"Having to disclose every contact with public officials sounds like Big Brother," said financial services lobbyist Sam Geduldig. "But if we're for transparency, I guess I'm for it across the board." 

Geduldig echoes the complaints of other lobbyists who have long questioned why, of all the political professionals in Washington, they're the only ones forced to publicly register and disclose their business. 

"I don't understand why every other person I do business with is somehow treated differently," complained a Washington lobbyist. "We're on the phone with these hedge fund intelligence gatherers. We work with P.R. guys. We work with lawyers who write legislation that we take to the Hill. We sit in coalition meetings with third party groups and we're the only guys with public reporting requirements." 

Sen. Chuck Grassley's successful amendment could change that, at least for political intelligence pros.