Lobbyists file earnings for first half of 2007

Friday, July 27, 2007

Lobbyists hired to influence Cook County government officials received $872,778 in compensation during the first six months of 2007, according to figures released by Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office on Thursday.

The total amount paid to lobbyists fell from the $1,076,696 they received during the last six-month period of 2006.

Any individual who receives payment for attempting to influence county government is required to register as a lobbyist with the Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Division of the Clerk’s office. County ordinances specify that individuals who lobby county officials must file a semi-annual expenditure report.

During the recent filing period, 52 lobbyists reported incurring expenses or making expenditures, receiving payment, or both incurring expenses and being compensated. Those lobbyists totaled $5,368 in expenses and expenditures, compared with $20,657 during the last reporting period. To view the lobbyists' expense report, click here.

The county has 244 registered lobbyists, up from 237 in the last reporting period.

A list of all registered Cook County lobbyists is available in the Cook County Clerk’s office at the Cook County Administration Building, 69 W. Washington St., 5th Floor, Chicago.

To view the list of active Cook County lobbyists and their clients, click here.