Some of Washington’s top lobbyists say that they expect to find ways around congressional efforts to impose new restrictions on lobbyists’ dealings with lawmakers in the wake of the Jack Abramoff corruption scandal, and that any limits will barely put a dent in the billions of dollars spent to influence legislation. Though Congress may ultimately vote to eliminate a few of the more visible trappings of special pleading, such as gifts, free meals and luxurious trips, lobbyists say they have already found scores of new ways to buy the attention of lawmakers through fundraising, charitable activities and industry-sponsored seminars. An estimated $10 billion is spent annually to influence legislation and regulations, and that spending is not likely to be diminished by the proposed lobbying changes, these lobbyists contend. “I wouldn’t classify those changes as major,” said Dan Danner, executive vice president of the National Federation of Independent Business. “Between charitable events and fundraising events, there will still be lots of ways to get in front of members [of Congress].” Abramoff’s guilty plea in January — to charges of fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials with lavish trips, luxury skybox fundraisers, meals and campaign contributions […]