Women, Minorities Make Up New Generation of Lobbyists

Women have also banded together in their own lobbying firms to foster work environments that better fit their family lives. Nueva Vista Group is owned by three Democratic women with young children (the oldest is 7), and they set their schedules based on their personal needs.

"That's why a lot of women get into this," Nueva Vista partner Andrea LaRue said. "It's carving out a niche that you feel comfortable in and being able to define the space completely on your own."

Women have had such positive experiences as lobbyists that a few are into their second generation on the job. Silverman's mother, Anita K. Epstein, has been a lobbyist since 1978 and, like her daughter, loves the profession. "This is an important job that we do," she said. "It's a shame that some people don't hold it in high regard."

Patricia Griffin of Nueva Vista is also the daughter of a lobbyist -- Patrick J. Griffin, the former top lobbyist for President Bill Clinton on the Hill. Like her dad, the younger Griffin is adept at her work. But she also notes that women lobbyists still have a long way to go. "You're often still the only woman in the room, or only one of two or three," she said. "The culture is still very aggressive and white-male-oriented."

Lobbying is more diverse than ever, but the evolution to equality is not yet finished.

We Told You So

The Food Products Association and the Grocery Manufacturers Association are, in fact, going to merge, as this column predicted last November. And in what might be a sign of the times, the president of the merged entity will be a Democrat -- former congressman Calvin M. Dooley of California, who has been head of the food products group. The Republican who directs the grocery manufacturers, C. Manly Molpus, will be retiring.

Eventually the name of the combined organization will be, simply, Grocery Manufacturers Association, according to a news release. It will represent nearly 300 companies from the food, beverage and consumer products industries.

But maybe more is happening here that is in clear sight. Is it possible that the foodies are telling us something about the future control of Congress by choosing a Democratic chief executive? Who knows, maybe K Street is a leading political indicator. Stranger things have happened.

Jeffrey Birnbaum writes about the intersection of government and business every other Monday. His e-mail address iskstreetconfidential@washpost.com. He will be online to discuss lobbying, lawmaking and women on K Street at 1 p.m. today athttp://www.washingtonpost.com.