Lobbyists, allies meet with White House officials to seek end to stimulus lobbying limits

Lobbyists ask White House to ease lobbying rules

WASHINGTON — Lobbyists and leaders of public interest groups will meet with White House officials on Friday to seek a roll back of the ban on lobbyists discussing economic stimulus projects with federal officials.

President Barack Obama imposed the prohibition last month in hopes of reducing the influence lobbyists might have over how the $787 billion economic stimulus package will be doled out. Lobbyists have complained that the rules inhibit their freedom of speech.

Dave Wenhold, president of the American League of Lobbyists, said he would meet with White House ethics officer Norm Eisen. Representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington also will attend, Wenhold said.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects to show meeting planned for Friday)