Chrysler still spends millions on lobbying

The Washington Post notes that even while Chrysler and its fellow Detroit automakers plead for billions in loans from the federal government, they are still spending millions on lobbying government officials.

The Post says Chrysler and Cerberus Capital Management spent $3.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, second only to General Motors’ $3.9 million. Ford, which hasn’t even asked for any direct loans, spent about $2.3 million. The funds are being spent on pending financial assistance requests as well as advancing the automakers’ positions on emissions, safety and fuel efficiency.