In a recent post on the White House blog, Norm Eisen, special counsel to the president for ethics and government reform, wrote that while lobbyists have the right to petition government, the public is best served "if we limited their ability to do so from special positions of privileged access within the government."

Eisen noted that federally registered lobbyists have objected to being barred from Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs), but he concluded that "for too long, lobbyists and those who can afford their services have held disproportionate influence over national policy making."

"We explained to the ITAC chairs that this issue is not about the few corrupt lobbyists or specific abuses by the profession, but rather concerns the system as a whole," Eisen wrote. "The purpose of the president's agenda to change the way business is done in Washington is to level the playing field to make sure that all Americans and not just those with access to money or power are able to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed by Washington."

The Eisen post comes despite private concessions from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative that the plan could compromise expertise on these panels, sources told Inside U.S. Trade.

The publication reported that USTR tried to head off this problem, perhaps by suggesting that registered lobbyists be replaced by representatives from individual companies who are not registered obbyists, but who have the same trade interests and expertise.

To read Eisen's post, click here. To read more about lobbyists' objections, read this letter. To read the White House response, click here.