The story of the monumental growth of lobbying in Washington, D.C., and how it undermines effective government and pollutes our politics.

A scandal for our time -- Looking down on the Capitol -- The art of self-invention -- A Washington that worked -- A new kind of business -- Corrupt or correct? -- Earmarks become routine -- A great awakening -- A marriage unravels -- New American politics -- A money machine -- Disaster averted -- Tricks of the lobbying trade -- The new technology of politics -- Disorder in the house -- Becoming a conglomerate -- Influencing policy for profit -- Public service, private rewards -- Radical ends, radical means -- Cash cow on the Potomac -- Elections bought and sold -- Government broken by politics -- Hard times -- A corroded culture.