Which is why Merck hired the guy. They pay him to get favors from government. And that's where Governors Mayors and Presidents need to step up and tell their former employees, "I'm sorry, but you'll have to go through the regular process." No shortcuts.
I could be way off, but I sense a growing alliance developing between Palin and Gingrich. They sure have wonderful things to say about each other. I don't know if Newt has any "crony capitalism baggage."
Palin/Newt? Newt/Palin?
Of course. Lobbyists are hired because of their track record and/or contacts. That's how the game is played. But I have seen failure many times. They can count on access, but not necessarily success every time.
Newt has so much personal baggage, any crony capitalism stuff would pale in comparison. He's always the smartest guy in the room, but he's unelectable.