In early March, lobbyists were fretting over whether Hillary Clinton would allow K Street contributions to flow into her campaign. Now, Hillary is leading the pack when it comes to money pouring in from Washington-based lobbyists.
Hillary tops not just her Democratic rivals, but also Republicans. In fact, her nearest threat to K Street donations received contributions from half as many lobbyists as she did thus far into the election cycle.
During the first half of 2015, Hillary pulled in at least $625,703 from 316 registered lobbyists and corporate PACs, The Hill reports. This bests former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who pulled in $440,500 from 140 lobbyists, by 176 lobbyists and $185,203 worth of donations.
While Bush and Clinton combined to receive more than $1 million in lobbyist contributions from K Street during the first half of the year, other candidates from both parties fell well behind them during the same time period.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), who received contributions from 76 registered lobbyists, totaled $145,900 in K Street donations. Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) had 11 contributions from D.C. lobbyists and K-Street-connected PACs in the amount of $22,000 – some of which went to his leadership PAC. Behind him was Rand Paul (R., Ky.), who hauled in $18,678.
As for Democrats, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’ Malley took in $52,919 from lobbyists while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) took just $420 from K Street.