Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 28, 1994 TAG: 9402280091
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
It's taking more lobbyists and more money - more than last year's record $5.2 million - to get the same legislative punch as in past years, Capitol observers and lobbyists say. Lobbyists' financial disclosures for this session aren't due until June.
The number of lobbyists at this winter's session is up more than 13 percent from 1992-93, to 1,262 people. Though only two weeks remain in the 60-day session, lobbyists continue to register with the secretary of the commonwealth.
Virginia's growing number of lobbyists in part reflects the scope of hot-button issues before the legislature, including such big-ticket items as the Disney's America theme park and riverboat gambling.
Last year's 46-day session, conversely, was dominated by just one matter: gun control. While firearms laws have financial implications, they pale in comparison to the billions at stake in casino gaming and in luring the one of the world's biggest entertainment companies to Virginia.
Disney has hired a fleet of lobbyists to pitch its case for a $163 million package of incentives and state road bonds, and to fight House and Senate moves to limit the state's investment.
Among Disney's persuaders is James Dyke, who served as education secretary in former Gov. Douglas Wilder's Democratic administration. Teaming with him is former U.S. Attorney Richard Cullen, a longtime Republican and another influential new lobbyist.
The changing dynamics of Virginia politics also are leading to higher lobbying costs because influence-seekers are no longer able to neglect Republican lawmakers whose ranks have swelled.
Corporations are using more lobbyists aligned with the GOP. Thanks to the election of Gov. George Allen, the first Republican governor in 12 years, more Republican-leaning lobbyists are gaining recognition and stature.
"I have clearly gotten inquiries and new business because of my Republican affiliation,' said James Hazel, vice president of Vectre Corp., a public relations and lobbying firm.
Hazel's accounts have grown from 11 clients in 1993 to 14 this session, according to state disclosure records. Three of those clients - including the Valentine Museum - signed on soon after Allen's election. Now in his fourth year at the legislature, Hazel said his experience and connections are making this his most profitable session ever.
Like Disney, Virginia Power also is covering the political bases this year by using Hazel. As one of a handful of well-known lobbyists with GOP ties, Hazel's politics are in sharp contrast to those of Virginia Power's vice president of public affairs, Eva Teig, who is well-connected but also served three Democratic governors.
"The ability of the Republicans to have a major influence on legislation is something everybody has to deal with," Hazel said. "Now, every vote on the floor, regardless of party, is an important vote."
Several lobbyists with Republican ties have picked up accounts from national gambling groups interested in horse racing and riverboat gambling in Virginia.
James Roberts, chairman of Mays & Valentine law firm and a 26-year lobbying veteran, has Hollywood Casinos of Dallas, a new account this year.
Charles Davis, a business lobbyist who served as press secretary to the late Republican Gov. John N. Dalton, won such new clients as the Las Vegas-based International Game Technology and Virginians for Waterway Gaming Inc.
Charles Guthridge, a Republican activist and former president of Richmond's Commonwealth Club, a favorite legislative watering hole, recently picked up Lady Luck Gaming Corp. of Alexandria.
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994
by CNB