If you're anything of an idealist about the American system of government, this book might just break your heart. Not to say that our government is irretrievably flawed, but it's been significantly corrupted over the decades by the powerful influence of money. It's a well researched book, but it does read much like a research paper. While it detailed the growth, development, and tactics of lobbying in DC since the 1970s, what made the book interesting was the use of the Cassidy & Associates as its vehicle. We see how one individual was able to find a competitive niche, create an industry, and exploit it for over four decades. Insights into Cassidy's personal and professional relationships and the off-camera antics of prominent politicians of years past were also illuminating. Not a great book, but it should be required reading for anyone studying politics in the U.S. ( )

Over the last thirty years lobbying has become a $4 billion industry in Washington, DC. Focusing on the story of Gerald Cassidy, one of the most successful early players in the business, Kaiser looks at the rise of earmarks and the influence of new campaign strategies to explain the interconnection between logrolling, campaign finance, corporate interests and policymaking. He makes it clear that we are collectively responsible for the corrosion of democracy that results from this new system. ( )

The book was 60% the lobbying firm Cassidy and Associates and 40% about the political climate that allowed them to prosper. My main interest in reading the book was in the political and cultural movements since '75 or so which have caused governance to crash against that huge wall of money, and though I got some information, I got a lot more about the lifestyles of wealthy lobbyinsts.

I found it hard to read because of that, having to slog through personal histories for a political nugget. I don't normally keep on a book for two months, pure hunger for the sparse subject matter kept me slogging away at it.

I have to think there are better books on the abandomnent of governance by our elected officials, but I continue to struggle to find one. My recommendation is that you avoid this one and join the struggle.. ( )