Armstrong Opens Door For Lobbyists

The Democratic presidential candidates may be tripping over themselves to prove who can be tougher on lobbyists, but some Democrats in Richmond have an open door policy, at least today.

Last month, House Minority Leader Ward H. Armstrong (D-Henry) sent out an email to lobbyists and interest groups inviting them to come meet with him in his office to discuss their legislative agenda.

The hallway to Armstrong's office has been jammed all day. Someone even hauled in an extra couch for lobbyists to sit on.

Armstrong said he's already met with the League of Conservation Voters, the Medical Society of Virginia and the Virginia Education Association, to name a few.

A new meeting is taking place every 20 minutes. More than two dozen meetings will have been held by days end, Armstrong said.

"We said anyone that wanted to come sit down, we'd be happy to meet with," Armstrong said.

Mark Bergman, Armstrong's chief of staff, said the high level of interest proves House Democrats have more power after they picked up four seats in last year's elections.

"People realize we are a more fortified minority and we are in contention two years from now to take back the House," Bergman said