WASHINGTON — Heather and Tony Podesta are conscientious objectors to the culture of change in Washington.

The husband and wife, with separate lobbying firms, are raking in millions from the insurance and drug industries, tobacco companies and corporate interests fighting changes to labor laws or the overhaul of the student loan program.

Often their advocacy is at variance with the agenda of President Barack Obama and his party, yet the Podestas use their fund-raising prowess for many top Democrats; they revel in flaunting their connections on Capitol Hill and in the Obama administration.

In Tokyo, John Roos, a Silicon Valley lawyer, is occupying the post once held by such distinguished statesmen as Edwin Reischauer, Mike Mansfield, Walter Mondale and Howard...