‘We the People’ petition site the newest tool in K Street lobbying repertoire

A White House petition site designed for the public has become a handy lobbying tool for interest groups in Washington. The “We the People” site was set up by the Obama administration more than six months ago to take petitions calling for changes in federal policy. The White House responds to any petition that receives more than 25,000 signatures within 30 days. Seeking to capitalize on grassroots energy, trade groups and watchdog organizations are using the site to try and force President Obama to take a position on their key issues.