Lobbyists and trade groups visit the White House

Despite the Obama administration’s position against the undue influence of lobbying, a good number of lobbyists and trade group execs have been stopping by 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Their names appear on a partial visitors list released Friday by the White House.

Because the release did not provide personal information such as professional affiliation or address, it’s difficult to positively identify all the names. However, Muckety has mapped 87 names, including members of Congress and celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington and Jay-Z.

The list also includes prominent lobbyists such as the Podestas - John, Tony and Heather. John Podesta co-chaired Obama’s transition and heads the Center for American Progress.

His brother Tony is the founder of Podesta Group, which lobbies for a wide range of clients, including Google and Wal-Mart. Tony Podesta’s wife, Heather, runs a lobby shop that represents Boeing and United States Steel.

Another visitor was Steven A. Elmendorf, president of Elmendorf Strategies, lobbyist for such major companies as Goldman Sachs, Shell Oil and Time Warner.

Tom Daschle, President Obama’s first choice to lead Health and Human Services, was a frequent visitor. While not a registered lobbyist, Daschle is a paid adviser to Alston & Bird and a consultant to United Health Group.

Bankers were also well represented. Among those visiting the West Wing were Edward L. Yingling of the American Bankers Association; Camden R. Fine of the Independent Community Bankers of America; and Daniel A. Mica of the Credit Union National Association.

Union leaders, including Andrew Stern, head of the Service Employees International Union, and Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, made multiple visits.

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