So Damn Much Money

So Damn Much Money chronicles the rise of modern lobbying in Washington D.C. through the career of Gerald Cassidy, who transformed from a poverty lawyer into one of K Street's most successful power brokers. Kaiser draws on extensive interviews and research to track how money and influence became increasingly intertwined in American politics from the 1970s onward. The book documents the evolution of the lobbying industry from a small cottage industry into a multibillion-dollar business. Through Cassidy's story, readers witness the dramatic expansion of earmarks, the birth of the "revolving door" between Congress and K Street, and the emergence of lobbying as a dominant force in legislation. The narrative spans four decades of American political history, examining key figures in Congress, pivotal legislation, and the transformation of how laws get made in Washington. Kaiser, a veteran Washington Post reporter, provides an insider's perspective on the mechanics of influence and power. At its core, this work raises fundamental questions about money's role in American democracy and the blurred lines between public service and private gain. The story serves as both a history and a warning about the concentration of wealth and influence in American politics.

Readers appreciate Kaiser's detailed research and insider access in documenting how lobbying transformed Washington politics. Many reviewers note the book provides clear examples of how money influences legislation, with specific dollar amounts and behind-the-scenes accounts. Readers highlight the engaging biographical sections about lobbyist Gerald Cassidy, though some feel these segments take up too much space. Multiple reviewers mention the book helps explain current political gridlock. Common criticisms include: - Too much focus on Cassidy rather than broader lobbying industry - Repetitive sections that could be condensed - Dense writing style with excessive detail in places Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (41 ratings) "A thorough but sometimes tedious account that connects important dots," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states: "The research is impressive but the narrative gets bogged down in minutiae."

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🔹 Robert Kaiser spent nearly 50 years working at The Washington Post, serving as managing editor and associate editor before writing this exposé on the rise of lobbying in Washington. 🔹 The book's title comes from a quote by former Senator John B. Breaux of Louisiana, who said "The money is the big problem. There's just so damn much of it in politics." 🔹 Gerald Cassidy, the main figure profiled in the book, helped create the modern lobbying industry and built a firm that became Washington's first $100 million-per-year lobbying business. 🔹 The book reveals that between 1998 and 2008, lobbying spending in Washington more than doubled from $1.44 billion to $3.3 billion per year. 🔹 Kaiser's research shows that in 1974 only 3% of retiring members of Congress became lobbyists; by 2008, over 40% of retiring senators and representatives were joining lobbying firms.