Service Is Its Own Reward? The Revolving Door From Lawmaker to Lobbyist

A large majority of of former lawmakers go on to become lobbyists, and clients are eager to hire former members of Congress because of their long-established professional ties and contacts in the government. However, many government watchdog organizations, journalists, and former lawmakers are disturbed by the trend, and worry that public office has ceased to be about public service. Now, they say, running for Congress is now used for job training and networking so they can leave office and cash in on the connections they forged as elected officials.