re: How much do lobbyists make?

I know more than a few who make almost nothing. The few who are well paid earnn it for the most part. They know every bill, statute, and procedure backwards and forwards. They do a good job at getting Intel. It's easy to make fun of them. Over half the time the wining and dining they get accused of doing is actually extortion by legislators. Walk into Ticos and suddenly ten senators are sticking you with the tab.

The connections work just fine.... until you start losing too many times.

Edit: the law degree helps when you are drafting legislation.