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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets News
The usual suspects placed bets on this year's most competitive races
November 28, 2018 | Winning Democratic challengers and losing incumbent Republicans drew from very different sources of funding during the 2018 election.
Secret contributions to Trump's inauguration become a bonanza for event planners
March 14, 2018 | President Trump's inauguration was not only a bonanza for special interests and high-dollar event planners, it was also a chance for wealthy donors and government contractors to show support for the new administration -- and do so in secret, if they choose.
Biden's new PAC could be a signal…or not
June 1, 2017 | Remember when we told you super PACs are already gearing up for 2018, and even in some cases 2020? Looks like a potential challenger to President Donald Trump is also stocking a warchest more than three years in advance: former Vice President Joe Biden. "[T]he negativity, the pettiness, the small-mindedness of our politics today drives…
Tribal battles make for well-fed lobbyists
May 31, 2017 | In April, another skirmish broke out in Indian Country when the Kalispel Tribe of Indians filed a federal lawsuit to stop the Spokane Tribe of Indians from building a casino. The Kalispel claim the gaming operation would draw business away from their own casino, located only two miles away from the would-be Spokane one, and thereby…
Two (at most) secret donors funded 93% of pro-Rubio nonprofit
May 3, 2017 | A politically active nonprofit that supported Sen. Marco Rubio's (R-Fla.) failed 2016 presidential bid raised nearly $22 million in two years, 93 percent of which came from either one or two anonymous donors, tax documents obtained by the Center for Responsive Politics show. Conservative Solutions Project, a 501(c)(4) "social welfare" organization with no employees or…
Nonprofits backing Trump have deep, swampy ties
May 2, 2017 | Outside groups mobilizing in support of President Trump have already spent tens of millions on his behalf—and may never have to reveal where they got the money. Trump's unprecedented move to register as a candidate for the 2020 presidential election on his first day in office blurs the line between groups spending in support of…
Van Hollen led Congress in contributions from lobbyists
March 8, 2017 | Sen. Chris Van Hollen's (D-Md.) star has been on the rise in the Democratic party: After seven terms in the House, he won a Senate seat last November, and now occupies a much-coveted spot on the Appropriations committee while also chairing the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the party's fundraising arm for its Senate candidates. A knack for…
Campaign regulators say Thornton firm violated state law; federal grand jury continues probe
March 2, 2017 | A version of this story was cross-posted with The Boston Globe. UPDATE: On April 18, 2018, a special prosecutor appointed to lead a criminal investigation of Thornton Law Firm's practices said he didn't find "sufficient evidence" that the firm had violated state campaign finance law. The FEC has yet to rule on a 2016 civil complaint…
Energy sector and EPA nominee: Oklahoma Strong
January 24, 2017 | Scott Pruitt's confirmation hearing last week involved some pointed visual props. Making the case that Pruitt, the Oklahoma attorney general who is President Trump's nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is cozy with the energy sector, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) held up a chart full of boxes and arrows. All the organizations listed on…
Holiday reading list: OpenSecrets Blog's best of 2016
December 22, 2016 | Boy, has 2016 been a whirlwind adventure. If you're like us, you have tabs and tabs of unread stories that caught your eye during the workday, but haven't had time to dive into yet. Now that the holiday break is upon us, we'll finally have the time to sink into that comfy chair by the…
One Nation rising: Rove-linked group goes from no revenue to more than $10 million in 2015
November 17, 2016 | One of the most active groups in the 2016 cycle wasn't a super PAC — though those were plenty busy — but a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, One Nation. From mid-2015 through 2016, the group spent about $40 million in a largely successful push to protect the GOP's fragile majority in the Senate. And it did…
No Secretary of State prospect donated to Trump
November 16, 2016 | Update Dec. 14: President-elect Trump tapped ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson. For background on his political contributions, click here. We continue our series on the money-in-politics histories of candidates for Donald Trump's future Cabinet by looking at those who have been mentioned as possibilities to run the State Department. (See our earlier analyses on prospects for…
Following the money of Trump's Treasury hopefuls
November 14, 2016 | Update Nov. 30: President-elect Donald Trump selected Steven Mnunchin as his Treasury Secretary. Read on for more information or see summary data on his contributions here. New administration, new Cabinet members. President-elect Donald Trump has already begun picking out his crew, but so far, his two concrete choices did not donate a penny to Trump's election…
Millions in political donations fueled by matching bonuses at Boston law firm
October 29, 2016 | OpenSecrets Blog and The Boston Globe's Spotlight team partnered on this story; it was published by both outlets. Jon Tester didn't come all the way from Montana for the scrambled eggs and bacon. The senator, virtually unknown in Boston, was in a conference room at the Thornton Law Firm that June morning to cash in at…
Fundraising histories and lots of experience in speculative Clinton Cabinet
October 28, 2016 | Washington thrives on speculation and now, after months of guessing at things like primary contenders and vice presidential picks, it's time to draft potential cabinets. With no shortage of well-educated guesses on who might lead the various executive departments, certain names crop up more often than others, often officials and bureaucrats with substantial political and policy…
Total cost of 2016 election could reach $6.6 billion, CRP predicts
October 25, 2016 | Note: Please see our updated prediction of the cost of the 2016 election. Is 2016 the Year of the Billionaire when it comes to financing the election? There are plenty in the mix. And they've helped fuel what is turning out to be the most expensive election ever. The Center for Responsive Politics projects that candidates,…
Trump's tax losses, and the political power of real estate
October 7, 2016 | The possibility that Donald Trump avoided paying income tax for nearly two decades has stirred debate about how, exactly, he managed to report almost $1 billion in net operating losses on his 1995 tax return. It has also triggered buzz about the copious benefits available to the real estate industry in our tax code. The exact…
Pence, Kaine share long histories in the fundraising trenches
October 4, 2016 | Though divided ideologically, Indiana's Republican Gov. Mike Pence and Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia have traced similar paths through state and federal politics on their way to being nominated for vice president. Both have served in Congress and as governors, and now hope to assume the government's second-from-the-top job. Though they may not discuss it…
Bayer-Monsanto merger: Two Washington-savvy companies get their game on
September 15, 2016 | If you shuddered at the possibility of St. Louis-based crop titan Monsanto Co. taking over Swiss pesticides giant Syngenta AG last summer, you're probably having a bad week: Monsanto has agreed to be acquired by German chemical conglomerate Bayer AG for $56.5 billion. Monsanto and Bayer are already two of the biggest agrichemical corporations in…
Funds gush in deep blue Land of Lincoln as Kirk struggles to hold seat
September 14, 2016 | One-term Sen. Mark Kirk's success or failure in his heated struggle to retain his seat will help determine whether Republicans or Democrats control the Senate come January. No surprise, then, that the race's fundraising totals have soared. The most recent fundraising reports show that Kirk, a Republican, and his opponent, Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth, each had raised more than $10…
Our Perry story misfired. Here's why.
July 15, 2016 | Yesterday morning, we published a story saying that Jeffrey Miller, campaign manager of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry's 2016 presidential campaign and the director of his leadership PAC, received nearly half the money spent by those organizations. Yesterday afternoon, we pulled the story. Miller contacted us about 27 hours after we first tried to reach…
Pence's pay-to-play problem
July 15, 2016 | When Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump chose Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate, he dealt a potentially serious blow to his fundraising prospects, lawyers are saying. Pence is a sitting governor. That means contributions to the ticket will be limited by the SEC's 2010 pay to play rule, also known as Rule 206(4)-5…
Bayh is back — with a bulging war chest
July 13, 2016 | When former Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) retired from politics at the end of 2010, more than $10 million sat in his campaign account. Now, after five years of work as a partner in a lobbying firm and an adviser for a private equity group, Bayh is mounting a bid to return to the Senate. News that he planned…
Clinton and Wall Street: What's the deal, really?
July 12, 2016 | In May, Wall Streeters donated more than any other industry to Hillary Clinton's campaign and pro-Clinton super PACs – nearly $4.45 million out of her total $314 million raised. Retired people and the printing & publishing industry took the Nos. 2 and 3 spots. This news tracks with one of the major critiques of Clinton: that…
New tax forms show strong ties between pro-Rubio group and campaign
May 24, 2016 | With the 2016 election cycle bringing previously unmatched amounts of "dark money" spending by politically active nonprofits, one group stands out for blazing its own trail: Conservative Solutions Project, the 501(c)(4) social welfare organization supporting Sen. Marco Rubio's (R-Fla.) aborted presidential campaign. In an election cycle that saw an influx of single-candidate dark money groups, most…
IRS gives nonprofit status to Rove's controversial dark money group
February 9, 2016 | After languishing in limbo for nearly five-and-a-half years, one of the most controversial, politically active 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations in the country has been granted nonprofit status by the IRS. The ruling was made official last Nov. 4, according to documents viewed by OpenSecrets Blog, giving an air of legitimacy to the more than $330 million that…
Super PACs allow Wall Street to dominate presidential giving in 2015
February 2, 2016 | The securities and investment industry flexed serious financial muscle in the presidential money race last year. At $102 million contributed to all candidates, current and former, and the super PACs supporting them, it led all industries tracked by the Center for Responsive Politics, new data show. Super PACs allowed the industry to gain an outsize share…
For lobbying, gravity's pull continues, floor not found yet
January 26, 2016 | We're running out of synonyms for "decline." For years, OpenSecrets Blog has reported essentially the same headline. Washington's influence industry appears to be contracting, and the trend continued in 2015. Overall spending dipped just slightly last year, from $3.24 billion in 2014 to $3.20 billion, but the number became the latest data point in the long, slow slide in…
Nonprofit cops to too much politicking, sends IRS an IOU
January 21, 2016 | In the world of campaign finance, this is becoming a familiar story: A nonprofit group is launched by individuals with political connections; has no physical office, volunteers or employees; and spends much of its money on political consultants, some of whom are linked to the operatives running the group. Also, it does little or no…
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…
Lawyers backing Clinton, financiers flocking to Bush: Who's funding the race for the White House
October 22, 2015 | Lawyers are showing a lot of love for Hillary Clinton, while Wall Street is investing most heavily in Jeb Bush. Outside of retirees, a traditional and unsurprising donor base for most candidates, the 2016 presidential candidates looked to a variety of industries in their quest for campaign money from individuals in 2015's third quarter, a Center…
Political nonprofit spent nearly 100 percent of funds to elect Tillis in '14
October 20, 2015 | Update, Oct. 27: See the Center for Responsive Politics' op-ed in the New York Times about how the case of Carolina Rising challenges the IRS and the FEC to enforce the law. A social welfare group called Carolina Rising spent 97 percent of the money it raised in the 2014 midterm elections — nearly $5…
Boehner raised nearly $100 million over career, gave much of it to party and candidates
September 25, 2015 | Whatever else is said about him, you can't say he didn't share. Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) raised $97 million for his House campaigns and leadership PAC from the time he received his first donations in 1989, Center for Responsive Politics data shows — far more than any other sitting House member. Only Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lamar…
It's academic: With $1.2 million, Clinton leads presidential field in donations from educators
September 11, 2015 | You could say Hillary Clinton is a teacher's pet. As students return to class from summer break, their teachers, professors and school administrators are following a historical pattern: Those in education tend to give more to Democrats than Republicans. Individuals in the field donated $64.5 million during the last presidential election cycle, and more than…
Feds seek Schock's docs on players in foreign money scandal
August 13, 2015 | Federal agents are seeking documents from former Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) that relate to a major GOP political vendor under indictment for allegedly conspiring to funnel foreign funds into a U.S. mayoral election, according to recently unsealed court documents and an OpenSecrets Blog analysis of campaign finance data. The vendor, ElectionMall Inc., and its CEO, Ravneet…
Diverse 2016 candidates take in largely similar industry contributions
August 11, 2015 | As many Americans sat in front of their television sets Thursday evening to watch the first party-sanctioned debate of the 2016 presidential election season, they were probably not surprised that the GOP contenders attempted to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. As the Center's recently updated 2016 presidential profiles show, however, the candidates' top…
Trash-talking Washington, but cleaning up with D.C. donors
July 29, 2015 | When former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) announced his run for the presidency back in June, he tried to cast himself as a Washington outsider — despite his family's long-standing ties to the nation's capital. "We are not going to clean up the mess in Washington by electing the people who either helped create it…
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 —…
Last Known Coordinates: Shared Vendors May Offer Clues to Planning Between Campaigns, Super PACs
April 1, 2015 | Super PACs are now the de rigeur accessories for every candidate's campaign, and not just presidential ones. In fact, in the 2014 midterms, 102 single-candidate super PACs spent $52.5 million trying to get candidates elected. The key for campaigns and their matching super PACs, though, is that they can't match too much — though identifying…
Wall Street's Investments in Deregulation
January 14, 2015 | Wall Street did its part to make 2014 the most expensive midterm election ever, outpacing its 2010 total and once again putting the bulk of its financial muscle behind GOP candidates and groups. Donors from the securities and investment industry, otherwise known as Wall Street, contributed a total of $184 million to candidates, parties and outside…
Highlights of 2014: Twelve Stories of Money and Politics
December 23, 2014 | It was the best of years or it was the worst of years, depending on your perspective. The Supreme Court's McCutcheon decision and Congress' green light allowing national party committees to set up additional accounts — and accept a lot more money — were the big legal developments of the year in terms of political…
Ron Paul's Presidential Campaign Shells Out for Lawyers in Wake of Disclosures
November 18, 2014 | The Ron Paul presidential campaign of 2012 is not over. In fact, the legal entity that controlled the campaign had $576,000 in the bank on Sept. 30 — a substantial sum for a White House bid that effectively ended two-and-a-half years ago. Leftover campaign cash can be used for a variety of purposes, but since August,…
Overall Spending Inches Up in 2014: Megadonors Equip Outside Groups to Capture a Bigger Share of the Pie
October 29, 2014 | This Center for Responsive Politics report is part of #Money14, a series of independent reports exposing the role of money in American politics. Join us for an event around the fifth anniversary of Citizens United to hear more about the participating organizations' innovative research and work together for a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory democracy.…
The NCAA's K Street Dash Continues
October 24, 2014 | After spending record amounts on lobbying earlier this year, the troubled National Collegiate Athletic Association is now going the whole nine yards to round up support in Washington. During the second quarter, the association had hired new hands to lobby on its behalf for the first time since 1998. It paid $90,000 to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, hiring some…
Tempest in Hawaii: Groups Linked to Nick Ayers Went to Bat for Lingle in '12
September 24, 2014 | Fund for Freedom, a super PAC formed in the dead of winter in 2012, had a short life and a singular purpose. Barely more than a week before the election, it dropped $670,000 on TV ads praising Hawaii GOP Senate candidate Linda Lingle and attacking her opponent, the group's only election expenditure of the cycle.…
Candidates in Little New Hampshire Get Big Out-of-State Money
September 10, 2014 | His victory last night in New Hampshire's GOP primary means Scott Brown will continue to catch flak for moving from Massachusetts to try to take Democrat Jeanne Shaheen's Senate seat. Shaheen has been working hard to tag Brown with the carpetbagger label. But the reality is that almost all of the fuel for this fight…
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…
Lobbying Firm's Ties to Tobacco Go Up In Smoke
July 18, 2014 | Recent upheaval in the tobacco lobbying world comes simultaneously with the announcement that two giant cigarette producers– Reynolds American and Lorillard Inc — had agreed on a $27.4 billion merger. As news of the potential deal was breaking, a throng of Lorrillard lobbyists defected from Dickstein Shapiro to set up shop at Greenberg Traurig LLP,…
McConnell May Coast on Tuesday, but the Money is Still Big
May 16, 2014 | Matt Bevin was considered, at one time, a possibly serious threat to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). No more: When Republican voters go to the polls on Tuesday to select their nominee, McConnell will likely win by a wide margin. Still, the early threat froom Bevin has helped push fundraising in the race sky-high. The two GOP…
Prescription for Winning: Doctors Rake in Campaign Cash from Medical Connections
March 26, 2014 | Professionals in health care look after their own.
Politiquizz: In the Driver's Seat
February 19, 2014 | Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is about to step into the chairmanship for the Senate Committee on Finance, while Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) will take his place as chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Who are their biggest donors?
Prominent Member of the Post-Watergate Class Retires
January 30, 2014 | Waxman, a champion of the health care overhaul and bane of the tobacco industry, calls it quits. Like his fellow retiring lawmakers, he's leaving some money on the table that may benefit other candidates.
Patton Boggs: Will it Still be King of the Hill in Lobbying, Despite Departures?
June 28, 2013 | Patton Boggs, the highest-earning of high-earning lobbying firms, announces more departures. Will that plus earlier layoffs be enough to dislodge it from the top spot?
Sanford and Colbert Busch Roughly Even On Cash, not on Outside Spending
May 3, 2013 | The candidates facing off in Tuesday's special election in South Carolina have roughly the same amount of money at their disposal. But the outside spending in the race -- fueled by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and House Majority PAC -- heavily favors Colbert Busch.
Voters Voting, Data Missing
April 30, 2013 | While Massachusetts voters are at the polls, we're unable to compare the candidates' fundraising profiles.
Finance Chair and Leading Fundraiser Max Baucus to Retire
April 23, 2013 | With the Montana Democrat's departure, Capitol Hill loses a prodigious fundraiser, and one who wasn't embarrassed about his close ties to lobbyists: They provided him more than $1 million in contributions since 1990.
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.
Capital Eye Opener, March 1: Lobbying on Horse Slaughter, and Ellison's Spat with Hannity
March 1, 2013 | With the possible opening of a new horse slaughterhouse, we look at lobbying on the issue. Also, Rep. Keith Ellison's in a throwdown with Sean Hannity, but it's probably a plus for the lawmaker.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 22: Ideological Campaign Cash, Young Guns and More
February 22, 2013 | National Journal's liberal-conservative ratings of Congress are out. Also, Eric Cantor's YG Network files its first Form 990.
Lobbying Again on Downward Slide in 2012
January 29, 2013 | Lobbying in Washington declined for the second straight year, to its lowest level since 2007. Wall Street, insurance, lawyers and law firms and other industries all took hits, but none more so than education. Patton Boggs remained the top lobbying firm in terms of billings, but even it saw less revenue than it did in 2011.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 11: Rockefeller Retires, and a Michele Bachmann Dust-Up
January 11, 2013 | Senator Jay Rockefeller wasn't just a solid Democratic vote; he was a reliable fundraiser who gave generously to other Democrats.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 13: Women Donors for Obama, Ashley Judd Favored for Dems' Senate Nomination, and More
December 13, 2012 | The Center for Responsive Politics looks at the donor demographics for the presidential race, a poll shows Ashley Judd is the favored Democrat to run for Senate in Kentucky and a lobbying firm picks up a big name.
Lawyers, Education Consistent as Obama's Top Industries, Wall Street True to Romney
December 12, 2012 | With the final fundraising numbers filed, Barack Obama's leading contributing industry was lawyers and law firms with $27 million, while Wall Street was Mitt Romney's, giving him $21 million.
Rising Stars: Newly-Elected Lawmakers to Watch
December 5, 2012 | Newly elected members of Congress are weeks away from claiming their seats. Here is CRP's shortlist of newcomers expected to make some waves.
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.
Grimm's Fundraising Robust Despite Accusations of Campaign Fraud
November 30, 2012 | Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) has been operating under a shadow since shortly after his election in 2010, accused of participating in major campaign finance wrongdoing. But even as his legal troubles continue to mount, Grimm has seen his fundraising efforts thrive and won re-election in his Staten Island district earlier this month.
Capito Announces 2014 Senate Bid After Congressional Re-election
November 26, 2012 | Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito gives everyone plenty of notice as she announces her 2014 bid for one of West Virginia's Senate seats. Based on its past support, the mining industry is likely to back her in a major way.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 23: The Politics of Big-Box Stores, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Demise, and More
November 23, 2012 | Just in case you were torn about which stores to hit first, here's some info to make your choice even more complicated!
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 21: Mark Warner Stays Put, Terps Move to Big 10 but Remain Big Donors, and More
November 21, 2012 | Virginia's Mark Warner decides to stay in the belly of the Senate beast, setting the stage for a VERY costly 2014 re-election bid. And the Terps move to the Big 10, along with Rutgers, but both schools already rank highly in terms of political contributions.
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.
Lawyers Win Big While Wall Street Splits the Difference
November 15, 2012 | Lawyers and lobbyists invested their contributions in winners to a far greater degree than did Wall Street, health professionals, and the real estate industry.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 13: Gay Rights Groups Back History, Prolific Paul Ryan and More
November 13, 2012 | The freshly declared victory of the woman who will be the first openly bisexual member of Congress shows the strength of gay rights and women's groups. Also, the evolution of Paul Ryan as a national figure, as seen through campaign finance data.
Mixed Results for Challengers That Outraised Incumbents
November 7, 2012 | Some winning challengers yesterday had a cash advantage to neutralize the incumbent advantage, though a couple of races where challengers won the fundraising battle are still too close to call.
Hot Race for Nevada Senate Seat: Dean Heller vs. Shelley Berkley
November 2, 2012 | Democratic congresswoman Shelley Berkley tries her luck against Republican incumbent Dean Heller in Nevada's $45 million Senate race.
Hot Race for North Dakota Senate Seat: Rick Berg vs. Heidi Heitkamp
November 2, 2012 | North Dakota's senatorial candidates remain neck-and-neck just four days before the election.
Hot Race for Montana Senate Seat and the Authentic Rancher: Jon Tester vs. Denny Rehberg
October 31, 2012 | Nearly $40 million has poured into the Senate race in Montana, where there are three heads of cattle for every human one. That makes it one of the most expensive contests in the nation.
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.
In Third Quarter, Obama Gains 120 New Bundlers, At Least $37.25 Million
October 23, 2012 | Obama's new bundlers, famous and not so much, bring in a hefty share of the funds he's raised in the last three months.
White House Candidates Draw Funds From the Usual Suspects, but Poach on Hostile Turf Too
October 22, 2012 | With Election Day looming and the need for cash urgent, core constituencies for each of the presidential campaigns stepped up their support in the month of September. But each candidate also made headway fundraising from industries that have been stalwarts for their opponents.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 18: Binders Full of Money, Bloomberg's New Super PAC, and More
October 18, 2012 | Don't laugh, binders are big business and helped make Romney the wealthy man he is today, while another wealthy man, Mike Bloomberg dives into the world of super PACs head first, and the Ivy League education of two New York Senate candidates.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 11: Too Many Tanks, Affirmative Action Case's UT Supports Obama and More
October 11, 2012 | The Army says it doesn't need any more M-1 Abrams tanks, but it may get them anyway. The company that makes them just happens to be one of the largest contributors to campaigns nationwide.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 3: Super PACs Launch New Anti-Obama Ads, Don't Forget Our Webchat, and More
October 3, 2012 | With less than five weeks remaining until Election Day, conservative super PACs remain on a roll with their outside spending against President Barack Obama. And this week, he's come under attack again.
OpenSecrets PolitiQuizz: 'Modern' Emmy Winners Get Political
September 24, 2012 | The cast of the hit television show "Modern Family" won four Emmys last night. But who among them has a penchant for political cash?
Capital Eye Opener August 30: Gabby PAC, What GOP Donors Want, and the NRA Fires Again
August 30, 2012 | Gabrielle Giffords re-enters politics with a PAC. Meanwhile, policy changes that would help Sheldon Adelson, Harold Simmons and other major political investors.
Capital Eye Opener, August 22nd: Tribal Lobbying, Yoder Makes Waves, and Retirees Take Spotlight
August 22, 2012 | Two new lobbying registrations this week have ties to Native American tribes, according to Politico. The National Indian Gaming Association and Chickasaw Nation Industries have officially hired Ben Nighthorse Consultants, Inc. and Sprit Rock Consulting, respectively, to represent their interests in the federal government.
Capital Eye Opener, August 21: Brand Names Step Up For Crossroads, Securities Lawyers Go Left, Humvee Veers Right
August 21, 2012 | The latest super PAC filings -- brand names you recognize writing checks to Crossroads, Wall Street backs Romney, but lawyers who sue Wall Street are organizing for Priorities USA, and the maker of Humvees chips in $1 million for Restore Our Future.
2012 Election Will Be Costliest Yet, With Outside Spending a Wild Card
August 1, 2012 | The 2012 presidential and congressional elections will be the most expensive on record, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics estimates, though they likely won't beat 2008's number by much. Outside spending, though, is a wild card that makes predictions tricky, and it's clear that it will account for a larger share of the total than ever before.
Capital Eye Opener, July 31: An Olympic Ad Boosting Romney, the Teamsters Stay in the Game, and More
July 31, 2012 | Restore Our Future follows Priorities USA Action in using the Olympics to talk about Romney, this time in a positive light. But will Olympic officials come down on this super PAC as it did on Priorities? Also, how corporations embroiled in scandal deal with contributions to politicians, and the Teamsters stand strong in the realm of political giving.
Romney's Gender Gap Widens and Super PACs on Left Narrow Money Gap with Right: Our Breakdown of the June Reports
July 27, 2012 | The share of Romney's fundraising take from women hits a new low for 2012, while Obama's is again on the rise, and Wall Street falls out of the top five industry donors to the Republican candidate. And the gap between liberal and conservative super PAC spending is narrowing.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Dark Horse Candidates
July 19, 2012 | The veepstakes is more art than science. Mindful of the fact that Mitt Romney could choose a running mate who's not prominent on anyone's radar screen, we bring you a list of sometimes-mentioned possibilities.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Bobby Jindal
July 16, 2012 | Of all the potential GOP vice presidential candidates who might -- or might not -- be on Mitt Romney's short list, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal might present the biggest contrast with Romney himself.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Tim Pawlenty
July 9, 2012 | Working-class roots and a solid fundraising record could help the former Minnesota governor get the nod.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Rob Portman
June 27, 2012 | Portman's assets include the fact that he's from the battleground state of Ohio. But he also has a broad range of experience, and -- by the way -- is pretty good at fundraising.
Rangel Faces the Voters, Madoff-Linked Financier Settles and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 25
June 25, 2012 | Voters are poised to go to the polls in Rangel race while Madoff ally J. Ezra Merkin, a big contributor to both Dems and Republicans, reaches a settlement agreement with New York's attorney general. And the Washington Post again relies on CRP data for investigation of how lawmakers rearranged their portfolios during the financial crisis.
Obama and Romney Tread Familiar Fundraising Ground in May
June 22, 2012 | But other than the Hollywood bump, the sources of Obama's campaign cash remained fairly static. The president raised nearly $3 million from retired donors in May, a group which has held the top spot for both Obama and Romney for the entire cycle so far.
Rich Rewards: One Man's Shadow Money Network
June 19, 2012 | Howard Rich was behind a slickly produced, anti-Earth Day video this year that's been watched more than 2 million times on YouTube. That's just one product to emerge from his tightly-knit network of tax-exempt groups that pass money back and forth and are active political players. The original donors, though, aren't known. Which is just the way he likes it.
Dog Bites Man: Lawyers for Obama, Wall Street Backs Romney
April 24, 2012 | This is no man-bites-dog story. Law firms led the list of top donors to Barack Obama's presidential campaign in March, while top financial firms were the chief backer's of Mitt Romney's bid. And the top industry donating to super PACs: wealthy individuals in finance. Overall, an analysis of OpenSecrets.org data shows, the candidates didn't stray far from their past fundraising patterns: industries that have been well represented in the top ten stayed there, with a few variations.
Blue Dog Fundraising Climbs as Coalition Fights Extinction
March 20, 2012 | Blue Dog Democrats are an endangered species on Capitol Hill, but their fundraising suggests they may be clawing their way back with a little help from Democratic leadership PACs, among others.
OpenSecrets' Mailbag: The Less-Than-1 Percent, Ron Paul's Army and More
March 2, 2012 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets Blog's 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.
Moneyed Sectors Returned to Santorum After Big Win in Iowa
February 29, 2012 | January proved to be a financially fruitful month for presidential candidate Rick Santorum, bringing a spike in contributions from individuals in several important industries. See what sectors and industries were the most important to Santorum's campaign.
Mitt Romney's Bain Advantage
December 21, 2011 | As we head into the next stretch of the presidential campaign, it appears that Wall Street is betting on red. That's certainly the case with GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's former company, Bain Capital.
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.
Health Sector, Lawyers, Hollywood and Tech Industry Favor Obama With Campaign Cash
October 25, 2011 | Though President Barack Obama may no longer be Wall Street's preferred candidate, Obama continues to win the support of several smaller sectors and interest groups, including lawyers, health professionals, the technology industry and Hollywood.
What Special Interests are Bankrolling the 2012 Presidential Candidates?
August 30, 2011 | So how do the major presidential candidates stack up in terms of who is bankrolling their campaigns? OpenSecrets Blog investigates.
Obama Victory Fund Brings in Cash From Lawyers, Wall Street and Hollywood
August 25, 2011 | The Obama Victory Fund, a joint fund-raising committee that supports both President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign and the Democratic National Committee, raised a total of $39 million during the first half of 2011. And according to a new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics, the Obama Victory Fund has relied on donors on both coasts as well as deep in the heart of Texas.
New Feature on OpenSecrets.org Highlights Top Contributors to Debt Supercommittee Members
August 17, 2011 | Many special interest groups have invested heavily in supercommittee members on both sides of the aisle, including the securities and investment firms, the real estate industry and health professionals, according to new research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Defending Defense Spending, Preventing the Planet of the Apes and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 12
August 12, 2011 | Some members of Congress have rallied to defend defense spending with automatic cuts built into the Debt Ceiling Act if the so-called "super committee" should fail and the potential for major cuts in defense spending by the super committee itself.
Senate Dems Pick 'Super Committee' Members, How Much is $2.1 Trillion and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 10
August 10, 2011 | Late Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced the identities of his three picks for the "super committee" tasked with cutting the nation's debt and spending -- Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.).
Money Talks: OpenSecrets.org's Interview with Top Campaign Finance Attorney Trevor Potter
August 3, 2011 | OpenSecrets Blog recently sat down with attorney Trevor Potter, the head of the Campaign Legal Center, to discuss the changing campaign finance landscape. The wide-ranging conversation touched on the seriousness of comedian Stephen Colbert's super PAC, how political speech isn't for "sissies" and how the U.S. Supreme Court is made up of "theorists" who are "not in touch with reality" when it comes to how money is being raised and spent.
First Presidential Campaign Finance Reports Show Clout of Wall Street, Retirees
July 28, 2011 | President Barack Obama has raised $48.7 million for his re-election campaign and his GOP challengers have raised a combined $36.7 million. But where is that money coming from?
David Wu's Woes, Sunshine State Bundling and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 25
July 25, 2011 | Two dozen Floridians have collectively bundled at least $3.55 million for President Barack Obama's re-election efforts, including 15 individuals who did not bundle money on Obama's behalf during his 2008 presidential campaign. Among some of the high-profile new names on the list? Democratic operative Ben Pollara, businessman Stephen Bittel and trial lawyer John Morgan.
Financial Sector Helps Barack Obama Score Big Money for Re-election Fight
July 22, 2011 | One-third of the money President Barack Obama's elite fund-raising corps has raised on behalf of his re-election has come from the financial sector, according to a new Center for Responsive Politics analysis. Individuals who work in the finance, insurance and real estate sector are responsible for raising at least $11.3 million for Obama's campaign and the Democratic National Committee, according to the Center's research.
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Joint Political Contributions, Stephen Colbert's Super PAC and More
July 8, 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.
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.
John Edwards Indicted in Campaign Finance Case, Faces Potential Jail Time
June 3, 2011 | John Edwards' supporters have largely fled him. But those supporters fueled his presidential ambitions by raising $57 million from a strong donor base during his 2008 bid.
Big Special Election Ad Buys, Facebook Seeks Disclosure Exemption and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 11
May 11, 2011 | With a competitive three-way special election just two weeks away in the New York 26th Congressional District, the big-spending conservative super PAC American Crossroads is stepping into the action. And the group's move prompted the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to make a big media buy of its own, too.
Bin Laden's Demise, Romney's FEC Surprise and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 2
May 2, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Conservative Ex-Sen. Rick Santorum Faces Financial Hurdles as Potential Presidential Candidate
April 14, 2011 | Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) revealed Wednesday night on Fox News that he is forming an exploratory committee in a quest to potentially seek the GOP presidential nomination. His hang-up? Campaign cash.
The Credit Card Lobby, Wal-Mart's Politicking and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 13
April 13, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Finance Sector Loves Tim Pawlenty, Whirlpool Loves Tax Credits and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 22
March 22, 2011 | Republican Tim Pawlenty, who yesterday launched a presidential exploratory committee, built a massive war chest during the 2010 election cycle to aid fellow Republicans. Who was fueling this money machine?
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.
Rep. Chris Lee, Resigning Amid Sex-Tinged Scandal, Had Been Strongly Supported By Conservatives
February 9, 2011 | Rep. Chris Lee (R-N.Y.), who resigned from Congress this evening after website Gawker published a shirtless photo of the married politico that he e-mailed to a woman he met on Craigslist, had previously enjoyed solid conservative backing, the Center for Responsive Politics finds.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: It's A Family Affair
January 31, 2011 | For this week's PolitiQuizz, we're asking you to identify one former member of Congress who's following his father through the "revolving door" this month.
In Battle of the Olive Pits, Dennis Kucinich Again Aligns Himself With Trial Lawyers
January 27, 2011 | Liberal Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), who recently filed a $150,000 lawsuit after biting into an olive pit and sustaining dental damages, has found common cause with tort attorneys before. Since the 1996 election cycle -- when he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives -- Kucinich has collected $57,500 from the political action committee of the American Association for Justice.
Trial Lawyer Charlie Crist, Kent Conrad to Retire and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 18
January 18, 2011 | After his failed U.S. Senate bid, Florida Republican-turned-independent Charlie Crist has joined the law firm Morgan and Morgan, his top campaign contributor. Morgan and Morgan employees gave Crist more than $98,000 during his run for Senate, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Artur Davis' Revolving Door Trip, Clinton Donor Pleads Guilty to Lying and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 4
January 4, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
House Censures Rangel, Fun with PACs and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 3
December 3, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics....
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?
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, Suspended Over Political Donations, Has Political History of His Own
November 19, 2010 | MSNBC's newest suspension victim is former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-Fla.), the current co-host of the network's "Morning Joe" program. Scarborough's recent political contributions build upon a history of giving to Republican candidates.
Convicted: House Panel Says Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel Guilty of Ethics Violations
November 16, 2010 | In a rare trial, a special House ethics committee panel today convicted Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), the once powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, on 11 counts of violating House ethics policies.
Smoking Out Tobacco Lobbying, Rangel's Day of Reckoning and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 15
November 15, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Cashless Greene Considers Presidential Run, Less Disclosure in Colorado and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 11
November 11, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics
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?
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.
Tea Party-Loving Republican Senate Candidates Propelled by Cash from Ideological Groups, Small Donors
October 7, 2010 | Thirteen Tea Party-backed Republicans want the U.S. Senate to experience a new brand of political brew after November 2. The question isn't whether they will or won't, but rather, how many of them will be in office? And donations from people making modest campaign contributions appear poised to play an integral role in propelling them into office.
Contrary to Linda McMahon Campaign's Assertions, World Wrestling Entertainment Lobbied on Legislation
October 4, 2010 | Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Linda McMahon, who has repeatedly challenged the truthfulness of her Democratic opponent, Richard Blumenthal, has had her own problems with splitting hairs.
New York Politico David Mejias, Jailed on Multiple Misdemeanors, Frequent Donor to Prominent Democrats
September 3, 2010 | David L. Mejias, a domestic violence lawyer and former Democratic congressional candidate who's now running for a New York State Senate seat, faces menacing, stalking and reckless endangerment charges stemming from an incident Thursday with an ex-girlfriend. Mejias, who says he's innocent, also has a history of contributing to prominent Democrats in Congress.
Trial Lawyer Embraces Approach of Energy Tycoons to Influence Elections In New Orleans
August 25, 2010 | In the final hours before primary election day, a shadowy new political group is comparing Louisiana Democratic Congressional candidate Cedric Richmond to a comic book villain and accusing him of committing all seven deadly sins. Want to know who's funding the attack? Too bad.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Worst Disclosers?
August 2, 2010 | Name the member of the House and member of the Senate with the worst quality of campaign finance disclosure in the 2010 election cycle.
Tea Party Caucus Members Bankrolled by Health Professionals, Retirees, Oil Interests
July 30, 2010 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows that the biggest contributors to the 49 members of the newly-established congressional Tea Party caucus -- it so far includes only Republican -- are health professionals, retired individuals, the real estate industry and oil and gas interests. Furthermore, donations from health professionals, oil and gas interests and Republican and conservative groups are, on average, higher for Tea Party caucus members than for members of the House of Representatives in general and even their fellow House Republicans.
Ex-Regulators Lobby on New Finance Rules, Immigrant Rights Groups Shift Focus and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 28
July 28, 2010 | Ex-Regulators to Lobby on New Finance Rules: Hundreds of ex-financial regulators are gearing up to lobby the regulatory agencies that will create hundreds of new rules for the nation's bank on behalf of corporate clients, the New York Times reports.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Who Do Lawyers Love?
July 26, 2010 | Whether it is because the Congressman is a party leader that can make things happen, or he sits on a committee directly related to the legislation affecting the industry or his votes are usually friendly to the industry's concerns, some industries love some Congressmen more than others--and they show their affection through campaign contributions.
Lawyers, Law Firms Maintain Support for Charlie Rangel Despite Ethics Accusations
July 23, 2010 | Lawyers and law firms are already on pace to surpass the $146,000 they donated to Rangel during the 2008 election cycle. The industry has have given more than $142,000 to the congressman's reelection campaign this cycle. The American Association of Justice -- the leading association of trial lawyers in the U.S. -- donated $10,000 to Rangel's campaign committee, tied for eighth among his biggest contributors.
Rep. Bob Etheridge, Who Manhandled Self-Described Student Journalist, a Favorite of Legal Community
June 15, 2010 | If Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.) ultimately finds himself crosswise with the law after last week roughing up a self-described student journalist on a Washington, D.C., street, he'll also face this political curiosity: the American Association for Justice is his single greatest career campaign donor, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
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.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: The Politics of 90210?
May 3, 2010 | The 90210 zip code is also awfully significant politically, home to plenty of insanely rich folks who really, really like showering their bling on Democrats in particular. We ask: How significant?
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.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Going for the Goldman
April 20, 2010 | Goldman Sachs has plenty of lawyers. And it also employs a number of powerful lobbyists, too, to help make its case before a federal government that may be a little less inclined to be chummy with it than it was, oh, a week ago. Hence, our PolitiQuizz question to you this week.
Retirees, Doctors and Lawyers Helped Propel Scott Brown to U.S. Senate Seat
March 31, 2010 | In the hotly contested special election that sent Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate, Brown and his opponent, Democrat Martha Coakley, squeezed their fund-raising efforts into a rapid scramble for money that lasted just weeks, not months.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Does This Company Make You Feel Green?
March 29, 2010 | You healthy? We hope so. But this week's PolitiQuizz may have you feeling a bit green -- with envy of a certain company's riches, that is.
Campaign Cash Linked to Earmarks, Eric Massa Quits Amid Scandal and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 8
March 8, 2010 | CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS EQUAL FEDERAL EARMARKS? Perhaps.
Democrat Rep. William Delahunt to Retire, Philly-style Ethics Reform and more in Capital Eye Opener: March 5
March 5, 2010 | Citing a grueling U.S. House schedule and family commitments, Rep. William Delahunt (D-Mass.) will today announce he's not seeking reelection.
J.D. Hayworth Readies for Republican Rumble with a Well-Heeled John McCain
February 16, 2010 | J.D. Hayworth's Republican primary challenge to Sen. John McCain will be a difficult and expensive endeavor. McCain benefits from a war chest of more than $27 million as well as a host of Republicans both young -- Sarah Palin, Scott Brown -- and veteran -- Dick Armey, Grover Norquist -- ready to campaign on his behalf.
Good-bye Evan Bayh, Charles Taylor the Lobbyist and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 16
February 16, 2010 | HOOSIER NEW SENATOR? Unclear, thanks to U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) announcing hours after Valentine's Day that he's breaking up with government.
Rep. Patrick Kennedy Headlines Week of Prominent Political Retirements
February 12, 2010 | This week has seen a string of high-profile retirements in Washington D.C., including Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.), Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and lobbyist Billy Tauzin, the president of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). In addition, last month Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) announced his retirement under allegations of ethics transgressions. To cap the week off, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), son of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, announced today in a video on his website that he would not seek re-election after 16 years in the U.S. House.
Federal Lobbying Climbs in 2009 as Lawmakers Execute Aggressive Congressional Agenda
February 12, 2010 | The economy stunk. Corporations slashed jobs. And some firms, once juggernauts of American industry, simply ceased to exist. But for federal lobbyists, 2009 proved to be a year of riches unlike any other, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Where Do Congressmen Invest Their Money?
January 25, 2010 | Simple fact: Most members of Congress are rich. But how'd they get that way? We explore the question in this week's PolitiQuizz.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Who's That Not-So-Blue Democrat?
January 18, 2010 | Conservative Democrats? There is such a thing? You betcha! And we're looking for one in particular for this week's Capital Eye PolitiQuizz.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Name that state!
January 11, 2010 | Get in a state state of mind, as this week's Capital Eye PolitiQuizz is looking for the name of one of the United States' nifty 50.
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.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, November 19
November 19, 2009 | Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) revealed his version of a health-care reform package last night, hoping to win over three moderate Democrats who are on the fence -- Sens. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. All three have collected at least $1.3 million from the health care sector.
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.
Sen. Richard Shelby a Formidable Foe for Democrat-style Financial Reform
November 16, 2009 | Name: Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). Positions: A fifth-generation Alabamian and University of Alabama alumnus, state loyalty flows through Shelby's crimson blood. So do conservative politics. Party loyalty is another matter.
'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.
Aides, Lobbyists and Contributors Among Those Left in Wake of Sen. John Ensign's Alleged Ethics Scandal
October 8, 2009 | Despite a lack of support from key leaders in his own political party, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) said resolutely this week that he has no plans to resign from Congress in the face of accusations that he's deeply embroiled in an ethics scandal. But it's not just his own party's support at risk -- campaign contributors, current and former staffers and even lobbyists may be re-considering their ties to a man who once served as the GOP's primary fund-raiser in the Senate.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, September 16
September 16, 2009 | Just as Dwight Eisenhower had the Irving Berlin-penned I Like Ike, and Bill Clinton had Fleetwood Mac's Don't Stop, we here at Capital Eye humbly submit the following suggestions for Rep. Joe Wilson's re-election campaign song:
Lawyers, Doctors, Give Cash to Sway Tort Reform Elements in Health Care Debate
September 8, 2009 | When President Barack Obama gives his much-anticipated speech about health care Wednesday night before a joint session of Congress, he won't likely address medical malpractice reform, much to the chagrin of the country's doctors. Given that health professionals are the second largest contributor this election cycle to candidates and party committees, they might feel slighted by the president's omission.
Where Might James Traficant, Itching for a Political Comeback, Get Campaign Cash?
September 7, 2009 | At this juncture, it isn't entirely clear how ex-con James Traficant would fund a campaign if he makes a political comeback. But a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of Traficant's campaign finance reports indicates that unions, the real estate industry and lawyers/law firms most strongly supported Traficant during his 2000 run for Congress -- before the feds came knocking in earnest.
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.
And They're Off: Congressional Fundraising Races Underway
August 17, 2009 | Nearly 1,400 candidates have filed campaign finance reports with the Federal Election Commission, indicating that they'll be vying for one of the 468 congressional seats that will open up next year. It won't feel like a quick sprint, however, especially for those candidates in particularly close races who've already raised millions of dollars. We know the final stretch is a ways off yet, but here are our early observations, including contributions reported between April and June.
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.
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, August 3
August 3, 2009 | Your daily dose of money-in-politics news includes the latest about the campaign finance regulation-related Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC and analysis of second quarter campaign contributions.
Congressional Candidates Raised $168.5 Million During Second Quarter
July 31, 2009 | Since lawmakers filed their second quarter campaign finance reports earlier this month, our researchers have been busy coding and standardizing the data by organization and industry. Here are some of our overall observations--expect more in-depth analysis next week.
Newly Appointed Wall Street Investigators are Big Campaign Contributors
July 17, 2009 | House and Senate leaders last week named 10 members to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, a bipartisan panel that Congress created in May to investigate the causes of last year's financial crisis. The selections include businessmen, ex-lawmakers, and academics who have together donated more than $1 million to federal candidates since 198
Recently Re-Elected Senators Get Early Fundraising Boost
June 11, 2009 | For some lawmakers it is never too early to start greasing the money machine. Capital Eye takes a look at some of the new and re-elected senators who are already raising big bucks, even though they won't face another election for six years.
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.
Power Players: Senate Commerce Chair Hears Telecom Companies Loud and Clear
March 12, 2009 | New to the chairmanship this year, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) will have a chance to re-direct the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee as he sees fit. Before this year, Rockefeller's spot on the committee has attracted money from the telecom industry--money that he's gotten some heat for.
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.
New RNC Chair Brings Fundraising Prowess to Post
February 2, 2009 | The GOP has selected former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele to lead its fundraising efforts as the chair of the Republican National Committee. Although Steele lost his 2006 bid for Senate, he raised nearly as much money as his opponent, Congressman Ben Cardin.
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.
Power Players: Struggling Financial Firms Are Banking on Dodd
January 27, 2009 | Although Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) is chair of one of the more powerful congressional committees, he probably isn't the envy of his peers these days with an economic crisis growing larger by the day. Dodd has put in two years as chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and is now charged with shaping legislation to jump-start the economy and help floundering companies, including those that have contributed to his campaigns.
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.
Power Players: New Appropriations Chair Popular with Defense
January 13, 2009 | As the chair of the defense appropriations subcommittee, Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) has been a popular target for the defense industry's campaign contributions. Capital Eye analyzes the money behind the lawmaker who recently replaced Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) as chair of the entire Senate Appropriations Committee.
Congressional Freshmen Bring New Industry Ties
January 6, 2009 | The 111th Congress started its first session today and the newbies will likely be the most overwhelmed. They will quickly learn what the veterans know so well: the donors and industries that helped you win your seat often expect payback. On OpenSecrets.org we've provided a full list of the freshmen with links to their money profiles.
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.
Agriculture Nominee Vilsack Couldn't Cultivate Funds During Presidential Bid
December 18, 2008 | Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, Barack Obama's pick for Secretary of Agriculture, will bring to the position an enthusiasm for the marriage of agriculture and renewable energy that rivals the president elect's. He won't bring with him, however, the ties to campaign contributions from the agriculture industry that other candidates to the post could have, despite his brief bid for the White House in 2007.
While in Congress, Indicted Illinois Governor Supported Current Lawmakers
December 9, 2008 | Before he was the governor of Illinois who was taken into custody on corruption charges, Rod Blagojevich was a member of Congress relying on lawyers and law firms, unions, finance companies and fellow lawmakers to fund his campaigns. Blagojevich also helped pay for some of his colleagues' campaigns, including a few that are still in Congress.
Jefferson Loses Louisiana Seat to 2008's Lowest Spender
December 9, 2008 | Republican Anh (Joseph) Cao beat Rep. William Jefferson, a Democrat, over the weekend for Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District seat despite Jefferson's incumbent advantage and financial help from his own party.
Can Senate Democrats' New Fundraiser Win Over Wall Street?
November 25, 2008 | Under the leadership of New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee collected more than $12.8 million in this election cycle from the securities and investment industry, more than double what Wall Street provided before the New Yorker took over. But for the 2010 cycle, when he'll be up for re-election, Schumer is passing the DSCC baton across the river, to New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez.
Obama Selects Daschle to Head HHS
November 20, 2008 | By selecting former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) to head the Health and Human Services Department, Barack Obama is tapping the expertise of a man whose political campaigns in the public sector and salary in the private sector have been paid, in part, by the health care industry.
Obama's Pick for Chief of Staff Tops Recipients of Wall Street Money
November 5, 2008 | A day after being elected president and acknowledging "the worst financial crisis in a century," Barack Obama asked one of the biggest recipients of Wall Street campaign contributions to be his chief of staff. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the Illinois congressman who was an aide in the Clinton White House, was the top House recipient in the 2008 election cycle of contributions from hedge funds, private equity firms and the larger securities/investment industry--not the most popular of industries in the current economy.
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 VII: Where Cash Has No Competition
October 2, 2008 | Like reading tea leaves, one way to predict how a congressional race is going to go is by looking at the disparity in fundraising between the candidates. So far this election cycle, 280 House and Senate incumbents on November's ballot have collected at least 10 times more than the opponent they face in the general election. In this installment of Races to Watch, Capital Eye looks into why some of these incumbents have been such successful fundraisers.
Races to Watch III: Big Money, Small Money
September 29, 2008 | Barack Obama defended his decision not to accept public financing by arguing that running a campaign for the White House based on small contributions accomplishes what the public financing system aims to do but falls short of doing: curb the influence of outside interest groups. In many congressional races, the issue of who's backing the candidate--wealthy donors or everyone else--is finding its way into debates over the best way to fix the economy and whether campaign contributions and lobbying by the financial sector had anything to do with today's economic crisis. Capital Eye takes a closer look at some of these races.
Races to Watch II: Candidates Supported by Their Party
September 25, 2008 | Private interests and members of the public aren't the only ones betting their money on the congressional candidates they hope will win (or retain) congressional seats. Lawmakers in both parties have a vested interest in seeing their own candidates succeed this November, with Democrats wanting to strengthen their majority and Republicans hoping to minimize their losses. Here we look at some of the candidates getting the largest cash infusions from their own parties, indicating a close race.
Bundlers for McCain, Obama Are Among Wall Street's Tumblers
September 18, 2008 | How did Wall Street's largest firms also become some of the largest donors to John McCain and Barack Obama's presidential campaigns? Take a look at the candidates' rosters of bundlers on OpenSecrets.org, and it becomes clear.
Retirees Propel McCain to the Fundraising Finish Line
September 3, 2008 | Preparing for a general election in which he cannot collect private donations, John McCain vaulted in front of Barack Obama in fundraising from one of the biggest groups of donors in American politics: the senior set. A new analysis of the Republican nominee's summer fundraising by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has found McCain leading Obama among retired donors almost two to one in June and July, $8.1 million to $4.5 million.
North Star State Lights Way for GOP
August 28, 2008 | Republicans have their compasses set toward the North Star State, where they will be convening next week for their national convention. Although Minnesota residents haven't favored a Republican president since 1972, the last two presidential elections have been close, and John McCain and Barack Obama are neck-and-neck in fundraising from the state (Obama has raised a mere $233,000 more, out of $3.7 million raised by the two contenders), indicating that McCain might not have as much to overcome here as previous Republicans have.
Despite Indictment, Stevens is GOP's Pick
August 28, 2008 | What does it take to be your party's candidate-of-choice for the Senate even after you've been indicted in a scandal? Apparently it takes $4.2 million and 39 years in Congress already under your belt. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) won his party's primary race Tuesday, despite being indicted for allegedly failing to report $250,000 in gifts from the embattled oil services company Veco. Veco employees have given Stevens $28,500 for his re-election funds. Stevens's competitors in the primary were self-financed and came nowhere near bringing in his haul.
Professors Spent Their Summer Vacations Giving to Obama
August 26, 2008 | While school was out, college professors and other educators were putting money into Barack Obama's presidential campaign, according to a new analysis of the Democratic nominee's summer fundraising. Educators contributed at least $2.3 million to his campaign in June and July, surpassed only by lawyers, who make up Obama's top-giving industry since the campaign's start, and retirees.
The Money Behind Biden
August 23, 2008 | Now that Barack Obama has announced his running mate, reporters will be scrambling to cover every aspect of Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.)--his politics, his personal life, what he adds to the Democrats' presidential ticket and what aspects could make him a liability for the party. At the Center for Responsive Politics, we've strung together our own observations about Biden's campaign fundraising and personal finances.
Black Gold Spills into McCain's Coffers
July 30, 2008 | Candidates are critiqued all the time for flip-flopping their positions on important issues. But as John McCain recently found out, sometimes reversing course can be lucrative.
Data Update: Presidential and Congressional Fundraising
July 7, 2008 | The fireworks might be tucked away now until the next Fourth of July, but here at CRP we continue to illuminate the money-in-politics scene all year round. Just in the last few days we've been busy updating various parts of OpenSecrets.org using data available from the Federal Election Commission on June 30.
Red, White and Green
July 3, 2008 | Tomorrow is Independence Day, the time to commemorate the United States's successful revolt against Britain, establishing our own self-reliant government. Well, sort of. While our politicians are no longer answering to the redcoats, they've become awfully beholden to the greenbacks. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, 36 current members of Congress have collected at least 20 percent of their contributions from a single industry, setting up a scheme of dependence and perhaps the expectation of a tit-for-tat.
NYT Columnist: Obama's Donors Mirror Democrats'
July 1, 2008 | It appears that being the candidate of change doesn't necessarily mean appealing to a new set of donors. New York Times columnist David Brooks used extensive data from the Center for Responsive Politics today to argue that Barack Obama's fundraising base looks a whole lot like those of Democrats past and present.
DNC Gets More From Accountants Than From Lobbyists
June 19, 2008 | Here's further evidence that the political significance of the Democratic National Committee's refusal of lobbyists' contributions is greater than the new policy's financial significance: In 2004, federally registered lobbyists—whether they work at lobbying firms or in-house for corporations, trade groups or unions—contributed only about $581,000 to the DNC, or not quite two-tenths of 1 percent of the committee's overall fundraising in '04.
Clinton's Creditor-Contributors
June 9, 2008 | The personal funds Hillary Clinton lent her campaign weren't the only thing that allowed her bid for the presidency to carry on after months of trailing Barack Obama in fundraising. The campaign had the resources to continue in its final stretch in part because it was floating unpaid debts from month to month.
Obama Puts Lobbyists, PACs on DNC's Do-Not-Call List
June 5, 2008 | Now that the Democrats have a presidential nominee who refuses contributions from lobbyists and political action committees, the Democratic National Committee is bringing its own fundraising policies in line with Barack Obama's.
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.
Most Presidential Bundlers Work in Law, Finance, Real Estate
December 20, 2007 | More than half of the top fund-raisers for the 2008 presidential candidates come from just three segments of the U.S. economy: law, finance and real estate, according to a new study of these bundlers.
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.
Retirees Got Active in Presidential Campaign's 3rd Quarter
November 1, 2007 | Exclusive analysis finds lawyers are still the biggest givers to candidates for the White House, but retired contributors have edged out Wall Street. A year before '08 election, Democrats have the edge in nearly every major industry.
The New College Try
August 9, 2007 | University employees have emerged from the library to become a major player in election financing, opening their wallets again in '08 to win the White House for Democrats.
Exploring Fred Thompson's Finances
August 3, 2007 | Southern donors, lawyers, retirees and investors are major backers to the undeclared candidate's exploratory committee, the Center for Responsive Politics finds.
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.
Spreading the Wealth
May 3, 2007 | With their checkbooks, some campaign donors are voting for more than one presidential candidate.
Financiers, Along with Lawyers, are Underwriting the Race for the White House, Watchdog Finds
April 18, 2007 | New, exclusive analysis on OpenSecrets.org finds attorneys have given candidates the most, but Wall Street's biggest firms top all other companies. Candidates have relied on their personal connections for early fundraising.
Despite a Flat Year for Lobbying, Business Booster's Advocacy Soared in 2006
March 15, 2007 | U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent 83% more on lobbying in 2006, but overall growth was less than 2 percent. Drug and biotech again topped all industries. ____________________ WASHINGTON – Washington's influence industry managed to build its lobbying business in 2006, according to an analysis of year-end disclosures by the Center for Responsive Politics, but growth…
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.
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.
Not-So-Happy Returns
April 13, 2006 | Recent scrutiny of companies that prepare individuals' tax returns can't compare to oversight of corporate accountants. The tax-prep industry's political influence can't compare either. By Courtney Mabeus April 13, 2006 | It is said that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Days before millions of Americans scurry through W2's, 1099's and receipts…
Making Hay Out of GOP Straw Poll
March 23, 2006 | GOP activists favor these candidates for the White House in 2008. But who will the money follow? By Courtney Mabeus March 23, 2006 | Republican Party leaders and activists gathered in Tennessee this month, and in a straw poll anointed native son Bill Frist as their chosen one to run for president in 2008. The…
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


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Israel Builds New 'Gospel Trail' to Draw Christians
The Israeli government has given Christians a path to follow their savior's footsteps through the Holy Land.
Israel's Ministry of Tourism has opened the "Gospel Trail," a 37-mile route from Jesus' birthplace in Nazarus to Capernaum, the main focus of his ministry and a city on the Sea of Galilee, according to The Jerusalem Post. The $700,000 trail was constructed by the Ministry and the Jewish National Fund as a means of transcending tourism with a powerful spiritual experience based on Christ's life.
"In recent years we looked at which target audience we could work with, and we decided that first and foremost is the Christian world," Stas Misezhnikov, Israel's minister of tourism, told the Post. "We are creating a revolution in tourism to Israel. So it is a real honor to invite the entire Christian world to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and walk in the same places he walked."
Misezhnikov said that pilgrims could journey down the trail by foot, bike or car. Starting at Nazareth, it meanders past the Mount where Jesus gave his famous sermon, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, the town where Christ fed 5,000 on bread and fish and onwards to Capernaum. Once travelers get to Galilee, they can sail off the shores of its titular Sea where Jesus preached.
Construction of the trail, Misezhnikov added, could top 2010's record year in Israeli tourism. The ministry said that approximately 3.5 million travelers visited the country, with a million coming for explicitly spiritual journeys. Given that 66 percent of Israel's tourists identified themselves as Christians last year, Misezhnikov said a landmark honoring their heritage could make even more feel at home.
"Israel invests a lot of money in renovating and safeguarding the holy places of all religions here," he told The Jerusalem Post. "Is it problematic to also use the culture and history of the area to promote pilgrimage and tourism for the benefit of all nations? I don't think so."
Jay Rosenbaum, senior rabbi of the Herzl-Ner Tamid Synagogue on Mercer Island, Wash., said Israel's history made it in an important place in interfaith relations. Since its inception, he said, Israel has served as a beacon to Jews of the covenant God made with their faith.
"Israel is central to the Jewish identity," Rosenbaum said. "The purpose of the Jewish people is to create a righteous community in Israel. Everything in our culture revolves around that."
Though Jews and Christians interpret Jesus' teachings differently, Rosenbaum continued, the fact that both faiths share the same Scripture makes Israel an important place in their doctrines. He said he thus understood Christians' desire to visit the Holy Land, given it's one he often encounters in his own religion.
"Jesus is the founder of one of the great faiths in the world," Rosenbaum said. "Christians make up a huge portion of that world and have had a huge impact on its history. In Israel, both the Bible and all of Jewish history come alive."
The Holy Land's history, he concluded, is something that both Jews and Christians should try encountering. Seeing the nation's sacred sites, he said, was like standing side-by-side with the people of Scripture.
"It is very powerful being in Israel," Rosenbaum said. "People come back from visits there transformed. The things they see in Scripture are three-dimensional there."

subset: commoncrawl


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Dragons Love Tacos
Friendly dragons, tacos, parties, absurdist humor, deadpan expressions, a little carpentry, and a distrust of spicy foods, Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri (creators of the equally funny Those Darn Squirrels) have compiled all the necessary ingredients for a picture book that aims to please, smothered with laugh-inducing salsa.
Dragons Love Tacos examines the love dragons have for parties and tacos, and the dangers that erupt from feeding them anything spicy.
"Why do dragons love tacos? Maybe it's the smell from the sizzling pan. Maybe it's the crunch of the crispy tortillas. Maybe it's a secret. Why do dragons love parties? Maybe it's the conversation. Maybe it's the dancing. Maybe it's the comforting sound of a good friend's laughter."
According to the book's "dragon expert" if you're going to throw a party for dragons you'll need "buckets of tacos, pantloads of tacos," or exactly one boat filled with tacos. And make sure you bury all the spicy salsa in the backyard so the dragons can't find it. Because aside from a involuntary reflex to anything spicy, dragons turn out to be a pretty sociable and considerate breed of monsters, with a serious hankering for tacos.
• Find it: Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri (Dial, 2012)
(Images: Ben Partridge)


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Style # 202657
Sweater Leggings 3 3
Sexy and warm These are meant to be worn in cold weather months. I'm happy I got mine. They are very stretchy but when I first receive them they looked smaller than I expected, no worries the fitted great. It makes my legs look sexy, great alternative to skinny jeans. Dress them up or down, versatile. I love to wear them with a nice sweater or top and my fave blazer, jacket or trench coat. Win win - they are on sale too! April 25, 2013
Not a fan While the material is thick and would be great in the cooler months, the fit is off and is a bit too dowdy for me. These feel like my mother's thermals and they seem to just drape over my body. The fit is too baggy in my opinion April 12, 2013
disappointed I got these in the mail yesterday and didn't like them at all. The material is thick, doesn't move very easily and I can hear it ripping as I put it on. It doesn't at all have the normal flattering bebe shape and structure. April 4, 2013
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I need some help. I have a Medela personal double breastpump - the one that doesn't even have a battery and just a power adapter b/c when I was getting my pump apparently every other woman on earth was as well so I got whatever Medela they had when my twins arrived - and it is the WORST!!
I also rent a Symphony through the hospital which I love, but at work I have this Medela and the only way to extract the milk is to turn up the suction (it's always been like this and all the connectors/flanges have been changed/checked) and it hurts. Like I dread pumping at work. I don't know what to do. When it's on medium suction it draws out the milk and I get empty but I feel like my nipples are being tortured.


text: Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - Leaning towards Taichung Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today! Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in Leaning towards Taichung Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Taiwan View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message JojoJoined: 25 Mar 2003Posts: 119Location: Ontario, Canada Posted: Sun May 25, 2003 2:52 am Post subject: Leaning towards Taichung Hopefully this post doesn't become locked... (aimed at Flamers not moderators). I'm heavily leaning towards heading to Taichung after all my researching of where to go in Taiwan. Is there anyone that is living in Taichung or has lived there that can applaud my decision? Tell me your honest opinion on what you think is the worst and best of Taichung? To me, the city seems more relaxed than Taipei and has some great food and bars/discos as well as being artsy/cultural. Any comments from the crowd on this one? Thanks Back to top EODJoined: 16 Jan 2003Posts: 167Location: Taiwan Posted: Sun May 25, 2003 3:09 am Post subject: It's a good call. You may not make a lot of money but you won't have to worry about being deported either. Go the student for visa route and you should have pretty good experience. I understand both Tung Hai and Providence Universities have fairly good Mandarin programs. Again, wait a few weeks to a month for this SARS thing to blow over. Back to top JojoJoined: 25 Mar 2003Posts: 119Location: Ontario, Canada Posted: Sun May 25, 2003 4:01 pm Post subject: EOD: Thanks for your reply. Why do you suggest going the student visa route? I ask this because I was just going to do the visitor visa 60day route. Are you in Taichung? Does anyone know if the jobs in Taichung are plentiful in August? Thanks Back to top OkamiJoined: 25 Jan 2003Posts: 121Location: Sunny Sanxia Posted: Sun May 25, 2003 6:00 pm Post subject: I would go with a 1, 3, or 5 year multiple entry visa good for 60 days at a time and extendable. This way at first you can take a look at your school of choice and have more flexibility. There are some really bad schools out there. For the Taichung area, you might want to get ahold(PM) of (name removed to protect the innocent) at forumosa.com. He's a school administrator in the Taichung area and is quite on the ball and I daresay professional. Tell him that the "Big Bad Wolf" sent you. He'll probably at least look at your resume and give ya an honest answer. He's a Kiwi. I've been told they speak English there, but I believe it is a localized Ingyu dialect to the islands. Always handy to keep your American/Kiwi translator handy though for you, that would be Canuck/Kiwi translator. The best Kindergartens are in Taichung from what those in the know say and the best elementary school programs are in Kaoshiung. Taipei tends to be a bunch of dog and pony shows with the occasional glimpse of quality if you know where to look or are just plain fortunate. Good Luck, OkamiLast edited by Okami on Mon May 26, 2003 4:20 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top surrealiaJoined: 11 Jan 2003Posts: 241Location: Taiwan Posted: Mon May 26, 2003 12:49 am Post subject: I'm currently living in Taichung. Good points - lots of other foreigners, great eating (try Finga's or The Londoner), more cultural events than anywhere else but Taipei, fun scene in the canal district. Bad points - disgusting air pollution, cruel traffic, locals not too polite (but I could say the same for all the other cities as well). Overall, I applaud your choice to move to Taichung. You should look over this website for lots of info about Taichung: www.taiwanfun.com Back to top AristotleJoined: 16 Jan 2003Posts: 1388Location: Taiwan Posted: Mon May 26, 2003 5:07 am Post subject: I wouldn't be so sure about the not getting deported part. Politics shift with the wind in Taiwan and Taichung is in the middle of a political upheaval. With the election coming, it might turn nasty very quickly. You have to take into account that most people in Taiwan and all of the government is openly racist. You are a foreigner, Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Taiwan All times are GMT Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Where to Begin----------------General DiscussionNewbie ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumOnline Teaching Forum Africa Forums----------------General Africa Forum Asia Forums----------------CambodiaChina (Job-related Posts Only)China (Off-Topic)Hong KongIndiaIndonesiaJapanMalaysiaPhilippinesSingaporeTaiwanThailandGeneral Asia ForumVietnam Caribbean Forums----------------General Caribbean Forum Europe Forums----------------Czech RepublicFranceGermanyGreeceItalyMacedonia and the BalkansPolandRomaniaRussia & C.I.S.SpainTurkeyUkraineUnited KingdomGeneral Europe Forum Latin America Forums----------------ArgentinaBrazilChileColombiaCosta RicaMexicoMexico (off-topic)PeruGeneral Latin America Forum The Middle East Forums----------------BahrainEgyptIsraelKuwaitOmanQatarSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesGeneral Middle East Forum North America Forums----------------General North America Forum Oceania----------------Australia/New Zealand You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. 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An April 27 wedding is being planned by Kristin Cypher and Joseph Boben, both of Butler.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of Dr. Ronald and Debra Cypher of Butler. Parents of the prospective bridegroom are Joseph and Anne Boben of Butler.
The bride-elect is a 2007 graduate of Butler High School and a 2012 graduate of Duquesne University with a bachelor's in health sciences and a master's as a physician assistant.
She is employed by Advanced OBGYN Associates of Butler.
Her fiancť graduated in 2007 from Butler High School, in 2011 from the United States Air Force Academy with a bachelor's in aeronautical engineering and is attending Rice University for his master's in mechanical engineering.
He is a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.