Cook County lobbyists earned nearly $1 million in first half of 2011

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Updated: July 26, 2011 4:29PM

Lobbyists were paid nearly $1 million during the first half of 2011 as they attempted to influence Cook County officials, although the number of reported contacts dropped by nearly 10 percent, Clerk David Orr announced Monday.

The 178 active lobbyists in Cook County earned $924,136 and reported 632 lobbying contacts between January and June, down from 700 contacts during the last half of 2010, according to data released by Orr.

“From the activity reported, we know county officials were lobbied about the budget, the proposed closure of Oak Forest Hospital, contracts and more,” Orr said. “Some lobbyists are diligent in their reporting, but it appears too many fail to report all of their activity.”

Lobbyists are required to file twice a year, in January and July.

Orr’s office said the online database indicates 62 elected officials and high-ranking employees were lobbied in the first six months of 2011. A dozen officials were lobbied more than 20 times, including Cmsr. Larry Suffredin (44 times); Cmsr. Liz Doody Gorman (32 times); Cmsr. Joan Patricia Murphy (26 times); President Toni Preckwinkle (26 times); and Cmsr. Deborah Sims (20).

A lobbying contact may include a phone call, meeting, email, letter, text message or event. The Cook County Farm Bureau, for example, reports every newsletter it mails to elected officials.