This question refers back to the famous definition of what constitutes lobbying. If we consider that it's a communication activity, so contact between a lobbyist and a public office holder, 5,000 may seem an appropriate or logical number. But if we take into account all the preparation behind these activities, I think it's fair to say that the number of people hired by this industry is much higher than that. I think a broadened definition would allow us to take into account all those people whose work contributes to the single contact or the single communication.
On February 9th, 2012. See this statement in context.