With lobbyists he likes (that is, conservative Republicans), DeLay is as obliging as can be—he even lets them write legislation to benefit their industry. But DeLay essentially extorts contributions from others. DeLay compiled a list of political contributions by the top 400 PACs, then warned those lobbyists whose PACs gave significantly to Democrats that they would never get access unless they donated more to Republicans. He also told lobbying firms and trade associations that he wouldn't help them unless they fired Democrats and hired Republicans. Even in the notoriously greasy world of D.C. lobbying, DeLay's shakedowns are considered excessive.