When I say lobbying the family, most of us think of asking the hubby for extra money for that killer dress at Ann Taylor. Or asking the wife for permission to get that really awesome gadget that will make your life complete.

In Washington, D.C., it can mean something very different. This USAToday article highlights the reality that family members are often hired as lobbyists to lobby members of Congress for pet projects. Does this trend bother you? Seems like a conflict of interest to me.