A new ranking says Raleigh has a new top lobbyist. It also says that some lobbyists' influence has been shaped by ethics investigations and a fight over a real estate transfer tax.
The N.C. Center for Public Policy Research released its biannual ranking Thursday of the most influential lobbyists in the state capital. The ranking is based on a survey of legislators, lobbyists and capital journalists following the 2007 long session of the General Assembly.
Roger Bone ranked No. 1, after seven previous surveys had ranked him No. 2 or 3. His wide variety of clients includes Lorillard Tobacco Co., the N.C. Association of Long Term Care Facilities and the Save our Summers group.
Rounding out the top five: John McMillan, John Bode, Franklin Freeman and Zeb Alley.
Previous No. 1 Don Beason fell to No. 35, following revelations about a series of $500,000 transactions between him and former House Speaker Jim Black. Beason later resigned his clients. Black, a Democrat, is in prison on unrelated corruption convictions.
Bob Hall, who filed the original complaint against Black with the State Board of Elections, saw his ranking jump from 49th to 19th for his work with Democracy North Carolina.
Also seeing their rankings rise: Tim Kent (11th), Rick Zechini (12th), Paul Meyer (25th) and Jim Blackburn (31st). All were involved in the fight over a tax on real estate transfers.
Blog RSS feed
Re: Ranking shows shuffle among lobbyists
What ever happened to Meredith Norris from Waynesville, Jim Black's girl who was also a lobbyist?
Supposedly she got a real estate license, but a recent check of licensed brokers at NCREC.com doesnt list her as a licensed broker under that name.
Anyone know if she's changed her name or where she is working in real estate?
Ill bet Zeb Alley knows...Zeb?