A record $22 million was spent lobbying the state in 2007.

According to data compiled by the nonpartisan Democracy North Carolina, nearly 900 businesses, trade associations and nonprofits lobbied state officials in 2007, the last long session of the state legislature.

That amounts to nearly $125,000 for each of the 170 legislators.

The $19.5 million in compensation for individual lobbyists was $5 million more than reported in 2005, but executive director Bob Hall said that may be because we know more.

"That big a jump is largely due to the state's new ethics law that requires more groups to file more complete reports about more of their activities," he said.

The top lobbying groups were the N.C. Association of Realtors, which reported spending $972,384 on six lobbyists and other expenses; Land for Tomorrow, $403,092 on three lobbyists; and the N.C. Automobile Dealers Association, $287,959 on four lobbyists.

The highest-paid lobbyists were former state Sen. Steve Metcalf of Asheville, who reported $485,362 in compensation; former Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten, $396,764; and Alexander "Sandy" Sands of Womble Carlyle, $325,055.

A former lobbyist's name has surfaced for Environment Secretary.

Alexander "Sandy" Sands III is reportedly under consideration by Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue for the Cabinet post heading the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

A lobbyist with Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice, Sands has been ranked one of the top in the state by the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research.

Others in the running include fellow Womble Carlyle lawyer John Garrou, state Sen. Dan Clodfelter, current secretary Bill Ross, corporate consultant Freda Porter, transportation board member Nina Szlosberg, Creedmoor Mayor Darryl Moss, parks director Lewis Ledford and former secretary Bill Holman.

Update: Greenbridge developer Tim Toben has also been mentioned.

Every two years, the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research ranks lobbyists.

The Raleigh think tank asks legislators, lobbyists and the capital press corps who they think the most powerful lobbyists are in town.

Here's the rundown from the 2005 session, with previous rankings:

1. Don Beason of Beason Government Affairs. Always a top contender, Beason repeats from his first-place ranking of 2003 thanks to work for clients like BB&T, BellSouth and the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.

2003: 1st. 2001: 2nd. 1999: 3rd. 1997: 2nd. 1995: 3rd.

2. Zebulon Alley of Alley Associates. For the second year in a row, Alley comes in second to Beason, following an eight-year run of first place wins, with work for Progress Energy, N.C. Citizens for Justice and the N.C. Amusement Machine Association.

2003: 2nd. 2001: 1st. 1999: 1st. 1997: 1st. 1995: 1st.

For the Top Five, click "Read More."

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