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Google Inc. has been getting more frugal with its employees and other expenses as the recession crimps its growth, but the Internet search leader isn't skimping on political lobbying, according to a recent disclosure form.

The Mountain View, Calif.-based company spent $880,000 on lobbying during the first quarter, a 42 percent increase from $620,000 at the same time last year. Google spent a total of $2.8 million on lobbying last year.