text:
In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets News
Blue wave of money propels 2018 election to record-breaking $5.2 billion in spending
October 29, 2018 | The Center for Responsive Politics projects that more than $5.2 billion will be spent this cycle, making the 2018 midterms the most expensive ever.
The Koch network's integrated strategy for social transformation
October 26, 2018 | The Koch network and its libertarian allies have battle-tested strategy for holding the line on a forgotten front in the info-wars.
Here's why the Supreme Court's "right-to-work" ruling is a win for conservatives
June 27, 2018 | The Supreme Court ruling against labor marked a major victory for anti-union groups and conservative donors who bankrolled litigation in the hopes of stifling union influence.
AFSCME jumps into Florida Senate race
June 19, 2018 | One of the country's largest public-sector unions reported nearly $1 million in TV ad spending last week in support of Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, one of five vulnerable Democratic senators running for reelection.
'Right-to-work' Supreme Court ruling could cripple union influence
March 1, 2018 | The ruling could significantly slash money going to public sector unions, which overwhelmingly support Democratic politicians and liberal causes.
Trump's state in the eye of the Union
January 30, 2018 | What's to come in President Trump's first State of Union? Expect the phrase "America First." The name Gorsuch. And something will be "great."
Puzder out, Acosta in. Here's who cares most about labor.
February 16, 2017 | President Donald Trump announced Alexander Acosta, the dean of Florida International University College of Law, as his new pick to head the Department of Labor on Thursday. Despite backing from top industry trade groups, Puzder withdrew his nomination Wednesday after it became clear he didn't have enough GOP support in the Senate. Republicans began breaking away…
Hey, big spender: Mainstay of Democratic Party financing supports Democracy Spring
April 1, 2016 | Though it's given $3.6 million to outside spending groups so far this cycle, the nation's largest labor group has joined advocates of overhauling the campaign finance system who are explicitly angling to be the subjects of mass arrests on Capitol Hill this month if their demands to Congress aren't met. The AFL-CIO is the only organization involved in the coalition, called…
Reps. Israel and McDermott step off the fundraising circuit
January 6, 2016 | Two lawmakers, Democratic Reps. Jim McDermott (Wash.) and Steve Israel (N.Y.), announced their retirements this week, joining a parade of members of their party who will exit the House in 2017. In an interview with the New York Times, Israel indicated that the current campaign finance system, with its never-ending fundraising demands, had an impact…
In classic battle, minimum wage movement pits labor against business
November 12, 2015 | Fast food and other low-wage workers took to the streets of cities across the country this week to demand a minimum wage of $15, earning the support of liberal mayors, governors and even presidential candidates. In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo stood with the "Fight for $15" crusade, announcing he would take executive action…
Scott Walker's labor plan aims at major Democratic fundraising source
September 17, 2015 | Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's labor reform plan, released this week, would do more than undermine unions on a nationwide scale: It would also hurt a multi-million-dollar source of campaign donations to Democrats.
Hybrid PACs collectively beat fundraising records of past election cycles
August 17, 2015 | The 2012 election cycle saw the birth of little-known hybrid PACs, also known as Carey committees, which can maintain two separate accounts; one for contributions to federal candidates and parties, and the other for independent expenditures, to which unlimited contributions can be made. The committees, which emerged as a result of the case Carey v. FEC, collectively raised…
Major Financial Players Lobby Around Obama's Investment Rules
May 1, 2015 | In the months since President Obama announced his support for new retirement investment rules that would stop advisers from pushing high-fee plans on small-fry American investors, several major financial organizations have lobbied hard on a bill that would undermine the commander in chief's agenda, according to recently released lobbying records for the first quarter of the year. The…
The Political One Percent of the One Percent in 2014: Mega Donors Fuel Rising Cost of Elections
April 30, 2015 | In the 2014 elections, 31,976 donors — equal to roughly one percent of one percent of the total population of the United States — accounted for an astounding $1.18 billion in disclosed political contributions at the federal level. Those big givers — what we have termed the Political One Percent of the One Percent —…
5 Years Later: BP Spending Again, Targets Natural Resources Committee
April 21, 2015 | The House Committee on Natural Resources meets Wednesday to discuss how safety standards have improved since the catastrophic BP oil spill in 2010 — an offshore oil well explosion and fire that left 11 dead, 17 injured, and enduring environmental threats in the Gulf of Mexico. While money coming into Washington from the oil giant screeched…
Labor's Few GOP Friends Vote With Dems on NLRB Rules
April 3, 2015 | A Republican effort to squash a National Labor Relations Board rule that would streamline the union election process was rejected by President Obama this week — becoming his fourth veto while in office. Democrats have historic connections to unions and their political contributions. But so do a few Republicans, including those who dissented from their…
The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine
March 23, 2015 | This story was cross-posted at The Daily Beast. It was a cold winter night in Washington, D.C., not long after President George W. Bush won a second term, and the mood at the upscale Italian restaurant was downright celebratory. The most prominent guest was Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, but his table also boasted a…
John Tierney Keeping it Close — Again — in Mass.
September 8, 2014 | Rep. John Tierney of Massachusetts once again is expected to face a struggle on Nov. 4 in his bid to return to the Capitol — that is, if he even makes it to that ballot. First, he has to wrangle the Democratic nomination from a tough challenger in Tuesday's primary: former Marine Seth Moulton. In some ways, this…
Koch Company and Labor Unions: One Degree of Separation
April 22, 2014 | Strange brew cooked up on K Street: Charles, David and organized labor.
Sincere or Strategic, Lobbyists Give Big
March 12, 2014 | It's hard to sort out lobbyists' motivations for making campaign contributions. But the top recipients of their donations so far this cycle are a bit of a surprise: Top Republican leadership and at-risk Senate Democrats.
Defeat May Sting, But UAW Has Piles of Political Cash
February 20, 2014 | A surprise defeat at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga may be partly soothed by the potential to spend big in the 2014 mid-terms.
Divided We Stand
January 28, 2014 | State of the Union -- 9 p.m. tonight. But Obama's list of 2014 priorities may sound a lot like last year's roster, due in part to a deadlocked Congress that produced a historic year of inaction.
OpenSecrets Politiquizz: Leader of the PAC
October 11, 2013 | Who's funding the top leadership PACs in both parties?
The Money Behind the Republicans Who Want to End the Shutdown
October 7, 2013 | Twenty-three Republicans have said they are willing to make a deal on a clean budget bill that would end the shutdown. Here's a look at how money might be playing a role in their decision to break ranks.
Investigation Doesn't Taint Grimm's Fundraising
July 17, 2013 | Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.), though being investigated by the Justice Department for allegedly improper fundraising operations in his 2010 victory, had his best fundraising quarter ever in the three months ending June 30.
Lobbyists 2012: Out of the Game or Under the Radar?
March 20, 2013 | Spending on lobbying as well as the number of active lobbyists was down in 2012. But nearly half of lobbyists who were active in 2011 but reported no lobbying in 2012 continued to work for the same employers -- suggesting that many have simply avoided the reporting limits while still contributing to lobbying efforts.
Revolving Door Works for Staffers, Too
February 27, 2013 | A new analysis by Remapping Debate and the Center for Responsive Politics shows that 41 high-ranking staffers for new members of Congress came from organizations that have a lobbying presence in Washington.
Issues and Interest Groups in State of the Union Spotlight
February 12, 2013 | The economy, immigration, gun control and climate change are among the issues President Obama is expected to highlight in his address tonight. But don't expect any of his proposals to sail through Congress -- there are too many interests at stake for that.
After Spending Millions to Defeat Her, Wall Street May Answer to Warren
December 4, 2012 | In spite of Wall Street's efforts to keep Warren out of power, she's likely to have a heavy hand in regulating banks.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 16: Whistleblowers, A Familiar Name in New Lobbying Registration Forms, and More
November 16, 2012 | Whistleblower protections eaten away by the courts are back -- and yes, there was lobbying on the bill. Meanwhile, the Torch is back, showing up on federal lobbying registration forms for the first time.
Mystery Firm is Election's Top Corporate Donor at $5.3 Million
November 5, 2012 | The biggest corporate contributor in the 2012 election so far doesn't appear to make anything–other than very large contributions to a conservative super PAC.
2012 Election Spending Will Reach $6 Billion, Center for Responsive Politics Predicts
October 31, 2012 | Earlier this year, the Center for Responsive Politics estimated that the 2012 election would cost $5.8 billion -- an estimate that already made it the most expensive in history -- but with less than a week to go before the election, CRP is revising the estimate upwards. According to CRP's new analysis of Federal Election Commission data, this election will likely cost $6 billion.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 25: Unions Worry Support Could Be in Vain, Giants Make Eponymous Contributions, and More
October 25, 2012 | True to tradition, labor unions are solidly behind President Obama and other Democrats, and their contributions show it. Nonetheless, they worry about the post-election season and whether the Dems will cut Social Security and Medicare.
Capital Eye Opener, September 5: Party Time in Charlotte, With Corporate Cash Present
September 5, 2012 | After a week of political pageantry and Republican politics in Tampa Bay, the spotlight turns to Democrats this week, as they kick off their own party convention in the battleground state of North Carolina. Readers of this blog know all too well what that means: It's party time.
Capital Eye Opener, Aug. 13: Ryan's Biggest Supporters and Detractors, Bob Kerrey's Friends In The Media and More
August 13, 2012 | The biggest supporter of Paul Ryan's leadership PAC the last several years has been a New York City hedgefund run by a billionaire known for his support of the GOP and gay marriage; Forget about the liberal media, Bob Kerrey finds friends in the rural media.
Unions Finally Make a Showing On Super PAC Stage
April 22, 2012 | Labor unions injected themselves into the super PAC story line in March to a greater degree than at any time yet this election cycle, increasing by 50 percent the amount given by organized labor in the previous 14 months.
Delivering Postal Reform
April 12, 2012 | Congress may stir up a hornet's nest in the next few weeks when it takes up the matter of overhauling the postal service. The issue has brought out an array of special interests, including lobbyists for the envelope industry.
OpenSecrets Blog PolitiQuizz: Nancy Pelosi's Leadership PAC
April 2, 2012 | Leadership PACs run by House Republicans were dominant in contributing to candidates in 2010. The Dems fell behind. How did former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi's PAC perform compared to those of GOP leaders Eric Cantor and John Boehner?
Lobbying Expenditures Slump in 2011
January 26, 2012 | The nation's economy may be slowly rebounding, but during 2011, the economic engine of K Street sputtered. Overall expenditures on lobbying were down for the first time in more than a decade, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Ethics Watchdog Alleges New Jersey Democrat Used Campaign Funds for Personal Use
November 30, 2011 | A complaint to the FEC against Rep. Rob Andrews (D-N.J.) alleges that the eleven-term congressman illegally used tens of thousands of dollars contributed to his campaign to pay for a luxurious trip to Scotland to attend a donor's wedding, a graduation party for one of his daughters and to support his other daughter's acting and singing career.
Which Democrat Will Next Head the House Financial Services Committee?
November 29, 2011 | With upcoming retirement of Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), House Democrats will be vying for the role of top dog on the House Financial Services Committee, where Frank has been the highest ranking Democrat since 2003. Like Frank, many of the other high-ranking Democrats on the committee exhibit intimate ties with the industries with interests before them. Here's a primer on who could be next in line for the reigns of Democratic power after Frank's departure next year.
Where Will Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Charlie Gonzalez Land After Retirement Next Year?
November 28, 2011 | Is the lure of the private sector too much for Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D-Texas)? Over the weekend, Gonzalez, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and a seven-term congressman, announced that he would not seek re-election at the end of his term next year.
One-Percent Pols Visit Occupy Sites, Pelosi Helps Rangel Raise Cash And More in Capital Eye Opener: Nov. 16
November 15, 2011 | Protesters in the Occupy movement have kept their distance from lawmakers, but a few Democratic lawmakers have taken it upon themselves to show solidarity with the protesters by visiting the protest sites in person. Problem is, some of those politicians count themselves among the very same elite 'one-percent' class the movement is railing against.
Labor Unions' Big Win in Ohio, Google's DC Head Retires And More in Capital Eye Opener: November 9
November 9, 2011 | Voters in Ohio last night went to the polls and enacted a referendum to repeal a law that restricted the collective bargaining rights of many of the state's public sector employees. Many of the biggest public sector unions spent heavily in Ohio to influence turnout. And they also spend plenty of dollars on influence in Washington, D.C.
Medical Device Bill Gains Steam, Union President Retires and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 8
November 8, 2011 | The bill sponsored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) to repeal the tax on medical devices is gaining momentum and now has 218 co-sponsors, the minimum number of votes needed for it to pass, according to a Medical Technology caucus press release. The progress of the Protect Medical Innovation Act is partly a result of extensive lobbying efforts and political contributions of medical groups in favor of the bill.
Health Sector Groups Most Aggressively Lobby the Supercommittee
November 2, 2011 | During the third quarter of 2011, more than 400 companies, unions, trade associations and other groups reported lobbying the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, popularly known as the debt supercommittee, according to a new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics of reports filed last month with the U.S. Senate.
Darrell Issa Turns Against Postal Unions That Once Backed His Campaign
September 27, 2011 | Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), chairman of the committee that oversees the Postal Service, was once a top beneficiary of money from postal union PACs. But now, after pushing his Postal Reform Act through a House subcommittee, postal unions consider Issa their greatest foe.
OpenSecrets.org Wins Prestigious Online Journalism Award For Best Topical Reporting
September 26, 2011 | OpenSecrets.org, the website of the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, has earned top honors from the Online News Association, winning the 2011 Online Journalism Award for best topical reporting and blogging among all websites of similar size.opensecretsorglogo.jpg
Rise of the Retirees, Postal Unions Seek to 'Save' USPS and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 21
September 21, 2011 | The future of Medicare is a hot political topic. And as President Barack Obama, his potential GOP rivals and members of Congress debate the future of the program, it's likely that campaign cash from retired Americans will also be on their minds.
Labor Lobbying, Union PAC Contributions and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 5
September 5, 2011 | It's Labor Day, and to commemorate, OpenSecrets Blog is offering a look at how labor unions spend money to gets things done politically.
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Contribution Limits, Obama's Campaign Cash and More
August 26, 2011 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets.org Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
The Free Trade Lobby, John Edwards' New Lawyer and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 22
August 22, 2011 | Earlier this year, Republicans in both the House and Senate introduced resolutions urging approval of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. At since then, hundreds of companies, unions and trade associations have set their sites on the proposal.
Bush Bundlers Reluctant to Give, Super PAC Mystery Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 5
August 5, 2011 | Republican presidential hopefuls' underwhelming second-quarter fund-raising totals can be attributed, in part, to a large network of elite GOP fund-raisers that remains untapped, the New York Times reported.
Where in the World are Barack Obama's Bundlers, A Union Ally to Retire and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 18
July 18, 2011 | Fifty-six of President Barack Obama's bundlers were from California. And they collectively raised at least $8.9 million, more than bundlers in any other state. Thirty-five New Yorkers, meanwhile, raised a minimum of $4.9 million. And 24 residents of the battle ground state of Florida bundled a minimum of $3.55 million.
Defense Dollars to Democrats, the Odd Couple: McCotter and Unions and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 8
July 8, 2011 | Historically, Democrats in Congress have been perceived as the bigger proponents for cuts in defense spending. But recent campaign contributions from political action committees show party affiliation alone doesn't translate to support -- or lack thereof -- from defense interests.
Union Contributions Low in 2011, Rick Perry Gets a Super PAC and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 7
July 7, 2011 | Union donations to federal candidates for the first three months of 2011 are far lower than donations during the same period in 2009 and in 2007, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
FDA Introduces New Cigarette Warning Labels, NRCC Out-Raises DCCC and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 22
June 22, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Obama (Again) Visits Political Patron, GOP Debate Remains Civil and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 14
June 14, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Lobbying Push Targeting Federal Regulatory Agencies Continues in Wall Street Reform Fight
June 1, 2011 | It's been more than 10 months since President Barack Obama signed massive financial regulatory reform legislation into law, but the special interests it directly affects are sustaining a federal lobbying onslaught now aimed at shaping the law's implementation.
Remembering Soldiers and Defense Lobbying, T-Paw's Mideast Slipup and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 30
May 30, 2011 | As we dedicate this day to those who serve our nation at home and abroad, it's interesting to note the steadily growing power of the defense industry within the borders of the nation's capital.
Lobbying on Guns, Abortion, Labor Spikes During New Congressional Session
May 3, 2011 | Several of the year's hottest political topics have witnessed the greatest increase in lobbyists' attention during the first months of the 112th Congress, according to a preliminary analysis of lobbying reports by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Corporate Donors Dole Out Hefty Sums to Democratic, GOP Governors Associations
April 29, 2011 | Unlike political committees or candidates for federal office, the Democratic Governors Association and Republican Governors Association both may receive unlimited amounts of money in their bids to support gubernatorial candidates across the nation. And raise cash they did.
Pace of Federal Lobbying Slows in First Quarter
April 21, 2011 | Facing a newly divided Congress and a murky legislative outlook in the near future, many of the nation's most active government lobbying powerhouses are slowing the pace of their spending, preliminary analysis of first quarter federal lobbying reports show.
Aviation Unions, Air Transport Industry Lobbying Cruising at High Altitude as Federal Legislation Looms
April 18, 2011 | Air transportation industry, unions spending serious cash to influence trajectory of federal aviation legislation.
Ron Paul Mulls Presidential Bid, Watchdog Calls for FEC De-funding and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 18
April 18, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Business Targets Campaigns of Key Committee Members
April 13, 2011 | It's no secret that corporations and special interest groups that dominate lobbying in the nation's capital routinely shower campaign cash on congressional committees directly affecting affect their business interests. But a study by the Center for Responsive Politics and The Fiscal Times found that special interests routinely target members of Congress who can do them the most good.
Paul Ryan's Health Industry Ties, Barack Obama's Bundlers and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 8
April 8, 2011 | Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) released his budget proposal Tuesday calling to cut spending by $5.8 trillion over the next ten years. Ryan himself is actually one of the top Republican recipients of political action committee contributions from the health sector.
A New DNC Chair, a Super PAC for Obama and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 7
April 7, 2011 | Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) is the new chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. She succeeds former Virginia governor Tim Kaine who held the post since 2009.
Planned Parenthood Filibuster, Federal Unions Fight Shutdown and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 5
April 5, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Bernie Sanders' Tax Targets, Wisconsin Money Madness and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 30
March 30, 2011 | Earlier this week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) urged his colleagues to support new legislation to close "corporate tax loopholes." As part of his pitch, Sanders highlighted the 10 "worst corporate income tax avoiders" -- many of which are among the biggest spenders when in comes to lobbying in the nation's capital, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Influx of Corporate Political Cash Followed Pivotal Federal Court Decision
March 25, 2011 | Corporate treasury money accounted for about $15.5 million of the cash donated to so-called "super PACs" -- political committees created by the dozen in the wake of the SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission ruling one year ago, the Center for Responsive Politics finds. That represents more than 17 percent of these new groups' funds.
Calls to Fix the FEC, Wisconsin's National Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 16
March 16, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Blue Tide Rising: Democratic Fund-Raising Outfit ActBlue Experiences Biggest Election Cycle Ever
March 11, 2011 | Despite dismal electoral results for Democrats nationally in 2010, fund-raising powerhouse ActBlue had its most prolific period on record. The political committee, which serves as an online conduit of contributions for Democrats, funneled approximately $60 million to federal candidates and committees during the 2010 election cycle.
DeMint's $15 Million Goal, A Corporate Boycott in Wisconsin and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 11
March 11, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
What Unites Pete King and Keith Ellison, D.C. Spy Games and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 7
March 7, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Study Examines Donation Patterns, Akaka Announces Retirement and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 4
March 4, 2011 | Which politicians do you decide to support with campaign cash? If you are part of the fraction of one percent of the country's population that donates money to politicians, researchers at Vanderbilt University suggest the answer is the "economically relevant" ones.
Obama's 2012 Budget Fight Begins, Outside Unions Support NFL Players and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 14
February 14, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money and politics.
OpenSecrets.org Provides 2011 Legislative Preview Ahead of Barack Obama's State of the Union Address
January 25, 2011 | OpenSecrets Blog offers a preview on the legislative priorities destined to shape political discourse throughout 2011.
OpenSecrets.org's Top 10 Money-in-Politics Stories of 2010
December 31, 2010 | A review of the most notable money-in-politics events during 2010, as determined by the staff of OpenSecrets.org.
Capital Rivals: U.S. Chamber of Commerce vs. SEIU
December 28, 2010 | This edition of Capital Rivals takes an intimate look at two of the biggest big players in politics: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Service Employees International Union.
Who's Backing the New Top Blue Dogs' Bark, Bite?
November 22, 2010 | The Blue Dogs have elevated Reps. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), John Barrow (D-Ga.) and Mike Ross (D-Ark.) as their new leaders. Which donors and special interests have these men relied upon to fill their war chests?
Top Industries Put Brakes On Federal Lobbying Spending During Third Quarter
November 18, 2010 | Despite expending massive sums of money, some of the industries most active in lobbying the 111th Congress slowed their spending during this year's third quarter in the face of the midterm elections and a changing political tide, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal data.
Which Industries Won and Lost in Election 2010?
November 10, 2010 | Imagine that every member of Congress represents the industry or special interests that have contributed the most to his or her campaign coffers. Which industries and special interests, then, lost or won seats in Congress during the 2010 midterm election?
Democrats and Republicans Sharing Big-Dollar Donors, DCCC's Million-Dollar Pay-Off and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 10
November 10, 2010 | The Democratic Governors Association and Republican Governors Association share 48 top donors, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of the group's top 100 non-individual donors indicates...
Unions Bolstering Political Influence with Outside Spending
November 2, 2010 | In the final week before Election Day, several high profile labor unions spent hundreds of thousands -- or even upward of a million dollars -- in last-minute outside spending on congressional elections across the country, adding to unions' varied political activity this election cycle, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal filings.
Election 2010 to Shatter Spending Records as Republicans Benefit from Late Cash Surge
October 27, 2010 | Center for Responsive Politics predicts midterms could cost nearly $4 billion.
Campaign Fund-raising Blitz, Financial Sector Bailouts and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 1
October 1, 2010 | Forget Christmas, candidates know this is the season for giving. With just a month until the midterm elections, campaign cash collecting has shifted into high gear. Politico reported that members or candidates for the House and Senate will be having 400 fundraisers in a mere 14 days.
Many House Incumbents Heavily Relying on PAC Cash for 2010 Re-election Bids
September 29, 2010 | Many candidates are hitting the campaign trail with a promise to end cozy relationships with special interests. Yet eager as they are to show some understanding of voters' concerns, the words of many incumbents are falling far short of the reality when it comes to their campaign accounts.
Republican Staffers Tempted By Private Market, Labor Donations Large – or Small? – and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 10
September 10, 2010 | Republican? Former congressional staffer? You are in demand! According to Eric Lichtblau of the New York Times, lobbying groups and political consultants have been wooing Republicans in the past few weeks...
Byrd's Senate Seat Up For Special Election, Minnesota Congressional Race Raking in Money and More In Capital Eye Opener: July 8
July 8, 2010 | BYRD'S SEAT UP FOR SPECIAL ELECTION: On Wednesday, Governor Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that he would try to hold a special election this year for the late Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd's Senate seat. Manchin also said that he is considering running for the seat himself in that special election.
Will Anti-Establishment Candidates Oust Democratic Senate Incumbents?
May 17, 2010 | Despite long odds, insurgent candidates have challenged senators in Arkansas and Pennsylvania, and now these two sitting Democratic senators risk being ousted Tuesday by disgruntled voters. Challenges in each state have gained steam thanks to enthusiasm among the Democratic base, with some liberal activists and unions defying the Democratic Party establishment and bucking even the political operation of the White House.
Hoosier Dems Nominate Ellsworth, Wall Street Parties With Congress and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 17
May 17, 2010 | HOOSIER NOMINEE: The Democratic Party of Indiana officially nominated Blue Dog Rep. Brad Ellsworth Saturday to be their party's nominee in the race to fill the Senate seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh. Ellsworth has about $960,000 cash on hand, including large sums from lawyers, lobbyists, labor unions and leadership PACs.
Republican Charles Djou Holds Cash Advantage Ahead of Special Election in Heavily Democratic Hawaii District
May 13, 2010 | Votes are already being cast in the free-for-all special election in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District, and a Republican candidate has emerged with the most cash on hand in the campaign's final stretch. Republican Charles Djou, a city council member in Honolulu, has nearly $170,000 more in the bank than the most well-financed Democratic candidate.
Democrat David Obey, Chair of Powerful House Appropriations Committee, To Retire at End of Term
May 5, 2010 | The loss of Obey, the powerful chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a close ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is a blow to Democrats in a year when anti-incumbent sentiment seems to be on the rise. The Appropriations chairmanship is one of the most powerful positions in Congress, and Obey's retirement may kick off a fierce fight between potential successors.
Hordes of Hired Guns Earned About $19 Million Per Day As Lobbying Soared to Nearly $1 Billion in First Quarter
April 29, 2010 | Hoards of hired K Street guns are in high demand as President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats seek to implement grand legislative plans. And a Center for Responsive Politics review of recently filed lobbying reports indicates companies, trade associations, unions and other groups spent nearly $1 billion on lobbying during the first three months of 2010.
Health Interests and Labor Groups Vied To Sway Blue Dog Democrats
March 31, 2010 | As Congress debated comprehensive health care reform, health industry interests' campaign contributions tended to target Blue Dog Democrats who opposed the proposal. Blue Dog Democrats who last week voted against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), which first passed the Senate in December, received an average of about $90,200 during 2009 from political action committees and individuals associated with the health sector and health insurers, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Sunshine Week Report Card on Government Transparency
March 25, 2010 | As the Center for Responsive Politics celebrates Sunshine Week this year, we commend the steps taken by the White House and Congress for greater government transparency. Neither the White House nor Congress, though, should rest on their laurels. Despite the good progress made via some specific steps, there remains much to be done. Here are a several matters that require attention this year.
Big Labor Gave Big Support to Health Reform Supporters, Health Interests Lent More Support to Opponents
March 22, 2010 | President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats achieved a major legislative victory last night as members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted to adopt the version of health insurance reform legislation passed in December by the U.S. Senate. Supporters of both measures received out-sized support from labor unions, the Center for Responsive Politics found, based on an examination of contributions to lawmakers' campaign committees and leadership PACs going back to 1989.
Financial Agency Troubles, Bipartisan Debt Commissions and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 19
February 19, 2010 | CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION AGENCY PROPOSAL LANGUISHES: A proposal for reforming the financial regulatory system is quickly losing momentum in the Senate.
Lobbyists Earn $1.3 Million Per Hour As Lawmakers Log Long Days
February 16, 2010 | Federal lobbying soared to a record $3.5 billion last year, as lawmakers clocked long hours and worked at a pace to be, in the opinion of one congressional scholar, the most productive Congress in decades. This translates to approximately $1.3 million spent on lobbying for every hour that Congress was in session in 2009, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
OpenSecrets.org Offers 2010 Legislative Preview Ahead of Barack Obama's State of the Union Address
January 27, 2010 | The past year proved to be a legislative whirlwind in Washington, with a new administration, and expanded Democratic majorities in Congress, tackling an ambitious legislative agenda against the backdrop of two wars and an economic meltdown. Twelve months later, the story is much the same.
Chris Dodd's Quackability, a Bank Tax Blowback and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 21
January 21, 2010 | Will Sen. Chris Dodd crack under pressure from the financial industry and opponents in Congress and drop the idea to create the independent Consumer Financial Protection Agency as part of financial regulatory reform legislation?
Stakeholders in Health Insurance Reform Debate Gave Big to Senators
December 24, 2009 | Senators who opposed the health insurance reform bill passed on Christmas Eve received an average of nearly 30 percent more political donations from political action committees and individual employees of health and health insurance-related groups and companies since 1989, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis has found.
Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, a Favorite of Wall Street, Leads Regulatory Reform Fight
November 23, 2009 | Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) chairs the powerful Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Dodd is now spearheading new efforts to tackle financial sector regulatory reform. Over the past 20 years, Dodd's most generous campaign supporter has also been the finance, insurance and real estate sector, which is filled with companies directly affected by legislation shepherded by the Banking Committee.
Spencer Bachus: 'No More Bailouts'
November 19, 2009 | Although Bachus isn't new to the House Financial Services Committee, he's relatively new to the committee's ranking member position, which he assumed in 2007. Since 1992, employees and political action committees associated with the financial sector have given Bachus $4 million -- exponentially more than any other sector during that time.
Democratic Sen. Jack Reed Envisions New Financial Regulations
November 17, 2009 | Viewed as a champion of regulatory reform, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) is an advocate of new regulations regarding financial markets, products and institutions -- including new regulation regarding credit derivatives, "dark pool" markets and hedge funds. Within the Banking Committee, he is chairman of the securities, insurance and investment subcommittee.
Democrats Welcome Two New Congressmen As GOP Makes Gains in Governorships
November 4, 2009 | While Republicans in Virginia and New Jersey won their state's governorships, Democrats proved victorious in two big money Congressional special elections Tuesday in California and New York. Democrat Bill Owens triumphed over Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman by about 3 percentage points in New York, and Democrat John Garamendi beat Republican David Harmer in California.
Federal Lobbying Boom Continues, Third Quarter Reports Indicate
October 30, 2009 | 2009 is on pace to be another bumper year for lobbyists. During the third quarter, corporations, unions, trade associations and other special interests spent $849 million on federal lobbying, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.5 billion. Perhaps not surprisingly, the sectors that could be affected most by the Obama administration's domestic agenda -- particularly health, business and energy -- have been some of the biggest spenders over the course of the year.
'Round and 'Round They Go: Lawmakers Leave Congress for Lobbying Posts
October 29, 2009 | At least 44 lawmakers have left their congressional seats mid-term since 1990, and at least 16 of them went on to work at lobbying firms or at companies that hired lobbyists, CRP has found. Here, we take a closer look at a few of these individuals, examining which industries and clients they're now representing and the campaign cash they received while in Congress.
Arlen Specter, Barack Obama — Cognizant of Labor's Financial Support — Address AFL-CIO
September 15, 2009 | In a speech to the AFL-CIO in Pittsburgh today, Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), told union members that he and a group of senators are successfully compromising with labor leaders on the industry's legislative priority, the Employee Free Choice Act. Democrats have overwhelmingly received more financial support from unions, though Specter did not mention whether the legislation's key provision would be part of the deal.
Symposium panelists agree: More disclosure of federal lobbying needed
September 15, 2009 | Amid a flurry of lobbying activity centered on health care reform, climate change, financial regulation and labor laws, a number of distinguished academics, reporters and lawyers gathered Monday to discuss the need for – and ultimately advocate -- transparency in the lobbying industry.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, September 3
September 3, 2009 | THE HONEYMOON IS OVER: It appears that Wal-Mart just can't catch a break where unions are concerned. The United Food and Commercial Workers is starting a coalition that "calls for improvements in the company's wages, health care, and environmental and labor policies," according to the Washington Post.
Potential Ted Kennedy Replacements Bring New Mix of Special Interest Support
September 2, 2009 | The death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has left Democratic lawmakers scrambling to fill his seat in the midst of intense debate over one of Kennedy's highest legislative priorities -- health care reform. We thought we'd take a look at some of the possible candidates and how their fundraising compares to that of the late senator.
Liberal PACs Trouncing Conservative Counterparts in Political Donation Race
August 20, 2009 | It's a glorious time to be a Democrat if you're hoping for some serious advocacy action from the nation's monied liberal establishments. Through the first half of 2009, left-leaning political action committees have obliterated their right-leaning competition in spending, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal campaign finance data indicates.
Health Interests, Lobbyists Rank High Among Industries Increasing Campaign Contributions
August 19, 2009 | Political action committees and individuals associated with health industries, each of which are intimately involved in the nation's ongoing health care reform debate, are donating more to federal candidates during the second quarter of 2009 than the first quarter, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis.
Rep. William Jefferson, convicted of corruption, received handsome donations from legal community
August 6, 2009 | Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) is now an infamous scofflaw who now faces decades in prison after a federal jury Wednesday convicted him of 11 counts of racketeering, solicitation of bribery and money laundering. An ironic footnote: Lawyers and law firms are by far Jefferson's largest campaign donors during his now ruined congressional career, which began in 1990 when he became Louisiana's first elected black congressman since Reconstruction, and ended in December when the embattled politico lost reelection.
Unions Lobby to Thwart Health Care Deal Breaker
July 8, 2009 | Union members can't strike if congressional lawmakers ignore their health care requests, but they've threatened to walk away from the bargaining table if Congress begins taxing employer health benefits.
Democratic Doc Favors Single-Payer Health Care For All
June 30, 2009 | Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) is a physician and psychiatrist who is one of the leaders of the House Progressive Caucus on health reform. He has long favored a single-payer health care system, although the health sector is his second largest financial backer.
Lobbying is a Lucrative Investment, Researchers Find Using CRP Data
June 25, 2009 | Three finance professors recently published a report stating that for every dollar a company spends on lobbying, its value increases by $200. That equates to a 22,000 percent return on the investment in lobbying.
With CRP data, Sunlight Maps Baucus's Health Care Lobbying Network
June 23, 2009 | As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Max Baucus is playing a key role in determining the shape, size, and cost of health care reform. The Montana Democrat's influence may be even keener as a result of the lobbyist web that flows from his office.
Diagnosis: Reform
June 17, 2009 | For some individuals, how Congress aims to reform America's health care system is literally a matter of life and death. For some industries, it could mean the difference between weathering the economic storm or shuttering their businesses. Over the next month, Capital Eye will be following the money as the various special interest groups continue to play politics in response to Congress's health reform proposals. Follow the month-long series here.
Democrats Top Freshmen Fundraising List
June 10, 2009 | Only three Republicans rank among the top 15 House and Senate fundraisers, CRP has found based on 1st Quarter campaign finance data, while the list of members of Congress facing the greatest debts is more bipartisan.
Obama's Choice For Army Secretary Received Money from Labor & Defense Interests, Including PMA Group
June 2, 2009 | President Barack Obama's choice for the Secretary of the Army, Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) would bring with him strong ties to the defense industry's checkbooks and lobbyists, including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and PMA Group.
Not Quite the Hard-Knock Life on K Street
April 30, 2009 | Given all of the variables, measuring the impact of the economy on K Street isn't exactly a science. But the Center for Responsive Politics has conclusively found that lobbying during the first three months of 2009 has actually increased slightly compared to the same period of time last year. Here you can check out how much which industries and clients have spent the most on lobbying so far this year and which have increased or decreased the most since the start of 2008.
Senator Arlen Specter Leaves the GOP, Will His Contributors Follow Him?
April 28, 2009 | Embattled Sen. Arlen Specter became a Democrat today, a move that could attract new donors and turn others off.
Power Players: Winning Union Cash Easy Work for Chair of Labor Committee
March 26, 2009 | Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) became chair of the House Education & Labor Committee in 2007, after serving as ranking member for six years before Democrats won control of the House. Whether it's because he has played a prominent role on the committee for years or because he has dedicated himself to workers' issues, unions are unabashed supporters of the congressman.
Power Players: Senate Health Committee Chair Gets a Large Dose of Finance, Health Industry Funds
March 25, 2009 | Even as he deals with his own health challenges, as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has committed himself to focusing on improving the quality and accessibility of American health care. Kennedy's interest in the country's health care issues has brought him money from various health-related industries.
Sunshine Week: Grading Your Government
March 19, 2009 | Happy Sunshine Week! In observance of the national government transparency initiative, CRP offers this money-in-politics disclosure report card, grading the federal government on its efforts to shed some light on the ties between its decisions and the private money affecting those decisions. Although the government has made strides in a few key areas since Sunshine Week 2008, it still has a whole lot of homework to do.
Millions of Dollars Later, Congress Introduces Unionization Bill
March 10, 2009 | For months business groups and labor unions have been campaigning for or against the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill that was introduced in Congress just today and that has spurred what will be one of the fiercest--and most expensive--debates Capitol Hill has seen in years. Capital Eye recently explored the political spending strategies both adversaries have been implementing in preparation for today's bill and provide some highlights of that report here.
Power Players: Natural Resources Committee Chair Mines Support from Homestate Industry
March 5, 2009 | At 27, Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.V.) was the youngest member of the first Congress he served in, landing spots on the Interior and Public Works committees in his first term in 1976. Now, as chair of the House Natural Resources Committee (formerly the Interior Committee) and the No. 2 Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (formerly Public Works), he's got the support of transportation unions, the mining industry and oil and gas companies.
Labor and Business Spend Big on Looming Unionization Issue
February 26, 2009 | President Obama's Tuesday address to Congress was entirely about jump-starting the economy, but he didn't even hint at a looming legislative battle between business and labor that both sides say could affect how quickly the country recovers. The two longtime adversaries may have different political strategies, but both sides have already spent plenty of cash trying to persuade lawmakers to side with them.
Power Players: Environmental, Women's Groups Place Faith in Boxer
February 26, 2009 | Capital Eye's Power Player series continues this week with a look at Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Boxer's top donors include environmentalists, women's rights groups and the entertainment industry.
Keeping Tabs on Wall Street, Stimulus Efforts and the Bailout
February 25, 2009 | Since August 2008, when the economic crisis started making headlines and companies began asking lawmakers for some financial help in the form of billions of dollars, CRP has been taking a look at the political influence of companies and industries looking for a government lifeline. This archive contains what we've produced as we follow the money behind the Wall Street shakeout and the government's attempts to jump-start the economy.
Special Interests to Listen Carefully to Obama's Address
February 24, 2009 | When President Obama addresses the nation tonight in a State of the Union fashion, it won't just be Congress and members of the public tuning in. Special interests, too, will be paying close attention to what the president has to say about upcoming plans that could affect them. Capital Eye takes a look at the key issues Obama is likely to discuss--and the industries, sectors and groups that will be listening closely to his message.
Power Players: New Mexico Senator Enchants Donors from Energy Sector
February 19, 2009 | Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) has been the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee since 1999 and returned to his post as chair in 2007. Not surprisingly given his committee assignment, Bingaman's campaigns run, in part, on fuel from the energy sector.
Power Players: Without Automakers' Fuel, Waxman Steers House Energy Committee in New Direction
February 12, 2009 | In a blow to the struggling auto industry that has financially supported Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) for years, the House Energy & Commerce Committee chairman was ousted this year, replaced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), who hasn't received a penny from the industry. Instead, Waxman has collected money from doctors and health professionals.
TARP Recipients Paid Out $114 Million for Politicking Last Year
February 4, 2009 | The companies that have been awarded taxpayers' money from Congress's bailout bill spent $77 million on lobbying and $37 million on federal campaign contributions, CRP has found. The return on investment: 258,449 percent.
Washington Lobbying Grew to $3.2 Billion Last Year, Despite Economy
January 29, 2009 | While companies across the board were losing record amounts of money and laying off employees last year, at least one industry seemed to weather the recession: lobbying. Special interests paid Washington lobbyists $3.2 billion in 2008, more than any other year on record and a 13.7 percent increase from 2007, CRP has found. Corporations in the finance, insurance and real estate sector and automotive industry actually slowed or decreased their lobbying spending overall last year, relying instead on trade associations to represent them.
Wealthy Freshmen Increase Congressional Net Worth
January 28, 2009 | New members of Congress are worth $1 million more than the average incumbent, CRP has found after analyzing the lawmakers' personal financial disclosure reports. As they make decisions about the economy, freshmen and incumbents are heavily invested in the struggling financial sector.
No Logos, but Corporate Representation at Obama's Inauguration
January 15, 2009 | There won't be any corporate advertising on the dais, but a number of major corporations and influential industries will be represented at Barack Obama's inauguration by individuals who've contributed as much as $50,000 apiece--and bundled up to $300,000--to underwrite the festivities. According to a new analysis of inaugural donors by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, individuals associated with Microsoft, Google, Citigroup and many more companies are among the upcoming event's biggest contributors.
2009 Legislative Preview
January 15, 2009 | Within the next few months, it will become increasingly clear how the federal government intends to tackle pressing issues, including the economy, health care reform and curbing global warming. Those efforts, led by a Democratic president and an expanded Democratic majority in Congress, might look drastically different from those of the last eight years under Republican President Bush. What won't change, however, are the attempts by special interests to influence legislation. Capital Eye looks at which industries are spending money to shape the economic stimulus, health care reform, energy policy and labor laws.
Power Players: Appropriations Chair and Organized Labor Have Strong Union
January 15, 2009 | Labor unions are enthusiastic supporters of Rep. Dave Obey, giving him a total of $2 million since 1989. A seat on the Appropriations Committee isn't enough to attract that kind of union support; a chairmanship on the subcommittee that controls Labor Department spending, however, is. Obey will continue to hold that post this year, in addition to his spot as chair of the entire House Appropriations Committee.
Power Players: Cantor Whips up Support from Finance Sector
January 8, 2009 | A rising star among House Republicans from day one, Cantor will now replace Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri as House minority whip. In this position, Cantor is charged with corralling support among his colleagues for the Republican leadership's proposals. Capital Eye kicks its Power Players series off with a profile of Cantor's fundraising, industry support and personal investments.
Unions Funded Labor Nominee's Work as Congresswoman
December 19, 2008 | Labor unions, gearing up for a fierce fight on Capitol Hill next year, will find a fervent ally in Barack Obama's pick for Labor Secretary, Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Calif.), who has relied heavily on financial support from unions during her time in the House of Representatives. In total Solis has collected $888,050 from the labor sector since 1999, more than twice what she collected from her next most generous sector.
Nominated for Transportation Secretary, Republican LaHood Got Rare Support from Unions
December 18, 2008 | The first registered Republican to be appointed to Barack Obama's Cabinet holds another distinction-he is one of few GOP lawmakers whose campaigns have relied, in part, on transportation unions, a Democratic-leaning industry.
Struggling Companies and Industries Still Found Funds to Sponsor Political Conventions
December 10, 2008 | Weeks before they turned to the federal government for rescue, companies such as AIG, Ford, Citigroup and Freddie Mac were among the biggest sponsors of the summertime political conventions that nominated Barack Obama and John McCain for president, according to a new analysis by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, in collaboration with the Campaign Finance Institute.
Finance Sector Lobbied for Money…Without the Money to Lobby
November 21, 2008 | The surge of activity in the nation's capital to revive the country's economy apparently hasn't caused a torrent of lobbying funds by the insurance companies, investment banks, mortgage companies and savings and loans central to the government's actions. While unions, companies and organizations across all industries increased their lobbying expenditures 2 percent in the 3rd Quarter of this year compared to the first three months of 2008, the finance, insurance and real estate sector apparently scaled back, decreasing its spending by 9 percent.
U.S. Election Will Cost $5.3 Billion, Center for Responsive Politics Predicts
October 22, 2008 | The 2008 election for president and Congress is not only one of the most closely watched U.S. elections in years; it's also the most expensive in history. The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics estimates that more than $5.3 billion will go toward financing the federal contests upcoming on Nov. 4.
Races to Watch VI: Candidates Backed by PACs
October 1, 2008 | More than a quarter of the money raised by congressional candidates on the November ballot has come from business and labor PACs, not from individual donors, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. Capital Eye has profiled some races where labor union and business PAC money is playing the largest role.
Races to Watch V: Lobbyists' Favorite Candidates
September 30, 2008 | Registered lobbyists aren't just getting the attention of lawmakers while on the job. Like any other member of the public, they, too, are able to contribute up to the maximum amount per election to candidates of their choice. The Center for Responsive Politics has identified the congressional races with candidates who are receiving the most money from registered lobbyists.
Labor Day Kicks off GOP Convention, But Unions Back Democrats
August 30, 2008 | Labor Day isn't just the unofficial end of summer. It's supposed to be a day to give American workers a break from all they do during the year. This year it also happens to be the first day of the Republican National Convention, an interesting choice given that when unions do give money to federal lawmakers, they heavily favor Democrats. And when they don't make contributions directly, they're still spending big bucks to sway elections in the favor of Democratic candidates.
Financial Industry Lobbyists Keep Bankers' Hours
August 26, 2008 | For every star-studded concert and poker tournament when the sun goes down over the Rockies, there are dozens of mundane corporate events during the day that resemble what goes on in Washington nearly every other day of the year. Such was the scene Tuesday at a daytime event sponsored by the Financial Services Roundtable, an influential alliance of the nation's biggest banks, insurers, mortgage lenders, investment advisors, credit card companies.
How to Teach a Blue Dog Red Tricks
August 24, 2008 | There is an emboldened breed of politician strutting around Denver this week and tonight, as part of the Democratic Party's convention, multiple corporations will be throwing a late-night bash in honor of these creatures. A group of fiscally conservative Democrats known as the Blue Dog Coalition has been able to leverage centrist appeal and an increasing Democratic majority into strong gains in the House of Representatives. The group's unique appeal is evidenced in the Blue Dogs' formidable fundraising coalition.
Another Record Year for Lobbying
April 10, 2008 | Corporations, industries, labor unions, governments and other interests spent a record $2.79 billion in 2007 to lobby for favorable policies in Washington, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has calculated.
Cost of '08 Presidential Race Already Tops All Elections Prior to '04
February 4, 2008 | While Republicans saw gains, exclusive analysis of year-end contributions finds Democrats maintained their hold on most top-giving industries. Lawyers, retirees and Wall Street still dominate. Candidates are on pace to break 2004 records before parties officially nominate.
Seeking Stimulation
January 31, 2008 | Industries are sending in lobbyists with their wish lists as Congress and the president debate a package to revive the ailing economy.
The Democrats' Lobbyist Lobs
December 6, 2007 | Lobbyists do represent ordinary Americans, as Hillary Clinton claims, but those contributing to her campaign mostly represent big industries, the Center for Responsive Politics finds. Obama and Edwards eschew lobbyists' money, but their biggest contributors still lobby in Washington.
Biggest Donors Are Digging Deeper for '08
November 15, 2007 | Top industries and interest groups have increased their giving over 2004 by 46 percent, Center finds. As money shifts to Democrats, giving from Republican strongholds is mostly flat.
Business Industries Switching Sides in Presidential Race
July 19, 2007 | Nearly all industries clearly align themselves with one party or another through their campaign contributions to the presidential hopefuls, often supporting the candidate or candidates who favor measures that would benefit the industry.
Small Donors Raised Their Voices in Presidential Campaign's 2nd Quarter
July 19, 2007 | While lawyers and Wall Street are still the biggest givers, the candidates raised 84 percent more—or more than a quarter of their money—from smaller donors in the last three months.
Internet Experts Name OpenSecrets.org the Best Politics Site on the Web
May 1, 2007 | Webby Award is the fourth "online Oscar" for the Center for Responsive Politics.
The Money is the Message
April 26, 2007 | A pending Supreme Court case will determine what type of money advocacy groups must use to spread their messages during an election.
Vote for OpenSecrets.org to Win a Webby
April 11, 2007 | Nominated for the seventh time as the world's best politics website, OpenSecrets.org is also up for a "People's Voice Award." Fans of the money-in-politics site can vote online. ____________________ Following a win last year for being the best website about politics, OpenSecrets.org has been nominated again for the prestigious Webby Award. While an expert panel…
Congressional Preview
April 7, 2007 | New leadership in the 110th Congress means newfound influence for interests friendly to Democrats By Miranda Blue and Lindsay Renick Mayer January 04, 2007 | With the changing of the guard on Capitol Hill comes a shift in lobbying efforts. In December, the Republican-led 109th Congress closed with a late-night flurry of bills to appease…
State of the Union Preview
January 22, 2007 | Global warming, the Iraq war and balancing the budget are likely to be among the issues the president addresses. By Lindsay Renick Mayer January 22, 2007 | When President Bush takes the podium on Tuesday night to deliver his annual address, he will do so before a nation that is far less supportive of his…
Federal Communications Commission Employees Find Themselves Wired to Lobbying Firms
January 4, 2007 | As FCC employees revolve out of government and into the private sector, they're likely to find themselves lobbying their former employer.
OpenSecrets.org Monitors Washington's 'Revolving Door'
January 4, 2007 | With the capital's post-election 'NBA draft' in full swing, a new online database tracks the public and private employment of 6,400 well-connected individuals ____________________ WASHINGTON – As Congress debates ways to slow the "revolving door" between Capitol Hill and K Street lobbying firms, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has added a new feature to…
New Year, New Election Cycle Bring New Leadership Team at the Center for Responsive Politics
January 3, 2007 | WASHINGTON – The longtime research director of the Center for Responsive Politics, Sheila Krumholz, has been promoted to Executive Director of the nonpartisan watchdog group, the Center's board of directors has announced. And to develop new services to further the Center's educational mission, diversify financial support for the organization and form new strategic partnerships, the…
Center for Responsive Politics Predicts '06 Election Will Cost $2.6 Billion
October 25, 2006 | This year's intensely competitive election for control of the House of Representatives and Senate will be the most expensive midterm election ever, the Center for Responsive Politics predicts. Candidates, national political parties and outside issue advocacy groups will spend roughly $2.6 billion by the end of 2006 to influence the 472 federal contests around the United States and pad the war chests of incumbents not running this year.
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics. For permission to reprint for commercial uses, such as textbooks, contact the Center: email@example.com


text:
Six vehicles that get no respect but deserve it
Some good machines just don't click with buyers
Automakers can't guarantee success for a new car or truck, even after spending hundreds of millions, even billions, of dollars on development, testing and market research.
Each new vehicle is a great big guess. An educated guess, for sure, but still a risk of eight, nine or 10 figures and several years.
The wrong guesses can be total flops — as Acura's ZDX proved to be. Or merely underperformers — vehicles that, as the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield would say, "get no respect."
These aren't merely vehicles with low sales. Porsches sell in small numbers, but they get plenty of respect. Nissan's Titan pickup is barely a blip on the sales charts, but that's because everybody knows it'll be replaced in the next year by what's expected to be a vastly improved model.
Rather, these are good vehicles that "get no respect" even though they deserve it. They were carefully thought out and are from automakers with good reputations. On paper, their descriptions and specifications would suggest success. Their driving dynamics and efficiency are perfectly acceptable for the type of vehicle.
Yet shoppers have responded with a collective yawn in the marketplace, if they notice them at all — even though automakers' discounts can make them one of the best deals in the showroom.
Here are six such vehicles, currently on sale, that "get no respect."
•Honda Ridgeline. It's the least-popular pickup in the U.S. of any still in production.
Launched in 2005 as a 2006 model, its novel design and features attracted practical iconoclasts and helped it initially sell well enough to earn its keep. Now, not so — although Honda insists it will remain in the lineup for a long time.
"It gives you a lot of utility and drives very well, but it's not as 'trucky' as others, so doesn't have the 'cred,'" says Jake Fisher, head of auto testing at Consumer Reports.
The midsize, crew-cab truck is built on a platform loosely related to Honda's Odyssey minivan, making it the only unibody pickup in the U.S. Others are a traditional steel frame and a separate body and cargo bed bolted to the frame. Truck fans often see unibody construction as less rugged, although Ridgeline is rated to carry up to 1,546 pounds, more than some more conventional full-size crew-cab pickups.
Honda sold just 5,822 Ridgelines the first four months this year, fewer even than the Nissan Titan's 6,150 buyers. And that tiny year-to-date total is up 19.2% from the period last year, according to Autodata, on the strength of low-interest loans. Also, a fancier Sport model added to the 2012 lineup has been increasing awareness of the truck.
•Toyota Venza. This seemed a surefire bet. It was launched as a 2009 model that was a sleeker-than-normal crossover SUV at a time of crazy enthusiasm for crossovers. And it is based on the chassis and drivetrain from the popular reliable and top-selling Camry sedan.
Venza fizzled in the marketplace.
It's begun to struggle back a little after minor updates a year ago for the 2012 model, but Toyota still sold only 14,378 the first four months this year. The vehicle most like it in appearance and personality, Ford's Edge, had 31,847 takers in the same period.
Toyota didn't do the Venza any favors by initially pitching it as a midsize car: The result was that it didn't show up in Internet searches for people shopping for crossover SUVs. Toyota finally started classing it as an SUV with 2012 models to make sure it wouldn't be overlooked.
Venza marketing flip-flopped, too.
At first it was pitched to well-turned-out urbanites. No go. Then, in a series of entertaining but apparently unpersuasive ads, the company tried shifting the focus to "active matures" — older couples, primarily.
A typical ad showed a young woman fretting about Mom and Dad because they had so few social-media friends and because she had "read the majority of an article on the Internet" that convinced her that aging parents tended to isolate. This was interspersed with scenes of her active parents using their Venza to get to hiking, bike-riding and on other adventures with friends.
• Ford Flex. It's styled like a refrigerator and intriguing to people old enough to remember what some customized cars look like in the 1950s and 1960s.
"Looks cool, has EcoBoost power, practical as a van but way less lame," is the consensus of top analysts at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.
But not among buyers, who apparently find the look too far outside the mainstream. Just 7,252 have picked Flex this year, down 23.9% from an already paltry tally a year ago, according to Autodata.
But for shrewd buyers, Flex demonstrates the value of paying attention to cars others don't.
Kbb.com says its average transaction price in April was $38,000, significantly less than the $42,000 average for full-size crossovers and conventional SUVs with similar capabilities.
•Nissan Quest. It's the "other" minivan, overshadowed by the big dogs from Chrysler Group, Honda and Toyota.
Quest is lush inside and smooth-driving. It "can move people with the best of them," says Edmunds.com analyst Jeremy Acevedo.
But it looks a bit odd, because it's closely related to Nissan's Elgrand luxury van sold in Japan and a few other world markets and it would have been too costly to make major alterations for U.S. tastes.
It doesn't help that the minivan market continues to shrink and might not hit 500,000 sales this year. Automakers not long ago were counting on a 600,000 floor, followed by a rebound as the auto market recovered.
Quest is trickling out at a rate of about 1,100 a month this year, one-tenth the pace of the other big-name vans.
But if you are in the market, that means "deals are out there on the Quest," and "prudent minivan shoppers can look for solid value with the Quest," Acevedo says.
•Mazda5: A mini-minivan, sized closer to the original 1980s Chrysler minivans than to today's huge family conveyances that still perversely are called "mini" vans, Mazda5 is unique in the U.S. market. Usually being in a class by yourself is an attribute. Not here.
While sales are booming compared to last year, up more than 50%, that's still fewer than 2,000 a month, and April was an especially lousy month, with fewer than 800 sales.
Mazda5 came to the U.S. in 2004 as a 2005 model, got an update in 2008 and a thorough remake for the 2012 model year. It's an afterthought for the U.S. market; Mazda sells it globally — such small people movers are a popular and crowded market segment elsewhere — and was able to make it U.S.-legal at a relatively low cost.
"A car that nobody really cares about," says Consumer Reports' Fisher, even though "it's a really nice package, lots of room, sporty to drive.
"But the dorky looks keep it from mainstream appeal."
•Acura TSX Sport Wagon: Launched in 2010 as a newbie in the 2011 TSX lineup, the wagon has foundered. Acura said then that it would need to sell just 4,000 a year in the U.S. to justify its place in the lineup because the car was sold elsewhere and generally did well in those other markets.
At the current pace, the wagon will do barely better than half that this year. About 200 a month are finding owners.
The sport wagon is a tight fit for most American-size folks, especially in the back seat where a wagon's supposed to house kids and their detritus. The lack of all-wheel drive means the wagon's not a substitute for a crossover SUV.
"Practical, and practically unheard of," says kbb.com.
But because nobody wants it, deals abound, kbb.notes. If it suits your needs you likely can get one for several thousand dollars less than the average price of $37,800 for cars of similar size and luxury.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Our Fitness Blog
My Top Three Favorite Exercises to Get You a Flat Stomach Fast
Summer is officially in full swing, and everyone knows what that means. It is time to come out from underneath all our layers of clothing. This means there will be no way to hide certain parts of our bodies, and while some of us are happy to see summer finally here, a lot of us have to be dreading this change in weather. We may have skipped a few sessions at the gym during those winter months, and now realize we have little time left to get our bodies swimsuit ready. There is no need to worry. If you start your fitness routine now you can be swimsuit ready in no time, especially if you incorporate these ab shaping exercises into your routine.
Sprinting. Try sprinting instead of long hours of cardio. You can also easily incorporate sprints into your cardio routine. Try doing sets of five to ten sprints at about twenty to thirty seconds each. You will end up burning a lot of fat, which will help your core look more toned and defined. Sprinting also works out all your abdominal muscles to give you a more defined core.
Planks. When you perform a plank you are using all your core muscles, which can effectively and quickly tone your stomach. One of the best things about planking is that you can do it just about anywhere and anytime. You do not need any equipment or accessories to perform this exercise. So, you could try it at home while watching tv, at the park with your kids or at the office during your breaks.
Kettle Bell swings. Swinging a heavy kettle bell can be an intense workout for your core. You need to make sure that you are using enough weight to challenge yourself to get the best results. However, you need to use caution to avoid injury. You also need to know the proper way to use the kettle bell before you attempt this exercise. Chest up and keep your back flat (not allowing it to round) are both key. Squat and swing the kettle bell between your knees and up to shoulder height. NOTE: use your hips to thrust the momentum forward. This ensures that your core is doing the work, not just your arms.
There are many things that affect how we look and how much weight we gain or lose. You need to try to eat better and eliminate all the unnecessary stress from your life to help you kick start your weight loss and achieve the body of your dreams. However, by incorporating a well rounded fitness routine into your life you will be making great strides to achieve the body of your dreams. Hopefully, these exercises can help you get in shape before you have to hit the beach or the pool.


text:
Burlesque Beauty | Off The Shoulder Gown
Added Aug 22, 2011
By burdastyle
New York, New Yo...
Tinybow's creations are pin-up girly fun and vintage inspired. This look reminds us of a Hitchcock film— there's a bit of vamp, a bit of camp, and a ton of style. Her creation of this off-the-shoulder dress is amazing, not to mention the photos (modeled by her friend, a burlesque performer)! Made from fuchsia poly-satin (for stretch) this dress screams film siren.
Tinybows Says: "As soon as I saw the pattern for this dress I fell in love and knew I had to make it! This project was definitely a learning experience for me, but I challenged myself to make something out of my comfort zone and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. This is the perfect pin up girl dress! I was lucky enough to collaborate with the lovely lady of burlesque, Miss Rose, who was kind enough to help style and be the model for the shoot. If you want to capture some of that old Hollywood glamour, then I highly recommend you try this pattern out yourself!"
Note: This pattern calls for a one-way stretch fabric and is available in sizes 44, 46, 48, 50, 52. We have another off-the-shoulder dress pattern, though not exactly the same as this one, it's available in sizes 36, 38, 40, 42, 44.
Material Notes
Crpe satin with crosswise stretch, 140 cm (55 in) wide: 2.35 – 2.40 – 2.40 – 2.55 – 2.55 m (2 5/8 – 2 5/8 – 2 5/8 – 2 3/4 – 2 3/4 yds). Stretch lining, 140 cm (55 in) wide: 1.05 – 1.05 – 1.60 – 1.60 – 1.60 m (1 1/4 – 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 – 1 3/4 – 13 /4 yds).
- Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- For
- Women
- Garment Type
- Dress
- Style
- Evening Wear, Romantic, Vintage
- Material
- Knits/Jersey, Rayon
- Project Creator
25 Comments Sign in to add a post
Sep 12, 2011, 04.56 PMby bootycrewqueen
my daughter wants one of these dresses-awesome job!
Sep 9, 2011, 08.51 PMby nouvellegamine
is the non-plus size pattern this one?
Sep 9, 2011, 12.37 PMby WagDoll
Love this dress! x
Sep 8, 2011, 09.32 PMby jodieth
Beautiful dress and pattern. I also love your pictures. I was sad when this pattern was not small enough for my size. It is fabulous.
Sep 8, 2011, 08.31 AMby manola6176
Gorgeous !!!
Sep 7, 2011, 07.02 PMby aleah
Does anyone know where the other off-the-shoulder dress pattern is? I'd like this in a blue or purple color.
Sep 7, 2011, 04.38 PMby FabricUiPhoneApp
I think the gold gloves and matching shoes make the outfit. I just bought a Vogue pattern for gloves, which intrigue. I think they'd be a challenge to sew on a machine. I've done it by hand before…never on my Viking though.
1 Reply
Sep 8, 2011, 12.21 AMby tinybows
oooh good luck! sounds like a fun project!
Sep 7, 2011, 10.36 AMby lyudmyla
Very beautiful ! I like !:)
Sep 7, 2011, 07.14 AMby Dibii
Wonderful, adorable, marvellous……all the best words for this achievement!!!! The photos are so attractive, they makes whole image so charming!
Sep 7, 2011, 02.10 AMby aworthington
This is adorable and also so sexy! Great photos and a beautiful dress. Very inspiring.
Sep 6, 2011, 10.24 PMby carolina torres ospina
Hermoso vestido, lindo concepto…
Sep 6, 2011, 09.37 PMby Irina Schwab
Yupee, you made the headlines! Congratulations, you know I am your fan xx
Sep 6, 2011, 09.29 PMby ichigogirl
I love it! Great lines, love the pleats along the neckline, and the colour of the fabric is fabulous! Great job.
All plus-size-ladies: there was a BUNCH of nice plus-size patterns (many dresses) in that issue of Burdastyle Magazine, they're on here too, just search for 07/2011 and browse through the patterns. Being in the lower end of the small-size-range I was seriously jealous when I flicked through the magazine…
1 Reply
Sep 7, 2011, 06.52 AMby Dibii
I agree, this Burda issue made me jealous to plus size women too.
Sep 6, 2011, 06.59 PMby lifeisastitch
such a shame that the lining is showing on most of the pics… looks like a nice dress.
Sep 6, 2011, 06.12 PMby moxxjo
this is fantastic,gorgeous dress.Im not that advanced to try this but I have to try! :)
Sep 6, 2011, 04.45 PMby emmakt
Wow this is so lovely! I can't wait to see the non plus size version to see if I can make one myself! Thanks for the inspiration Tiny Bows!!
Sep 6, 2011, 01.16 PMby wildflower31Just Awesome!
Sep 6, 2011, 12.41 PMby Rosy1964
Sep 6, 2011, 02.06 AMby wildcatspow
Really cute and sexy!
Sep 5, 2011, 09.28 PMby omgdora
What's the name/URL of that other off-the-shoulder dress pattern, please?
1 Reply
Sep 7, 2011, 06.57 AMby janene
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I too would like the other pattern please!
Sep 5, 2011, 06.48 PMby Olivia Anne
amazing, i love it
Sep 5, 2011, 06.10 PMby Ladyness
Absolutely out of this world i have to try this one.
Sep 5, 2011, 03.55 PMby nouvellegamine
Sep 5, 2011, 03.23 PMby bridgithoughton
Gorgeous dress, well done!
Sep 5, 2011, 12.53 PMby Handicrafteria *
excellent pictures :)
Add to Favorites 83 people added it


text:
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Play of the day
31 comments:
I like the triangles in the middle, with the strips on the side... The center medallions are just... central! I am loving how this is evolving... so fun!ReplyDelete
OMG! I love the first pic with the strips on the side. Don't break up that yummy center with all that confetti! It looks like fireworks gone mad! So wonderful!ReplyDelete
I love it, keep the ugly triangles in the middle, it works.ReplyDelete
I was initially drawn to the strings in the centre but when I looked again I saw new things and now I'm not sure. I love the colours and shapes and randomness of it. It's one of those quilts you need to walk away from and come back to after a while. Sorry I'm not much help am I?ReplyDelete
Loving it! Can't wait to see what you decide!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 4:28 AM
I really like it! If you feel it's too wild please Mail it to me! Just kidding it's perfect! I don't think that a central panel works... But I love the strips to the sideReplyDelete
Ps: I'm in Spain so post charges would be expensive LOL
WOW! SO fun to see what happens!!! the last to picks make my heart race with delight! What will you choose to do? can't wait to see! it's all exciting!ReplyDelete
what would it look like with the orange log cabin in the middle and then the blocks added more in a medallion style (or log cabin style) rather than those then just going up and down....ReplyDelete
Isn't this fun? I had to lay it all out here. I had promised Victoria that I will post the pictures of this process.ReplyDelete
The most difficult part of this process is you can go only one way..Unless you make a whole another quilt.. And then something new happens.. the old idea goes out the window and new one takes over!
Process! You have got to love process!
It is turning our great...I like all your choices!ReplyDelete
it's really wonderful. thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
Wow!! How fantastic! My eye keeps going back to the strips on the side but I don't know if that's a symmetry thing I have. I can't wait to see what develops!ReplyDelete
Try some strips (north-south, east-west) to calm it a little. Think Anna Williams.ReplyDelete
It is fabulous !! I love the first photo best... but each one has it's unique appeal .... I look forward to seeing what you decide. The colors & movement are wonderful no matter which way you go.ReplyDelete
The last photo is my favorite. But you really can't lose with this quilt. It's just wonderful!ReplyDelete
The central medallion gives your eye a place to stop - otherwise it is going a mile a minute all over the place.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Oh, how fun! I really like the last photo, but there is so much fun to be had, no matter what you do. Your work is always wonderful, happy, and fun. Enjoy the process.ReplyDelete
It's over the top fantastic, I love it to bits! Whatever you decide, it's a no fail.ReplyDelete
I love the strips on the side...and in the middle...and the triangles! You have lots more blocks? Make two quilts...or a truly amazing double sided one!ReplyDelete
I like the triangles in the center and the stripes on the side, but I would like to try harder if I could. I would be moving things around forever..., it is so much fun!ReplyDelete
Could you send me your mailing address? I have a few strips to add to the mix.ReplyDelete
I love all the versions you have there, but I really like that orange center medallion a lot, and the stripes along the right side too. Don't fight the force! Haha.
It is growing into a stunning quilt, Sujata. The triangles in the middle are very fun! But I'm sure the quilt will tell you what it wants :)ReplyDelete
Happy Valentine's day!!
I really kind of liked the strips in the center for no explainable visual reason...it just looked right...but everybody is right...you can't lose with this one (except not those medallions...the wreck the ripple!!!)xoReplyDelete
Love this project - I like the first and last photo the best - but they all work, depending on your vision.ReplyDelete
Skipped the earlier comments to avoid thought pollution. No "central" medallion ... use the blocks, but place them off center or in two opposing quadrants of the quilt. Ditto for the strongs, down one side is too predictable ... Maybe half the strings on the right side of one house top block and the rest of the strings on the left side of the other block... gives the eye a touch of companionable symmetry while still being random and playful. Just my thoughts.ReplyDelete
Wow, how fun!! I can't make up my mind which version I like the most, (although my eye keeps going back to that 4th one) but I think your energy is fabulous!ReplyDelete
You probably have the top finished by now, but what about putting the two log cabin style blocks just randomly in the quilt, not as a medallion? It will give the eye a resting place and allow the scraps to shine.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 21, 2011 at 3:01 PM
I love, love the first and last picture best because nothing seems to break this wonderful flow of colours and shapes in the middle. just my idea. This is a wonderful artwork !ReplyDelete
Choices, choices. What's a girl to do? Each time I look at the pictures, I change my mind. I do know that what Sujata chooses will be the right one.ReplyDelete
Fantastic! You won't go wrong with any one of your options sewn in - they all make me smile. Something I've noticed from working with my own "really ugly scraps" is I still think they're less than pretty after I've sewn them into a project.ReplyDelete
ok I love the first one so which one did you decide to go with?ReplyDelete
I hope all is well by you and do you think we will finally have a week without snow????


text:
by Steve Purcell
Someone once said, "All writing is rewriting." Joel Levinson's recently published novel was more than a decade in the making, and when the author told me how many drafts he wrote, I felt dizzy. But his hard work and perseverance serves the interest of the reader.
"The Reluctant Hunter" is a sweeping historical tale of war and love, a battlefield saga set during the Bosnian conflict of the 1990s. It depicts how war tears asunder communities, pitting friend against friend and neighbor against neighbor. Its power to move lies in the personal and finely sketched details of struggling to survive hunger and cold, and even what a young woman must do to supplant her lack of tampons.
There's hatred and evil and ignorance and compassion and tenderness and hard-won redemption – plenty of suspense and more than a few surprises, too. "The Reluctant Hunter" is beautifully written, without being self-consciously literary or poetic. The descriptions are well conceived, with many nicely turned phrases: "jingling oddments" comes to mind.
Levinson, a semi-retired architect whose handiwork can be seen locally – the four entrances of the Chestnut Hill Hotel, for one place – spent much of his time on the book conducting research. In addition, the inspiration for the story, Levinson said, comes from conversations with a young Bosnian woman named Aida. Informally adopted by the Levinsons, Aida is a graduate of Penn Dental School, and, in the spirit of the novel, she, a Bosnian, married a Serbian and they have a child together.
The back cover of "The Reluctant Hunter" categorizes the novel as "military fiction." That's accurate but misleading, since it's a story that appeals to men and women, young and old alike (as I said, it's a love story). The first paragraph of the back page synopsis does give the reader a tantalizing glimpse of what awaits him or her without giving too much away.
"In the spring of 1992, as the formerly Communist country of Yugoslavia begins to disintegrate into mayhem, Jusuf Pasalic, a college-age secular Muslim, is surprised by a thundering knock at his front door in the hamlet of Klujc, Bosnia. Moments later, he is riding in a convoy of Serbian trucks transporting hundreds of Muslim men and boys to a concentration camp. After escaping, Jusuf is intent on returning to save his mother, a devout Muslim, before she too is caught up in a region-wide campaign of ethnic cleansing."
Despite that Jusuf is a Muslim in Bosnia, there's nothing exotic and little foreign about him. He's a skinny boy, nicknamed "Shorty," who likes girls and basketball and listens to Madonna and Michael Jackson. He's a good student who's protective of his mother and mourns his recently deceased father. He could be any kid from Philly or Brooklyn, Chicago or Los Angeles. He's hard not to like.
As if being rounded up and sent to a concentration camp weren't enough, one of Jusuf's persecutors is Sasha, his best friend, who ironically loves to play the blues harp and sing Bob Dylan lyrics. Was Sasha his friend or his enemy? That question is the moral crux of the story and one that makes Jusuf half mad with rage and despair.
There's a rule in screenwriting/playwriting: show a gun in the first act and it has to go off in the third act. That rule applies here, also, and it's hinted at in the book's title. Jusuf is the reluctant hunter, an expert marksman who hates guns and killing, even animals for sport or food.
The scene in the third act where Jusuf reluctantly fires his gun was inevitable, but the manner in which it played out took my breath away. If anyone makes a film of this novel, that fateful shot from an antique rifle will elicit a collective gasp from the popcorn eaters in the theater.
In the novel's first pages, Jusuf wears a ring "hammered to shape from a misfired brass cartridge." The ring was a gift from his beloved father whom he admired and feared. His father's legacy is not his own, and that knowledge gnaws at the sensitive youngster's spiritual core. Reverently he kisses the ring before handing it over to his yesterday-friend-now-enemy.
But in the end, when conscience comes into action, it's his father's example that allows Jusuf to fire the older man's precious rifle and do the unthinkable. Add fathers and sons, and sons and mothers, into the thematic mix of this complex novel.
Any more and I'll risk diminishing your pleasure in a good read, so I'll say only this: Imagine a divided America where neighbor fights neighbor over resources and ideology and "The Reluctant Hunter" becomes more than just a novel about a war past but also an object lesson in the futility of hatred, anywhere and anytime.
Following "The Reluctant Hunter," I'm reading a novel by a well-regarded literary writer, and it's dull, flat and amateurish compared to Mr. Levinson's achievement. Let's hope the Chestnut Hill writer has another story in the works and it doesn't take a decade to complete.
"The Reluctant Hunter" is available at iUniverse.com and Amazon.com.
Steve Purcell is a Philadelphia writer. His young adult novel, "gutterpunk: from the streets to the heights," will soon be available at all major e-book outlets.


text:
Starting last week on April 16th, Milan Design Week, the world's biggest contemporary furniture event, has drawn to a close, but we still have lots of pics and coverage yet to come! The memories of brilliant Milanese sunshine seem so distant now, with steady rain all day festival goers are starting to wear down after a few too many parties! Nevertheless, your Inhabitants are stopping off for extra espressos every day, to ensure that you get your daily design fix! We attended Designersblock over the weekend, and here were some of our favorite designs.
First up at Designersblock, designer Mattia Frongia presents his Handl-EGGS with care lamp. Handmade from the original packaging of eggs, Frongia has used real eggs as the light bulbs.
From the designer who brought us the Electrici-tree last year, Vahakn Matossian gave Inhabitat a sneak preview of his new product still in it's test stage – a belt made from rubber tubing and discarded snowboard bindings. Vahakn is already getting a lot of interest from friends into extreme sporting due to the belt's unique flexible features.
FSC Certified company Woodloops have launched their cube, bloxx, jones and brancusi products at Designersblock this year. Image of clothespeg USB stick.
Private Circle's Clothes Lamps – made from reappropriated old undergarments – were launched last year at Milan, but we couldn't resist posting an image of the product in situ, making an appearance again this year.
Berlin designer, Matthias Froböse's porcelain lights.
Thomas Antonetti's Replica light only takes eco light bulbs.