Lobbyists play major roles in campaigns

The deep involvement of lobbyists in campaigns may look dubious. ... But the law can't deter lobbyists from playing major roles during campaigns ... [where they] spend millions to shape legislation, influence regulation and compete for valuable government contracts. ...

No one truly knows how many lobbyists are advising candidates. ... [but] the revolving door between lobbying and campaigns has become so common that journalists even quote lobbyists as political "strategists" – without mentioning they are primarily paid to influence policy.