Walt Minnick has always blazed his own trail in Washington, and his new lobbying career is no exception. The Blue Dog Democrat was briefly endorsed by the Tea Party, once served in (and resigned from) the Nixon administration and, as a freshman congressman, bucked his party on key votes on healthcare and stimulus. Now he will only represent clients whose views do not conflict with his own. “I have to look at my face every morning in the mirror when I shave,” Minnick said. Minnick co-founded The Majority Group with his former chief of staff after serving in the 111th Congress. To stay in Washington, a decision his wife influenced heavily, the Idaho entrepreneur chose to start his second business — a lobby firm/Rachel Leven, The Hill. More here. (AP file photo of Walt Minnick)

Question: Do you have a positive/negative view of former lawmakers who become lobbyists?