Now that the political intelligence class may have to register under lobbying disclosure laws, the Alley was wondering - will the cooling off period that prevents former lawmakers and staffers from lobbying right after leaving the Hill affect the new registrants?

According to a Republican Senate aide, the answer is no. The cooling off period applies to a former member or staffer with an "intent to influence" or one who "seeks action," according to the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007, which governs lobbying rules. Because people who collect political intelligence for a living are seeking information, not action, the cooling off period will not apply to them, even if they do have to register, the aide said.

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