At Least Everyone Knew What Al Capone Looked Like

Familiar Players in Health Bill Lobbying Firms Are Enlisting Ex-Lawmakers, Aides By Dan Eggen and Kimberly Kindy Washington Post Staff Writers Monday, July 6, 2009 The nation's largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records. The tactic is so widespread that three of every four major health-care firms have at least one former insider on their lobbying payrolls, according to The Washington Post's analysis. . . . The hirings are part of a record-breaking influence campaign by the health-care industry, which is spending more than $1.4 million a day on lobbying in the current fight . . . . . . A June 10 meeting between aides to (Senator Max) Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and health-care lobbyists included two former Baucus chiefs of staff: David Castagnetti, wh…