Jimmy Vielkind writes at Capitol Confidential on the rate of money flowing to Albany politicians from various lobbying firms, as reported by the New York Public Interest Research Group. In the year leading up to January 12, 2012, lobbying firms, their affiliated PACS and employees made more than $1.8 million in direct contributions to various campaigns, or four percent of all money raised, NYPIRG reported. The top recipients of lobbyist money are Democrats Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Steve Saland, Republican member of the state Senate for the 41st District, was listed 19th on NYPIRG's list of 25 candidates and party committees that received the most from lobbyists. Saland's district includes most of Dutchess County and all of Columbia County. NYPIRG is pushing for stricter limits on how lobbyists can give in any upcoming campaign finance reforms. Read the NYPIRG "pay to play analysis" at Capitol Confidential.