Big lobbyists hiring people to do the waiting for them

WASHINGTON -- Rose and Zine Hosein have stand-up jobs - and get paid $15 an hour for it. The 60-something couple have the ultimate niche occupation in Washington's influence economy, holding places in line for lobbyists outside crowded congressional hearing rooms. They bring folding chairs, coffee and patience to a job regarded by some about as highly as the influence brokers who hire them. Their days can start before 3 a.m., leaving them to wait - sometimes outdoors - for six or more hours. They take off after turning over their spot in line to their customers, and the hearing-room doors swing open. Finding elbow room is up to them.