The banking industry ramped up lobbying during the second quarter of this year as a financial contagion infected four institutions and increased the threat of additional regulation from Washington. Lobbying spending from three dozen of the largest banks and the major industry groups increased 19.4% from April through June this year compared to the same quarter last year, according to congressional federal lobbying disclosures that were due late Thursday. The banks spent $19.1 million in the period, compared to less than $16 million a year prior. The increase in lobbying activity came amid calls for increased scrutiny ... (full story)