The lobbyists are panicking. They're working harder than ever, behind the scenes to water down reform and create loopholes that the Wall Street banksters plan to exploit.

Lobbyists are shifting into overdrive today as Congress formally begins its attempt to smooth out differences between the House and Senate versions of the Wall Street bill.

Financial services trade associations, big banks and a slew of other companies that provide financial products are blanketing Capitol Hill trying to get a last word in.

Although this will be the first public conference in a long time, the real negotiations aren’t expected to happen in front of the cameras. And the real lobbying will begin once behind-the-scenes negotiations between Senate and House conferees start in earnest...

Lobbyists declined to name specific Members who refused to meet with K Streeters on financial regulatory reform but said they were focused on getting meetings at the staff level and with lawmakers who have the ear of the conferees as well as House and Senate leadership...

The lobbyists are playing their usual inside game. This game is part of the problem in Washington. Now is the time that will test the resolve of our legislators. Will they remain firm or will they bow to the immense pressure of the banksters? Time will tell - but, you can have your voice heard by calling your members of Congress and calling on them to stand firm and don't retreat.