May 18, 2007 2:39 pm US/Central
ComEd Lobbyists Fight Proposed Rate Rollback
Lobbyists For ComEd, Ameren Walk Through State Capitol To Fight New Freeze
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) ―
They're in the hallways, outside legislators' offices and surrounding the brass rail in the rotunda that separates the Illinois House and Senate -- all waiting for the next move.
Dozens of lobbyists for Ameren and ComEd, many with connections to key decision makers, are fighting a rate rollback being demanded by citizens angry over soaring electric rates.
Lawmakers say they don't feel hounded, but acknowledge the sheer number of utility lobbyists doesn't sit well with consumers frustrated by the slow legislative response to their complaints.
"The appearance of it adds to their beliefs already that the deck is stacked," said Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville.
No issue has captured lawmakers' attention this year like electric rates, as constituents protest bills that are two or three times higher than before a 10-year rate freeze expired in January.
The lobbying firepower has matched the significance of the issue.
The companies say they're using 46 lobbyists this spring -- 15 for Ameren and 31 for ComEd. Some are company officials, but most are lobbyists brought in on contract.
But an Associated Press review of state records shows the companies have registered more lobbyists than that. Ameren has hired firms with about 50 lobbyists, and ComEd's firms employ more than 30. The ComEd number would be even higher but it recently dropped six firms with nine lobbyists.
The utilities' lobbyist numbers are similar to what they've registered in recent years, and both companies say they did not bring on more lobbyists this year to handle the rate freeze issue. Records don't show how many of the firms' lobbyists are working on electric rates rather than issues for other clients.
On the other side, the Citizens Utility Board has one main lobbyist and the AARP has nearly 30 registered lobbyists, including some volunteer seniors, working on electric rates and other issues.
Even if there isn't a huge disparity in the number of lobbyists on each side, the list of utility lobbyists reads like a who's who of state government, with deep connections.
Jim McPike is the former Democratic House majority leader. Julie Curry was a Democratic state representative and aide to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Tom Walsh was a Republican state senator. Dave Sullivan was a Republican senator as well as aide to former Gov. George Ryan.
The list also includes past legislative aides, including Courtney Nottage, Senate President Emil Jones's former chief of staff, and three former top lawyers to House Speaker Michael Madigan.
There also are former top lawyers and policy staff for the Illinois Commerce Commission, the regulatory body that oversees the utilities and that approved the higher rates.
Advocates say there's no doubt the utilities' lobbying clout makes their jobs more difficult.
"We're certainly up against an armada. They're a very formidable opponent," said Dave Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board. "I'm not sure if there are any lobbyists left to hire in Springfield, actually."
Ameren spokesman Leigh Morris said many on the company's list aren't actually lobbying for the utility, but might interact with lawmakers or provide expert analysis and are registered simply to avoid any unintentional violation of state disclosure laws, he said.
Morris wouldn't identify which lobbyists aren't working for the company.
Several lawmakers-turned-lobbyists declined comment or did not respond to requests seeking comment about their work.
Generally, lobbyists focus on getting access to lawmakers. They have long discussions in legislative offices or brief chats outside the House and Senate chambers. They sometimes take lawmakers out to dinner or throw receptions in their honor. Ameren and ComEd insist they're not doing anything different from other businesses facing important legislative decisions.
The companies would not say whether they chose their contract lobbyists because of their political connections, how much they're being paid or who their lobbying efforts are targeting.
"We select the people that we believe are best-skilled to do the job that we need done," Morris said. "They're doing whatever's necessary."
Lawmakers, even those who haven't decided how to vote on the rate dispute, say they're not being lobbied heavily. Even if they were, they say it wouldn't make much difference because the issue is so divisive and no clear solution is on the table.
"Lobbyists sound like they're mean and they're scary, but in the end they're just like you and me," said Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline. "I think the whole lobbyist thing is overplayed."
Many lawmakers already have taken a firm stance on cutting and freezing rates.
Downstate legislators are hearing loud complaints from consumers about high electric bills, so they're backing the freeze to provide immediate relief. Lawmakers in the Chicago area, where the problem isn't as severe, are more concerned the rate freeze would send the utilities into bankruptcy and cause even bigger headaches.
Legislative leaders and the utilities are negotiating an agreement to provide consumers some relief. Whether a deal is reached or leaders push ahead with the rate freeze, some lawmakers expect an all-out blitz as lobbyists try to sway undecided legislators.
"There are a number of us that make sure we get all the information from all sides before we reach a final decision," said Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago.
Advocates of a rate freeze predict legislators will reject the utilities' arguments, no matter how many lobbyists they use. Ultimately, voters are too angry and too outspoken for lawmakers to ignore, they argue.
"The hired hands, they don't have the emotion. They don't really, I think, have the connection to the grass-roots people," Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said. "People feel strongly about something that's unjust."
(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
