Late yesterday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported that its lobbying spending in the final three months of 2009 topped $79 million, its highest ever reported total, reflecting a full court press against elements of the Obama administration and Democratic congressional agenda, including health care reform. The main organization of the giant business group reported $71.2 million spent for the fourth quarter and its affiliate, the Institute of Legal Reform, reported just under $8 million. For the year overall, the Chamber reported $123 million, nearly doubling 2008 expenditure, while the Institute reported $20.9 million, a 27 percent decline. Though the Chamber’s fourth… Read More