THE HILL: After bashing K Street, Dodd mingles with lobbyists. “After distancing himself from lobbyists in campaign ads, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) was on Martha’s Vineyard this weekend meeting with some of the most well known names on K Street. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) hosted its annual retreat this weekend at the high-class getaway. Designed for candidates to meet with senators for campaign advice and policy guidance, several high-powered lobbyists also attend and network with lawmakers during the retreat. Dodd’s attendance at the retreat follows a series of web videos his campaign released promoting his populist credentials and highlighting the frustration some lobbyists are feeling with the senator, including quotes from anonymous lobbyists in news reports. . . . According to an invitation list for the retreat obtained by The Hill, several influential lobbyists were invited to the event. For example, Ben Barnes of the Ben Barnes Group, former Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) of the Breaux-Lott Leadership Group and Ed Black of the Computer & Communications Industry Association are on the list. Almost 30 senators were expected to attend the retreat, according to the invitation list, including Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Kerry (D-Mass.) and newly swore-in Al Franken (D-Minn.). Senate candidates invited to the event were Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) and Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D). Rep. Charlie Melancon (D), who is considering mulling a bid against Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), was also invited.”

It’s like the whole thing is just a bunch of lame-ass posturing. . . .