The State analyzed the personal financial disclosures that members of the General Assembly — and all other elected officials — must file. The 2004 report is the most current.

BUSINESS IS BOOMING

Twenty lawyers in the General Assembly made more than $2.4 million representing clients before state boards, commissions and courts.

INFLUENCE WANING

Thirty years ago, attorneys dominated the Legislature, making up three-fourths of the Senate and a third of the House. Today, only 12 of 46 senators and 22 of 124 House members are attorneys.

EATING AND RACING

Lawmakers eat at fine restaurants, attend NASCAR races and spend weekends at the beach — all on the dime of special-interest groups that have issues before the Legislature.