San:

Are you for real? AARP spends far more per member than ANY other Lobbying group. ANY. That includes AIPAC.

However, AARP doesn't stand for "American Association of Russian Persons" or whatever -- the retired people in question are Americans trying to influence American policy on behalf of Americans. Notice the lack of foreign governments in the equation?

In addition, AIPAC is by far the most powerful group that lobbies on behalf of a foreign government. As reported in this 2005 Washington Post article -- <link> -- "A National Journal survey of more than 70 members of Congress suggests that the NRA is the "most effective" interest group on Capitol Hill. The organization received nearly twice as many votes -- 25 -- as AARP and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which tied for second place. Each received 13 votes."

Pardon me for being concerned, but the purpose of government is to serve the interests of its citizens, not the interests of foreign governments. A powerful foreign lobby will always concern me more than a powerful domestic lobby.