Lobbyists registered with the State Ethics Commission to represent 1,227 separate organizations this year alone. Many of those corporate lobbyists work for companies such as Baltimore Gas and Electric. Others represent civic and social issue groups. There is also a corps of professional lobbyists for hire in Annapolis. Among the prominent names are Mr. Evans, Alan M. Rifkin, former governor Marvin Mandel and Bruce Bereano.
Some lobbyists even run family firms.
Dennis McCoy and Kimberly Burns, wife of a state delegate from Glen Burnie, operate Government Affairs-Maryland. Their clients include Phillip Morris and Alamo Rent A Car. Some say the new trend means more days of wine and roses. Certain gatherings are quite lavish. Lobbying has become less of a one-person venture, he said in front of a crackling fireplace in his Duke of Gloucester Street office, and more of an activity requiring an intricate dance of partners.