AUGUSTA (AP) – Trying to influence decisions within state government remains a growth industry.

Registered lobbyists representing more than 400 clients collected almost $4.3 million in compensation from December through July, up from $3.4 million a decade ago, according to the Maine Sunday Telegram.

The newspaper cited monthly reports filed with the state Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices and said its survey of state records found that more than two dozen lobbyists each earned $40,000 or more over the last eight months.

Eight lobbyists reported billings that exceeded $100,000, and two took in more than $200,000, the newspaper said.

“If it’s doing business in this state, it’s got a rep there,” said Jon Doyle, a lobbyist who topped the newspaper’s list.

The Telegram said Doyle collected about $230,000 from close to a dozen clients including AARP Maine, Central Maine Medical Center, Central Maine Power and the Maine Dental Hygienists Association.

Not all those seeking to influence outcomes at the State House posted big numbers.

Some registered lobbyists reported receiving no compensation over the last eight months, and 30 more collected less than $2,000 each during that period, according to the Telegram.

And not all observers viewed lobbying as the determining factor in what happened in the capital.

“There are plenty of other variables affecting the outcome,” said Amy Fried, a political scientist at the University of Maine, including the personal beliefs of legislators, the give and take among lawmakers and the sentiment of constituents.

Fried said that in Maine, “state government is extremely accessible.”

She suggested, however, that groups and organizations with a lobbyist gain an advantage over ordinary citizens.

“Most of us don’t have the time to go hanging around the State House,” Fried said.