trust to try to retain the majority.

Facing a tough political cycle, the DCCC is redoubling its efforts to enlist K Streeters to help its most vulnerable “Frontline” program Members with fundraising, messaging and campaign strategy.

[...]

Over dinner, DCCC Political Director Jennifer Pihlaja and Regional Candidate Services Director Lauren Dikis helped divvy up which lobbyists would work directly with the most vulnerable Members.

Reps. Harry Teague and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Steve Driehaus and Mary Jo Kilroy of Ohio, Debbie Halvorson of Illinois, Kathy Dahlkemper of Pennsylvania and Betsy Markey of Colorado were among the lawmakers the DCCC picked.

I know. It's almost too ridiculous to believe. But let me spell it out plainly.

Speaker Pelosi has tapped lobbyists to coordinate campaign strategy and fundraising for Mary Jo Kilroy and Steve Driehaus.

Does anyone still need reminded which Party is owned by special interests?