WASHINGTON -- Bill Clinton's promised restrictions on tie between government and lobbyists appear unlikely to shrink the growing influence of foreign governments and companies in Washington.
So pervasive is the web of connections among the capital's lawyers, lobbyists and experts that a number of the president-elect's advisers, including some widely expected to get key jobs, have at least an indirect tie to foreign interests.
Even Jack Quinn, the transition counsel drafting the new ethics rules, has law partners at Arnold & Porter with a number of foreign clients.
In his campaign, Mr. Clinton pledged to crack down on the so-called revolving door through which many government officials and experts have entered lucrative lobbying careers.
He promised that "top appointees" would sign a pledge not to lobby agencies within their responsibilities for five years after leaving office.
He also said he would "require senior officials to pledge never to become registered agents on behalf of any foreign government," and his campaign vowed that "a Clinton-Gore administration will issue an executive order banning trade negotiators from cashing in on their positions by serving as representatives of foreign corporations or governments."
But the popular backlash against lobbyists obscured important realities that Mr. Clinton will confront.
In an increasingly global economy, in which foreign firms employ more Americans and vice versa, the line between purely domestic and foreign interests is becoming harder to draw. This division will diminish further as the U.S. economic expansion continues to be driven by world trade.
And far from diminishing the efforts of lobbyists, the Clinton years could actually see an increase in lobbyists' activities as the new administration elevates trade and U.S. economic competitiveness in making foreign policy. Both draw lobbyists like moths to a flame.
Among policies that will invite strong foreign lobbying pressure are Mr. Clinton's promises to "eliminate tax breaks for American companies that shut down their American plants and ship our jobs overseas," and "crack down on foreign companies in America that prosper by manipulating tax laws to their advantage."
Mr. Quinn's team has scarcely begun work on permanent rules but hopes to have them finished by Christmas. He plans to cast a wide net for advice, touching base with the American Bar Association, academics and public interest groups.
