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It turns out that the hated lobbyists, despised by the new tribune of the people, are doing quite well, thank you.  Reports The Hill:

K Street lobbyists expect a bonanza this year because of the aggressive agenda of President Obama and congressional Democrats.

"Big government is back," said Mark Ruge, who heads the policy group at K&L Gates. "It's going to be a very, very active Congress."

A day after the Inauguration of Obama, lobbying firms were releasing weak 2008 money numbers, but realized that big government was going to mean big demand from corporate America for lobbyists to play offense and defense on their behalf.

The dismal economy will force tough decisions for some cash-strapped corporations, especially those in hard-hit sectors like financial services and home building, on how to spend scarce resources.

"If you're having trouble making payroll then you're not going to be able to hire lobbyists," said Scott Chesson, the chief financial officer at Dutko Worldwide.

Corporations also recognize, however, that they can't afford to cut expenses on K Street. They need lobbyists to grab their piece of the government-spending pie and to make sure that Obama and his Democratic allies do not enact policies that would disadvantage them.

The economic recovery has begun!