Overall spending so far in 2012 is down just slightly—as long as big drops by U.S. Chamber and Realtors aren't included Long-simmering issues and nearly 100 new lawmakers on Capitol Hill are reflected in first-quarter lobbying reports filed by associations. The American Sugar Alliance spent $760,000, more than double the previous three months and the most ever in a quarter. The group is lobbying hard on a new five-year farm bill. There are "new members of Congress, and members of Congress for whom this might be their first farm bill," said Phillip Hayes, director of media relations. The American Council of Life Insurers is also putting more resources into educating… Read More