‘Scarlet Letter’ marks proud Dem lobbyists

DENVER — The Obama campaign shuns lobbyists to ensure they do not sully the nominee’s public image, but Democratic power couple Heather and Tony Podesta are at the convention wearing a scarlet letter “L” on their clothes, proclaiming their pride in their profession.

Heather Podesta, who runs the lobby shop Heather Podesta and Partners, had special patches made with an embroidered red “L” on them. Both she and her husband Tony, who are big Democratic contributors, were sporting the chic patches on their clothes Monday.

{mosads}Heather Podesta told The Hill that she bought several hundred of the patches to give out to other lobbyists in Denver for the convention.

The couple hosted a brunch at Bistro Vendome for their clients and lawmakers. It’s one of the four big events the Democratic stalwarts are hosting for the convention, in addition to doing several other events with their clients.

According to Heather Podesta, the events this year are much more expensive than in the past — for the simple reason that lobbyists can no longer have small events with specific members, and must throw larger parties.

The four large parties the Podestas are throwing will run them much more than the multiple events they held at previous conventions, she said.

The brunch was cleared through the ethics and rules committee, said Heather Podesta. The packed event had guests milling around, munching on personal omelets, quiches and Croque Monsieur sandwiches and enjoying the occasional mimosa.

Among the guests were Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Reps. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) and Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) and Del. Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands).

While the power couple relished their positions as lobbyists and took it in stride, other lobbyists are not adopting such a humorous approach. Several lobbyists said that everything they do at the convention has to give off the perception that everything is above board. Others said that they are at the convention not only as lobbyists, but also as longtime Democrats who have supported the party. On a personal level, being shunned “is hard to take,” one lobbyist told The Hill.