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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets News
The mysterious political consultants making millions to influence elections
January 16, 2019 | Super PACs and hybrid PACs gave out a combined $552 million to the top 10 highest-paid political consultants during the 2018 election cycle.
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.
Stung by Trump and midterms, the Koch network changes its approach
November 16, 2018 | After clashing with the Republican president and enduring a bruising midterm at the hands of reenergized Democrats, the Koch network is rethinking its strategy.
CRP Board of Directors Names New Officers, Expanding National Impact
November 9, 2018 | At the fall meeting of the Center for Responsive Politics' Board of Directors, the board elected three new officers. Vice Chair John Coyle was elected to be CRP's new Board Chair, succeeding outgoing Chair, Professor Sonia Jarvis. Also elected at the fall meeting were Grace Hong, Vice Chair, and John Jenkins, Treasurer. (Joe Speicher was…
Major industries shift contributions from Republicans to Democrats ahead of election day
November 2, 2018 | Wall Street gave 71 percent of its $7.86 million in campaign contributions to Democrats in the most recent pre-general election FEC filing period.
Pro-Trump super PAC weighs in on midterms
October 31, 2018 | What does a super PAC founded to elect a republican presidential candidate want with Maxine Waters and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?
The Kochs' new super PAC sets its sights on midterms
October 19, 2018 | The FEC filings of a new and well-funded super PAC show that rumors of the Koch network's decline have been highly exaggerated.
An introduction to the Koch digital media network
October 9, 2018 | The Koch brothers are more famous for how they spend their money than for how they make it. Their political buys may hit $400 million this year. How much of that will go to digital ads?
Violence Against Women Act at risk of lapsing
October 3, 2018 | The Violence Against Women Act has received a three-month extension, but has yet to be fully reauthorized by the 115th Congress.
Secretive LLCs obscure Ukrainian foreign influence operation funding
September 12, 2018 | A network of secretive entities has spent over $1 million on foreign influence operations in the United States but the source of funding remains a mystery.
Rick Scott super PAC learns to love Rick Scott
August 28, 2018 | U.S. Senate candidate Rick Scott's close ties to New Republican PAC underscores an increasingly blurry line between candidates and super PACs.
Foreign interests have spent over $530 million influencing US policy, public opinion since 2017
August 8, 2018 | Foreign lobbyists and agents acting on behalf of foreign interests have reported hundreds of millions of dollars in payments since January 2017, an analysis of OpenSecrets' exclusive new Foreign Lobby Watch data reveals.
'Zero-tolerance' immigration policy is big money for contractors, nonprofits
June 21, 2018 | President Trump's "zero-tolerance" immigration policy under the direction of Attorney General Jeff Sessions is big business for U.S. companies — from private prison and tech firms to defense and security contractors — as well as nonprofits.
Scam PACs line pockets by misleading donors
April 26, 2018 | They're hard to track and harder to regulate - "scam PACs" are what experts call a "know-it-if-you-see-it situation."
Women- and minority-owned businesses receive only a small fraction of federal contracts
April 13, 2018 | Women-owned businesses, or WOBs, receive a miniscule portion of the contracts doled out every year. But money going to those businesses is slowly increasing.
'Right-to-work' Supreme Court ruling could cripple union influence
March 1, 2018 | The ruling could significantly slash money going to public sector unions, which overwhelmingly support Democratic politicians and liberal causes.
Companies that funded Trump's inauguration came up big in 2017
January 19, 2018 | President Donald Trump's inaugural committee raised a record $107 million with the help of wealthy benefactors but also through donations from more than 200 corporations and anonymous LLCs, some of which held government contracts.
Endowment tax affecting Republican districts with GOP support
December 8, 2017 | The GOP-led tax reform bill moving through Congress that includes a new excise tax on the investment income of private colleges and universities not only affects liberal-leaning institutions but the districts of nearly two dozen Republican lawmakers who support the bill.
The politics of your clothes
October 18, 2017 | Designers are renowned for their bold political statements – from Tommy Hilfiger's use of white bandanas on the runway last year to fashion designer Tracy Reese's advocacy for Planned Parenthood. However, many clothing brands and manufacturers choose a more subtle route by speaking with their wallets. During the 2016 election cycle, the clothing manufacturing industry…
Qatar Spent Nearly $5 Million on U.S. Influence Campaigns Following its Isolation by Saudi Coalition
October 13, 2017 | Qatar has hired seven American lobbying firms and spent nearly $5 million on U.S. lobbying and media campaigns in an effort to fight its isolation by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, and others in June. The Saudi-led coalition began its economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar on June 5 after the country's…
Dark money and potential foreign influence
July 19, 2017 | Testimony by Sheila Krumholz, Executive Director of the Center for Responsive Politics before the Senate Democratic Policy And Communications Committee July 19, 2017 Chairwoman Stabenow, Senator Whitehouse and other Senators: Thank you for this opportunity to submit testimony for today's hearing regarding politically active nondisclosing nonprofits ("dark money organizations") and the possibility of foreign…
Trump earned at least $1.3 billion in the last two and a half years
June 16, 2017 | The Trump presidency is less than five months old, but has been a quick study at one longstanding D.C. tradition: the Friday-night dump. Administrations often release promised documents once journalists have left the office for the weekend, hoping that any damaging info would get lost in the news cycle turnover. Today, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics has followed suit and released a…
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…
Add another to the list of former Trump campaign staffers lobbying for foreign clients
May 24, 2017 | Former Trump campaign officials haven't exactly been bashful about cashing in on their ties to the president in the lobbying sphere. Take Corey Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager. Shortly after the election, he cofounded a lobbying and consulting firm, Avenue Strategies, boasting to domestic and foreign clients of his administration ties. He left the firm…
Beyond the NEA budget: The political side of art
May 8, 2017 | The Recording Academy's high-wattage GRAMMYs on the Hill event in early April honored Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) for their commitment to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) — an agency that President Donald Trump's administration has proposed cutting. Still, stars like country singers Keith Urban and Wynonna Judd, both of…
Surge in LLC contributions brings more mystery about true donors
April 27, 2017 | Donald Trump's inaugural committee did well by almost any standard: Doubling the previous record for cash raised to fund festivities around a new president's swearing-in, it took in contributions from every major sector of the economy, and from donors who had steered clear of his campaign prior to the election. The committee also received about…
PhRMA shows biggest spike in lobbying spending in first quarter of President Trump
April 21, 2017 | With President Trump's 100th day looming, he's struggled to check off some of the big initiatives on his to-do list, such as getting rid of Obamacare and overhauling the tax code. These hefty projects invite companies and other groups with something at stake to frantically lobby the government, hoping the legislation can turn in their…
Where's the beef? When meat's in trouble, lobbying expands
March 30, 2017 | Americans cut their beef consumption by 19 percent between 2005 and 2014, according to a new study by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). For a quick visualization, you — a person of average appetite somewhere in the U.S. — ate five whole cows in 2005; in 2014, you ate four, plus a few bites of…
The revolving door always spins for Goldman Sachs — by design
March 23, 2017 | Each time President Donald Trump adds another Goldman Sachs alum to his administration, it's tempting to bring up his campaign-trail rhetoric about the investment bank. After all, it seems as though Trump is trying to drain the swamp by forcing it to overflow; last week, he nominated Goldman managing director James Donovan to the post of deputy Treasury…
Russia hired Edelman in 2016 to help deal with Yukos fallout
March 13, 2017 | A former national security adviser was paid more than $500,000 last fall by a group linked with the Turkish government to discredit exiled preacher Fethullah Gülen, an enemy of the Turkish president. An Egyptian intelligence agency hired public relations firms Weber Shandwick and Cassidy & Associates to improve its image. Iraq sent letters to top Trump officials such as Secretary…
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…
HHS pick has one of worst campaign disclosure records in Congress
January 9, 2017 | Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, has come under fire for buying and selling shares companies in the health care industry whose fortunes he could affect through his perch in Congress, and for intervening with regulators on behalf of some of his donors in the…
HHS contenders: A crop of politicians with major funding from health sector
November 18, 2016 | Nov. 29 update: President-elect Donald Trump named Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) as his pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Unsuccessful GOP presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson declared Tuesday that he has no interest in a position in the Trump cabinet and instead wants to serve the administration as an outside advisor because he…
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…
Trump and veteran GOP pollster at odds over $766,000 in bills
October 31, 2016 | Over the years, Donald Trump and those working for him have had their differences over how much he owed them for their services. "Let's say that they do a job that's not good, or a job that they didn't finish, or a job that was way late. I'll deduct from their contract, absolutely," Trump said in…
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…
Lobbyists, campaign cash help drug industry stymie bid to restrain Medicare prescription costs
October 19, 2016 | When the Republican-controlled Congress approved a landmark program in 2003 to help seniors buy prescription drugs, it slapped on an unusual restriction: The federal government was barred from negotiating cheaper prices for those medicines. Instead, the job of holding down costs was outsourced to the insurance companies delivering the subsidized new coverage, known as Medicare…
Super PACs lifted by megadonors, unions in third quarter
October 18, 2016 | Three liberal labor-connected super PACs took in more than $44.4 million in the third quarter of 2016, according to reports filed last weekend, while two others that are backing GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump drew in $30.3 million. The five were among the largest super PACs to file reports for the three-month period ending Sept.…
And the good times rolled: 17 donors gave three-quarters of Dems' convention money
September 28, 2016 | Talk about disproportional giving: The group organizing the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this year raised almost three-fourths of its donations from only 17 sources. The Dems' host committee raised $69.7 million, with $51.2 million of that coming in from contributions, grants, or in-kind donations worth $1 million or more each. That includes a $10…
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…
Clinton's list of bundlers shorter than Obama's, and she's disclosing less
August 12, 2016 | Hillary Clinton's record of bundlers contains some familiar names — though it's not nearly as long as President Barack Obama's list was at this point in 2012. Clinton has so far received at least $49.6 million from nearly 500 bundlers, or individual fundraisers who collect money from friends and acquaintances in order to deliver a candidate a…
Number of registered lobbyists plunges as spending declines yet again
August 9, 2016 | The lobbying industry may start arguing for its own bailout bill, given the relentless decline in reported spending for its services. The first quarter of 2016 was sluggish, the second similarly so. And with it came a pronounced dive in the number of active registered lobbyists. With 325 fewer lobbyists registered in the second quarter of…
Amish PAC spends bulk of funds renting lists from firm tied to cofounder
July 25, 2016 | Amish PAC enjoyed a long stay in the limelight when it arrived on the scene earlier this year, conjuring clashing images of super PAC spending and horse-drawn buggies. So the filing of its first FEC report seemed a good time to check in with the group that aims to turn out Amish voters to support…
GOP Veepstakes: The money behind the contenders
July 13, 2016 | The anticipation is killing us: What name will appear along with Donald Trump's on the Republican ticket? The presumptive nominee could announce his VP pick any day now, just in time for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next week. The Donald is reported to be appearing at a public event with his chosen running mate on Friday, according…
Failed Carson campaign spent heavily in April and May, routed funds to former staffers
June 24, 2016 | Former presidential candidate Ben Carson's campaign committee, Carson America, spent nearly $1 million in the months of April and May, including payments to a number of former Carson staffers for "political strategy" consulting. Carson suspended his campaign on March 4 and has since stumped for presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, whom he endorsed on…
Florida LLC makes contribution to super PAC after receiving Ex-Im loan
May 26, 2016 | The Florida-based luxury yacht vendor had never previously made a political contribution. So when it came to light that Evermarine LLC had given $100,000 to an obscure super PAC — by far the group's largest contribution — which was forwarded within 48 hours to the super PAC supporting Sen. Marco Rubio's presidential run, some thought…
Lucky sole vendors for some nonprofits do very well, thank you.
May 19, 2016 | For years, a handful of nonprofits — including the kind often used as "dark money" machines — have acted as veritable cash cows for one or two political or advertising vendors, new data shows. The data sheds light on who, ultimately, takes home the loads of cash deposited into dark money groups that are often…
Tobacco companies lost the fight against new e-cigarette regulations — in 2009
May 6, 2016 | Despite lobbying intensely for their interests in Congress, tobacco giants didn't put up much of the fight against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's new rules on e-cigarettes, pipe tobacco and cigars, records show. That helped hand a victory to opponents concerned about the health effects of vaping. Announced Thursday, the rules impose a strong…
UBS, accused of helping tax evaders, leads the way in foreign-connected PAC giving
April 7, 2016 | As a huge documents leak turns a spotlight on the global tax evasion industry, a Swiss company in hot water for similar activity is responsible for the greatest amount of known foreign-connected money in U.S. elections so far this cycle. News outlets brought together by the Washington, D.C.-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists this week began…
Kasich campaign, New Day for America give each other a big hug
March 4, 2016 | At an event in February, supporter Brett Smith told Ohio Gov. and GOP presidential hopeful John Kasich about the significant challenges he's faced in life and how he's handled them: "I found hope in the Lord and in my friends, and now I've found it in my presidential candidate that I support. And I would…
Apple's appetite for Washington influence keeps growing
January 28, 2016 | When you type "Tim Cook not" into Google, one of the first phrases to pop up is "Tim Cook is not a visionary." He may be no Steve Jobs, but with the company's growth slowing, Apple Inc.'s CEO clearly has a vision — one where Apple is a major player in federal lobbying. This week…
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…
Could criminal complaints be a new way to tackle dark money?
December 3, 2015 | As "dark money" groups continue to devise new strategies to maximize their role in electoral politics, watchdog organizations may likewise begin exploring new measures to challenge what they see as a pattern that amounts to "the political equivalent of a hit and run." Last week, the Washington-based, Democratic-leaning watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington…
Pfizer won't lack resources in lobbying for $160 billion Allergan deal
November 24, 2015 | In politics, 2015 may be remembered as the year of Trump and Carson, Clinton and Sanders. In the business world, especially in the health care industry, it may be remembered as the year of the merger. But many politicians aren't at all happy about the latest such effort: New York-based Pfizer's plan, announced Monday, to…
Opaque payment streams for two top consultants to Fiorina groups
November 19, 2015 | This story was cross-posted at Time.com. For two consultants working to help put Carly Fiorina in the White House, the legal firewall between campaign and super PAC must look more like a mirror. As one moves, so does the other; as one takes thousands of dollars in salaries and sets up a skeletal business entity to…
In classic battle, minimum wage movement pits labor against business
November 12, 2015 | Fast food and other low-wage workers took to the streets of cities across the country this week to demand a minimum wage of $15, earning the support of liberal mayors, governors and even presidential candidates. In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo stood with the "Fight for $15" crusade, announcing he would take executive action…
Walgreens, a top retail sales lobbying client, looks to merge with Rite Aid
October 28, 2015 | Two of the country's biggest drug store chains are set to combine, bringing thousands of stores under one red-and-white logo. Walgreens Boots Alliance announced a deal on Tuesday to buy Rite Aid Corp. for $17.2 billion, including $7.8 billion in debt. The companies, two of the three largest pharmacy chains in the nation, are looking…
A stash of campaign cash in marijuana for Paul
October 23, 2015 | With weak polling and lackluster fundraising, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is struggling to stay in the 2016 presidential race. So far, some of his strongest financial supporters have come from a new, growing industry: legal marijuana. As of Sept. 30, one of Paul's biggest contributors is the National Cannabis Industry Association, a D.C.-based trade group that…
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…
Women charged in UN bribery case were donors to Rep. Calvert
October 7, 2015 | Two women arrested Tuesday morning and charged in federal court with laundering money from Chinese businessmen each tried to give a California GOP lawmaker the maximum contributions allowed by law last year, Federal Election Commission records show. Jason Gagnon, communications director for Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), whose campaign and leadership PAC received the checks, said…
Candidates for House leadership posts nowhere near as giving as Boehner
September 29, 2015 | No one in the House leadership race right now can touch soon-to-be-former Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) when it comes to career fundraising prowess, but speaker candidate and current Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has also been magnanimous when it comes to giving back to the team. Over his career, Boehner gave a generous 42 percent of his…
Three new board members join Center for Responsive Politics
September 14, 2015 | The Center for Responsive Politics is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors. Jennifer N. Victor is associate professor of political science at George Mason University's School of Policy, Government and International Affairs, where she has been on the faculty since 2012; she is also director of the school's undergraduate programs.…
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…
A few new faces — but not many — among megadonors to presidential super PACs
August 1, 2015 | The 2016 presidential race may be a whole new ballgame in terms of fundraising, but most of the players' names are awfully familiar — even if their faces are a bit more lined. Very few of the top donors to the super PACs backing one of the many GOP White House hopefuls or the handful…
Three times as much agribusiness money, on average, for House members voting to bar GMO labeling
July 24, 2015 | Thursday's House passage of a bill that would keep states from requiring genetically modified foods to be labeled was a big — and not at all close — win for agribusiness and food and beverage interests. The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, known to its critics as the DARK (Deny Americans the Right to…
New super PAC's treasurer under indictment for tax evasion
June 16, 2015 | Michael Galloway of Bakersfield, Calif., owns a high-traffic website that takes charitable donations, has a fleet of tech companies and is now the treasurer for a new super PAC called We Are America, according to FEC filings. He also allegedly stole money from donors to his website, Catholic.org, and evaded taxes for years, federal prosecutors say. "Doing business as…
Monsanto's latest bid could test its lobbying might
June 12, 2015 | The bid by the world's largest seller of crop seeds, Monsanto, to take over the world's largest seller of pesticides, Swiss giant Syngenta AG, may never come to fruition. At the moment, Sygenta is rejecting the overture, arguing that the $45 billion offer is inadequate — and worrying about the reputational risk of merging with…
McDonalds puts a smile on with Gibbs, whatever he may have said at White House podium
June 10, 2015 | In his new role as McDonald's global chief communications officer, former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs will "lead McDonald's in communicating clear, coordinated messages to internal and external constituencies, enhancing the brand and supporting corporate strategies," according to an announcement Tuesday by the fast food giant. That'll put Gibbs front-and-center conveying the company's perspective…
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 —…
EU Antitrust Case: Google's Spending Helps Deflect Similar Charges Stateside
April 17, 2015 | Search engine giant Google could be facing major penalties in the European Union after it was charged this week with favoring its own products and services in search results over those of its competitors. The case is being called the most significant in the antitrust realm since the U.S. sued Microsoft in 1999. The charges…
The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine
March 23, 2015 | This story was cross-posted at The Daily Beast. It was a cold winter night in Washington, D.C., not long after President George W. Bush won a second term, and the mood at the upscale Italian restaurant was downright celebratory. The most prominent guest was Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, but his table also boasted a…
Stephen Colbert — Two-Time Recipient of "OpenSecrets Bump" — Calls IRS' Bluff
March 19, 2015 | PROGRAMMING NOTE: This is a premium report for our OpenSecrets Platinum members only, so if you are not reading this on a $10,000 AppleWatch that you got as a party favor at your niece's Sweet 16 yacht-christening and/or dressage quadrille performance, you're in the wrong place. Now that it's just us, let's start with a disclosure: OpenSecrets…
OpenSecrets.org Unveils New Section on Expenditures
February 11, 2015 | We have no idea how many jobs are generated by federal elections, but we do know that some individuals and firms make a very good living from modern political campaigns. In fact, we can tell you just how well certain media companies, consultants, pollsters and others in the "election-industrial complex" are doing. In the 2014…
K Street: Return to Normalcy, or a New Normal?
January 28, 2015 | K Street may not have pulled out of its slide quite yet, but a close read of the numbers suggests that things could be returning to normal. That's a new normal, however, without the big jumps in client spending that helped propel lobbying income to new heights just a few years ago. The last several…
One Member of Congress = 18 American Households: Lawmakers' Personal Finances Far From Average
January 12, 2015 | It would take the combined wealth of more than 18 American households to equal the value of a single federal lawmaker's household, the Center for Responsive Politics' latest analysis of congressional wealth finds. The median net worth of a member of Congress was $1,029,505 in 2013 — a 2.5 percent increase from 2012 — compared with an average American…
All Cooled Off: As Congress Convenes, Former Colleagues Will Soon be Calling From K Street
January 6, 2015 | Seven years after President George W. Bush signed the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (HLOGA) into law and then-Sen. Barack Obama, (D-Ill.) declared it to be "the most sweeping ethics reform since Watergate," a joint analysis by the Sunlight Foundation and the Center for Responsive Politics suggests the effort may have misfired. A key…
Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry
December 22, 2014 | This report is the third (part 1/part 2) in a series examining the years-long decline in both spending on lobbyists and the number of active lobbyists. Overall spending on lobbying has been on a downward trajectory since 2010 and the number of active lobbyists has seen an even longer-term and more drastic drop. Previous entries…
Breaking Party Ranks on EPA Science Vote
November 24, 2014 | The Environmental Protection Agency is supposed to base its major decisions on science — good science. But what is good science and how do you decide it? Since 1978, the EPA has had a science advisory board tasked with helping answer those questions. But, because this is Washington, nothing is ever that simple. Last week,…
In Kansas, the Right Unites in Attacking Independent Candidate
October 14, 2014 | Different factions of the Republican Party are uniting in Kansas against a common enemy: the independent who is threatening Sen. Pat Roberts's re-election bid. The GOP has swooped in to support the three-term Republican incumbent against self-proclaimed centrist Greg Orman. National party operatives like Chris LaCivita have taken the reigns of Roberts's campaign, according to Bloomberg.…
Sharing is Caring: Uber, Airbnb, Lyft Invest in Washington
October 1, 2014 | You know an industry has come of age when it starts investing in Washington. And so it goes with companies involved in the "sharing economy," which have begun attempting to influence policies impacting their business models. Some outfits in this category are local, like those that provide bike-sharing services. Others, such as Uber, Lyft and…
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.…
Washington Wakes Up to Ebola Threat
September 19, 2014 | President Obama declared on Tuesday that the United States would send troops, medical equipment and aid workers to Western African countries ravaged by Ebola, a virus that has killed more than 2,400 people. "We know that if we take the proper steps, we can save lives," he said. "But we have to act fast." And yet,…
Travels With Don: The Lobbyists, the Nilgai and the Handsome Ranch Foreman
July 15, 2014 | In 2004, Randy DeLay was asked by the commissioners of the Port of Brownsville, Texas, to justify his $25,000 monthly lobbying bills. Why was he submitting such high travel expenses for what appeared to be junkets? DeLay, the younger brother of then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), explained to them that lobbying is expensive work, especially when you're trying to…
Dick Cheney Goes Dark: A Family Network of (c)(4) Groups
July 2, 2014 | In the years since he left office, former President George W. Bush has mostly stayed out of the public eye, happier to talk about what he'd do with a canvas than what the U.S. should do in Iraq or Afghanistan. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, on the other hand, has been more than willing to voice…
Organizing for Action: Who's Giving to Obama-Linked Nonprofit?
June 17, 2014 | Since the beginning of the 2014 campaign cycle last year, 14 donors — running the gamut from a hedge fund manager to a gay rights activist to a little-known Salt Lake City venture capitalist — have given $100,000 or more to President Barack Obama's avowedly un-campaign committee, Organizing for Action. Another 26 have ponied up…
Is K Street Down the Road for Cantor?
June 13, 2014 | Though it has now come to a screeching finish, Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.)'s leadership position in the House has brought him enduring connections, political clout and insider knowledge — in other words, potent K Street cred. "He brings incredible contacts with the whole Republican caucus in both houses" of Congress, said Ivan H. Adler, a…
New, Improved IRS Data Available on OpenSecrets.org
April 9, 2014 | We've upgraded the data available on our site related to politically active nonprofits -- this time thanks to the IRS.
Real Estate, Private Equity Industries Fighting Camp's Tax Plan
February 28, 2014 | Any plan to overhaul the tax code is bound to poke the bee's nest of special interests, as Dave Camp is finding out.
Consultants Profiting From Polarization
February 21, 2014 | It's tough to figure out who's getting rich from the gusher of political spending -- even more so when the client writing the checks is a dark money nonprofit.
LLCs Donate To Pro-Tillis Super PAC
January 31, 2014 | A pro-Thom Tillis super PAC has reported three donations from LLCs, which help shroud the true sources of the funds.
Special Interests Heavily Involved in Farm Bill Maneuvering
January 30, 2014 | A five-year farm bill has finally -- after three years of congressional bickering -- passed the House, and could get final approval from the Senate as soon as today. Crop insurance came out the big winner in terms of increased funding.
Politiquizz: When Lobbyists = Campaign Contributors
January 22, 2014 | Lobbyists don't just lobby. They make campaign donations, too!
Most Likely to Exceed: Who's Poised to Double Down Post-McCutcheon
January 15, 2014 | In anticipation of the Supreme Court's ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, the Center for Responsive Politics and the Sunlight Foundation have teamed up to look at the deep-pocketed donors who could give even more if the justices strike down another limit on the amount of money in U.S. politics.
OpenSecrets Politiquizz: Food Stamp Fight
December 20, 2013 | Not everyone fattens up during the holidays.
SEC Drops Political Spending Disclosure from 2014 Agenda
December 3, 2013 | CRP joins others in urging the Securities and Exchange Commission to add the proposed rule on corporate disclosure of political contributions to its 2014 rulemaking agenda.
Obama's Pick To Lead Air Force a Former Exec for Major Defense Contractor
December 2, 2013 | Deborah Lee James, President Obama's nominee for Air Force Secretary, worked for a major defense firm with financial ties to Capitol Hill.
Calls for Reform Grow as SEC Considers New Disclosure Rules
November 4, 2013 | It has been over two years since 10 corporate law professors petitioned the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asking for new oversight measures that would increase the transparency of corporate spending in elections. Alex Baumgart reports on the rule's progress, and why corporate political disclosure is so important to CRP's mission.
Key Figure at UnitedHealth Group Was Major Obama Donor
October 28, 2013 | The executive vice president of the UnitedHealth Group, which will be responsible for fixing the government's ailing healthcare website, has been a key donor to the president over the years.
Debt Crisis "Nay"-Sayers Received Large Sums from Business, Finance Interests
October 22, 2013 | A joint analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics and the Washington Post shows that business interests played a key role in helping elect lawmakers who rejected their plea to raise the debt ceiling and end the shutdown.
Leftover Loot: More Leave Congress With Lots of Campaign Cash
September 5, 2013 | Members of Congress spend much of their time chasing campaign cash and struggling to boost their war chests to fight off the next rival. And for a variety of reasons, an increasing number find themselves with flush bank accounts when their congressional careers are over, keeping them high on their former colleagues' call lists.
Industries Cut Lobbying Expenditures — Again
July 31, 2013 | Is big business backing off K Street? After years of dominating the scene, several traditionally powerful lobbying interests have significantly cut back their spending in the second quarter of 2013. A list of industries that cut their spending most between the first three months of the year and the second three months reads like a Who's Who of lobbying heavyweights: Pharmaceuticals, electric utilities, oil and gas, finance and credit, telecom and agricultural services led the roster.
Investigation Doesn't Taint Grimm's Fundraising
July 17, 2013 | Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.), though being investigated by the Justice Department for allegedly improper fundraising operations in his 2010 victory, had his best fundraising quarter ever in the three months ending June 30.
Student Loan Rate Rise Likely to Help Sallie Mae
July 1, 2013 | Lawmakers failed to reach a deal to prevent federally subsidized Stafford loan interest rates from doubling today, making students the latest casualty of the impasse gripping Congress and likely benefiting private lenders such as Sallie Mae.
Comey's Conservative Chops
May 31, 2013 | James Comey, who is said to be Obama's pick to be the next FBI director, is indeed a Republican. We're not kidding.
Shadow Money Magic: Five Easy Steps That Let You Play Big in Politics, Hide Your Donors and Game the IRS – Step 5
April 19, 2013 | In the final installment of our report, we talk about what happens when a group gets caught being too politically active, and prospects for change.
Upstart Financial Firm Quickly Learning Ways of Washington
March 22, 2013 | LPL Financial is an upstart financial services firm, built on a model of bringing Wall Street to the masses. Expanding at a blistering rate, it's begun running into problems with regulators. Good thing the company, which specializes in moving into rural areas, has just as quickly learned to operate within the urban confines of Washington, D.C.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 12: SOTU Guest Was Dem Donor, Giffords' Super PAC to Run Ad Tonight, and More
February 12, 2013 | The owner of a Wisconsin brewery who will sit with Michelle Obama at tonight's speech has also contributed to several Democratic causes, including the president's campaigns. Also, Gabby Giffords' super PAC will run its first ad before and after the State of the Union in select markets, and public employee unions rally on Capitol Hill today to protect federal workers in sequestration negotiations.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 5: Modern Gold Rush, and Invasion of the Blimps
February 5, 2013 | As the price of gold soars, what are mining companies doing on Capitol Hill? Also, don't look now: Big Blimp is watching you, or will be soon.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 7: Chuck Hagel's Distance From Defense, and More
January 7, 2013 | Chuck Hagel, President Obama's pick to take charge of the Defense Department, had little to do with the defense industry when he was in Congress.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 28: Down on the Farm Edition
December 28, 2012 | Fiscal cliff? Never mind. We've got food to think about!
For Outgoing Lawmakers, Connections Mean Chance to Cash In
December 26, 2012 | It's that time of the year where retiring members of Congress or those who were forced out by voters begin looking for jobs elsewhere -- such as K Street. Making the jump from lawmaker to lobbyist is lucrative. Some members aren't even waiting for their terms to expire.
Exclusive: Nonprofit Funneled Money to Kochs' Voter Database Effort, Other Conservative Groups
December 21, 2012 | A previously unreported nonprofit network funneled millions of dollars to the Koch brothers' effort to catch up with Democrats' voter microtargeting. And beyond that, it sent money to a collection of other tax-exempt groups that worked to get Republicans elected in the last two campaign cycles.
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.
Farm Bill Still Hanging: More Than 70 Groups Lobby on Food Stamps
December 3, 2012 | This year's Farm Bill, including its food stamp provisions, stalled in the House before the election. But the program has a big constituency, and it's not just poor people -- something lawmakers looking for budget cuts might want to keep in mind.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 28: Protesters Strip in Boehner's Office, Special Election Dates Announced in Illinois, and More
November 28, 2012 | Are nude protestors listed on lobbying reports? Also, Illinois governor moves forward to replace Jackson, and Buffet nominates Dimon for Treasury.
Drones: Despite Problems, A Push to Expand Domestic Use
November 27, 2012 | Privacy and safety questions remain unresolved, but a law pushed by makers of unmanned aerial vehicles requires the Federal Aviation Administration to open up airspace to the devices. Police departments, universities, private corporations -- everyone wants one.
Obama Keeps Most Major Contributors, Not Finance
November 14, 2012 | In the end, Obama kept most of his top donors from 2008. Wall Street was the striking exception.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 1: Lobbyists Flood Insurance Legislation, Anti-Humane Society Group Gets Political, and More
November 1, 2012 | Flood insurance is a popular topic for lobbying; the group Protect the Harvest isn't what it seems; and Sam Zell, philanthropist and Republican donor (but you might not want to sell him your newspaper company).
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 27: An Ace-in-the-Hole-in-One for Romney, Akin Support Resurfaces, and More
September 27, 2012 | Jack Nicklaus gets personal with Romney, while the NRSC sends verbal hugs -- and the hint of monetary ones -- to Todd Akin.
Super PAC Spending Skews Right As Heavy Hitters Tap Familiar Sources of Cash
August 22, 2012 | Super PAC spending has taken a hard turn for the right -- conservative super PACs have now spent $100 million more than their liberal counterparts. But who is funding super PACs? It turns out several of the top super PACs have developed distinctive bases of financial support.
Capital Eye Opener, Aug. 8th: Expensive Primaries, Pandora's Politics, and a Law Firm Blogs on Campaign Finance
August 8, 2012 | Missouri Rep. Todd Akin prevails in a primary that split the tea party, Pandora won't let you dodge political ads, and a law and lobbying firm starts a blog on campaign finance.
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: 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.
Jim Bopp's Stealthy Super Pac: Big Names Funded Pro-Mourdock Effort
July 13, 2012 | OpenSecrets Blog has an exclusive look at the funders of conservative lawyer Jim Bopp's USA Super PAC, which spent heavily to elect Richard Mourdock in Indiana's hard-fought GOP Senate primary.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Kelly Ayotte
July 12, 2012 | After being elected to the Senate just two years ago, Ayotte is in the running as a possible veep candidate. She's one of Sarah Palin's "mamma grizzlies," and has attracted lots of checks from other politicians' leadership PACs as well as from insurance and financial firms.
PolitiQuizz: Independence Day Barbecue Edition
July 2, 2012 | As America prepares for the Fourth of July, hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken wings are being added to shopping lists across the country. One of the meat industry's largest firms was also a major lobbying force in 2011.
Minnesota Republican's Legislation, Stock Portfolio Intersect
June 18, 2012 | Last week's House passage of Rep. Erik Paulsen's Health Care Cost Reduction Act was a victory for the Minnesota Republican -- a boost to his political career, and perhaps his investment portfolio too.
OpenSecrets PolitiQuizz: Wal-Mart Taps Revolving Door
June 4, 2012 | Even if it has severed ties from ALEC, Wal-Mart has embraced a very political strategy in Washingotn, D.C., spending millions of dollars each year lobbying Congress and contributing to political campaigns.
OpenSecrets PolitiQuizz: Dead-Set on Supporting Rick Perry
May 29, 2012 | Not all contributing industries are made for marquees. Some businesses making an electoral impact are more down to earth, or -- as is the case with the subject of this week's Politiquizz -- underneath it.
Mystery Health Care Group Funneled Millions to Conservative Nonprofits
May 18, 2012 | A secretive, well-funded group provided $44 million in 2010 to a host of 501(c)(4) groups, many of which were among the most active in airing ads attacking Democrats in the midterm elections. The Center to Protect Patient Rights was the source of more than half the budget of the group American Future Fund, for example. The Center's role in funding the groups has not previously been reported.
Delivering Postal Reform
April 12, 2012 | Congress may stir up a hornet's nest in the next few weeks when it takes up the matter of overhauling the postal service. The issue has brought out an array of special interests, including lobbyists for the envelope industry.
Wall Street's New Weapon or Main Street Strikes Back?
April 9, 2012 | One of the newest super PACs in town is devoted to banking interests. But a close look at the people associated with this new super PAC reveals a more nuanced picture. Rather than being another tentacle of Wall Street, the group could signal an intramural fight amongst bankers -- Wall Street versus Main Street.
Romney's Bundlers: More of Them, but Candidate is Still Disclosing Only the Lobbyists
March 21, 2012 | Twenty-two bundlers who are lobbyists, including six new names, have raised $2.9 million for Mitt Romney. Lobbyist-bundlers brought in $545,000 in February.
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.
Some GOP Candidates Leaned Heavily on Super PACs as Early Voting Got Underway
February 21, 2012 | The GOP presidential candidates and the super PACs supporting them accelerated their fundraising -- and especially their spending -- in January as the first primary and caucus voters went to the polls. But Mitt Romney -- heretofore the best-funded of the Republican hopefuls -- may face hurdles going forward as more than half his donors have hit the legal maximum they can give to him for the primary season.
Lobbying Expenditures Slump in 2011
January 26, 2012 | The nation's economy may be slowly rebounding, but during 2011, the economic engine of K Street sputtered. Overall expenditures on lobbying were down for the first time in more than a decade, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
California Republican Elton Gallegly Becomes Latest House Member to Retire
January 9, 2012 | Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) has become the latest incumbent member of the U.S. House of Representatives to set his sights on the exit. This weekend, Gallegly announced his plans to retire at the end of his current term rather than seek reelection in a district that would pit him against House Armed Services Committee Chair Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.).
Who is Behind the Attacks on Dem Senate Candidate Elizabeth Warren?
December 12, 2011 | Nothing is known about the donors to Crossroads GPS -- a conservative group that, along with its affiliated super PAC, American Crossroads -- plans to spend $240 million during the 2012 election cycle. But the finance, insurance and real estate sector accounts for $1 out of every $9 that American Crossroads has raised. Yet Crossroads GPS recently slammed Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren for allegedly being too close to Big Finance.
Bankrupt Alabama County Full of Prolific Campaign Donors, Abortion Fights Brew and More in Capital Eye Opener: Nov. 14
November 14, 2011 | Despite the move last week by Jefferson County, Ala., to file for bankruptcy, the residents of the region have continually been among the most generous Alabamians in terms of their campaign contributions.
Lobbying Plus Public Relations, Super PAC Hopes to See Green and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 27
October 27, 2011 | One of the twenty biggest lobbying firms in Washington is expanding into public relations and merging with international public relations firm Grayling, The Hill reports.
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.
Bank of America Draws Criticism, Guns Groups Assault DC and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 6
October 6, 2011 | Bank of America's decision to charge its debit card users $5 per month has drawn the ire first of customers, and now, politicians, including President Barack Obama, who collected about $395,000 from Bank of America employees during his 2008 presidential run -- although this year BofA employees have favored Republican Mitt Romney with their campaign cash.
Madea's Big Money, Wyden's Call for ICANN Ethics and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 15
September 15, 2011 | Many of the men on Forbes' list of highest-paid men in entertainment, released this week, are active political contributors.
Obama vs. Lobbyists, Elizabeth Warren Enters Senate Race and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 14
September 14, 2011 | A report released last week by the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest, which uses data from the Center for Responsive Politics, argues that to President Barack Obama's attempts to reduce the influence of lobbyists in Washington have instead led to decreased transparency and harmed the public interest.
The Free Trade Lobby, John Edwards' New Lawyer and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 22
August 22, 2011 | Earlier this year, Republicans in both the House and Senate introduced resolutions urging approval of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. At since then, hundreds of companies, unions and trade associations have set their sites on the proposal.
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.
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.
Union Contributions Low in 2011, Rick Perry Gets a Super PAC and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 7
July 7, 2011 | Union donations to federal candidates for the first three months of 2011 are far lower than donations during the same period in 2009 and in 2007, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Barack Obama Rewards Elite Donors, Huntsman Invests in New Video and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 16
June 16, 2011 | Republican Jon Huntsman, the former governor of Utah and a former ambassador, used his vast personal fortune to fund a new website and video hyping his presidential bid, which he plans to launch next week. Huntsman is the son of American businessman Jon Huntsman, Sr., whose net worth is estimated to exceed $1 billion.
John Edwards' Less-Frequent Filing, Golf's Political Drive and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 6
June 6, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Mitch Daniels' Family Matters, Continued Cash Blast in NY-26 and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 23
May 23, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Will Ron Paul's Third Presidential Run Be a Charm for Texas Republican?
May 13, 2011 | Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), the granddaddy of the Tea Party movement, showed the world he could turn enthusiastic grassroots support into political gold during the 2008 election cycle. But as he again seeks the GOP presidential nomination this year, Paul hopes he won't be just playing second fiddle to the Romneys and Gingriches of the race.
Tiny Towns Spend Big Bucks on Lobbyists to Reap Federal Government Riches
May 4, 2011 | Investment in federal lobbying spurs huge returns for some small cities.
Lobbying on Guns, Abortion, Labor Spikes During New Congressional Session
May 3, 2011 | Several of the year's hottest political topics have witnessed the greatest increase in lobbyists' attention during the first months of the 112th Congress, according to a preliminary analysis of lobbying reports by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Corporate Donors Dole Out Hefty Sums to Democratic, GOP Governors Associations
April 29, 2011 | Unlike political committees or candidates for federal office, the Democratic Governors Association and Republican Governors Association both may receive unlimited amounts of money in their bids to support gubernatorial candidates across the nation. And raise cash they did.
Obama's Contribution Disclosure Order, Issa Fights for Transparency and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 21
April 21, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
FEC Audits Obama's 2008 Campaign, Vilsack to Run in Iowa And More in Captial Eye Opener: April 19
April 19, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
House Financial Services Committee: Hotbed of Money From Financial Sector Interests
April 15, 2011 | The House Financial Services Committee is a furnace in which legislation affecting Wall Street is forged. It's also a hotbed of money from individuals and political committee committees connected to the financial sector.
Congressional Freshmen Saddled With Debt Turn to PACs
April 14, 2011 | Many of the 87 House GOP freshmen who ran as Washington outsiders are now turning to K Street lobbyists and other special interest groups to help pay off their sizable campaign debts and prepare for their re-election campaigns.
Business Targets Campaigns of Key Committee Members
April 13, 2011 | It's no secret that corporations and special interest groups that dominate lobbying in the nation's capital routinely shower campaign cash on congressional committees directly affecting affect their business interests. But a study by the Center for Responsive Politics and The Fiscal Times found that special interests routinely target members of Congress who can do them the most good.
Financial PACs 'Invest' in Influential Freshmen
April 13, 2011 | Five House Republican freshmen who received substantial campaign contribution from the financial industry after the Nov. 2 election are taking the lead in trying to repeal or replace parts of the sweeping Dodd-Frank financial services reform law.
OpenSecrets.org / Fiscal Times Investigation Reveals Intimate Ties Among Congressional Committees, Special Interests
April 13, 2011 | The Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets.org) and The Fiscal Times have today launched a joint reporting project that explores the intimate ties among congressional committees and the moneyed industries and special interests that seek to influence them
How D.C. Lobbies D.C., Backchecking on Broadcast Royalties and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 11
April 11, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Stephen Colbert's New PAC, SEC's New Shareholder Rights and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 1
April 1, 2011 | In a dispute with Home Depot regarding shareholders' rights to know about the company's political spending, the Securities and Exchange Commission has come down on the side of additional transparency. Shareholder activism has been a hot bed of activity since the U.S. Supreme Court, a year ago, overturned a ban on corporate independent expenditures in federal elections in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
Michele Bachmann's Miniskirt, Fiesta Siesta and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 31
March 31, 2011 | Here's something you don't see every day: Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) in a miniskirt with her top political donors and their companies embroidered into it
Scott Brown Protects Planned Parenthood, CREW Files Suit and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 23
March 23, 2011 | With all the news coming in from Japan, Libya and other countries in the Middle East, news coverage over the budget debate seems to have been sidelined somewhat. Nonetheless, legislators on Capitol Hill are still working to come to some sort of compromise..
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?
Nuclear Power Industry Primed for Political Fight if Officials Sour on Plant Expansion Plans
March 14, 2011 | If a political fight over nuclear power materializes, advocates of nuclear energy in the United States are primed for it, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal lobbying and campaign finance data indicates.
Lobbyists Aggressively Targeted Democrats' Top Priorities During Barack Obama's First Two Years
March 10, 2011 | One out of every four groups that lobbied on any issue at the federal level during 2009 or 2010 targeted their efforts on health care reform, financial regulatory reform, the stimulus and cap-and-trade climate proposals, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
What Unites Pete King and Keith Ellison, D.C. Spy Games and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 7
March 7, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Republican Newt Gingrich Wants to Party Like It's 1995
March 3, 2011 | Former Republican Congressman Newt Gingrich of Georgia, who served as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 through 1998, is testing the waters of a presidential run.
American Solutions for Winning the Future: Republican Newt Gingrich's Mighty Political Committee
February 22, 2011 | During the past five years, Republican Newt Gingrich has raised about $52 million for his tax-exempt 527 committee, including $28.2 million during 2009 and 2010, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis.
Political Powerhouses Tell House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa to Gut Regulations
February 10, 2011 | Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, this week released nearly 2,000 pages of documents from more than 100 companies and trade associations outlining federal regulations they'd like to axe. Most of these groups have also invested significant sums in lobbying and donations to lawmakers to make their political points, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Jane Harman Leaves Congress, Obama Meets the Chamber of Commerce and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 8
February 8, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money and politics.
Federal Lobbying Expenditures Plateau After Years of Rapid Growth
February 4, 2011 | The nation's financial malaise is finally catching up to K Street, where federal lobbying activity plateaued for the first time in a decade, the Center for Responsive Politics' research indicates. After a record $3.49 billion in lobbying spending in 2009, lobbying expenditures in 2010 by corporations, unions, trade associations, universities and other organizations will, at most, eclipse that amount by the narrowest of margins.
Political Candidates Pad Profits of Embattled BP, Citgo Through Campaign Expenditures
January 27, 2011 | Many political candidates in Washington and on the campaign trail had plenty to say about oil company villainy during the 2010 election cycle. But some campaigns and political committees had little problem padding the profits of two embattled companies in particular -- BP and Citgo.
OpenSecrets.org Provides 2011 Legislative Preview Ahead of Barack Obama's State of the Union Address
January 25, 2011 | OpenSecrets Blog offers a preview on the legislative priorities destined to shape political discourse throughout 2011.
Capital Rivals: U.S. Chamber of Commerce vs. SEIU
December 28, 2010 | This edition of Capital Rivals takes an intimate look at two of the biggest big players in politics: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Service Employees International Union.
The Net Neutrality Lobby, FEC Sues Congressman's Donors and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 22
December 22, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Daly Does the K Street Shuffle, Elmo at the White House and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 17
December 17, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Bank of America Spending Riches to Influence Federal Government that Fined it $137 Million
December 8, 2010 | While being targeted by the government for consumer and corporate power abuses, Bank of America has spent millions of dollars attempting to woo state and federal officials through professional lobbying efforts and campaign contributions, an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics finds. The company even has two corporate political action committees that target the levels of government differently.
Capital Rivals: Nancy Pelosi vs. John Boehner
December 2, 2010 | Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and John Boehner (R-Ohio) lawmakers have been in Congress for at least two decades, and have plenty influence to show for it. Political watchers are prepared for the rivals -- their positions switched -- to resume their sparring in January. OpenSecrets Blog, meanwhile, details who may have the key political advantages as the curtain opens on the 112th Congress.
The Full-Body Scan Lobby, First Lady's Chief of Staff is Leaving and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 17
November 17, 2010 | The lobbying contracts of the major distributors of the full-body scanners show a network of lobbyists deeply connected in Washington. For instance, L-3 Communications hired former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R-N.Y.) who was once on the Commission on Aviation Security under President George H.W. Bush.
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?
Some Corporations and Trade Associations Hedged Bets on Winners of Midterm Elections
November 5, 2010 | Some corporations and trade groups seemingly believe that no political party is inherently better than another. And they donate as such.
Wall Street's Double Standard, What's New at OpenSecrets and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 4
November 4, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Democratic Lawmakers Help Bankroll Blue Dog Gene Taylor, Who Voted For McCain Over Obama
October 29, 2010 | Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) collected $11,500 from fellow Democrats during his 2008 congressional bid, and he's collected $10,500 from Democratic leadership PACs and candidate committees since January 2009, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Nalco, Company Behind Dispersants Used in Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Clean Up, Ratchets Up Politicking in 2010
October 27, 2010 | The Illinois-based company that manufactured the dispersants used by BP after the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico spent exponentially more on federal lobbying in the disaster's wake than it has historically.
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Shower Congressional Candidates With Cash, Attention Ahead of Own Potential 2012 Bids
October 25, 2010 | Various conservative straw polls from this year have put Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich on top as voter favorites. Although primaries don't begin for another 16 months, potential candidates are already laying groundwork for possible presidential runs. In the meantime, OpenSecrets Blog explores the financial activities during the 2009-2010 election cycle of the politicos who are angling to challenge President Barack Obama in the next presidential election.
JPMorgan Chase Prevails in Lobbying Battle of Big Banks
October 24, 2010 | New York-based financial services firm JPMorgan Chase spent $2.74 million on federal lobbying from July through September this year, topping the list of big-spending commercial banks, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of third-quarter federal lobbying reports, which were filed last week.
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.
OpenSecrets Blog PolitiQuizz: Which Congressional Star Makes the Most from Entertainers?
October 4, 2010 | This week's PolitiQuizz asks you to dive into the world of the TV, movies and the music industry.
Oil and Gas Contributions Still Rising in 2010, Republicans Receiving Bulk of Industry Cash
October 1, 2010 | This spring and summer, hundreds of millions of gallons of oil seeped into the Gulf of Mexico. Simultaneously, debate raged in Congress about ocean drilling, energy independence, cap and trade legislation and a shift away from fossil-fuel energy sources. Nevertheless, congressional candidates and federal political committees nationwide have raked in more than $17 million from the oil and gas industry so far during the 2010 election cycle -- a number on pace to easily exceed that of the most recent midterm election four years ago.
GM Revs Political Engine, AFL-CIO in Your Mailbox and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 28
September 28, 2010 | It's been about two years since the federal government came to the rescue of General Motors with a $8.1 billion congressionally-approved (and taxpayer-fronted) bailout fund. And now that the auto giant has returned to profitability, some members of Congress are seeing their vote pay political dividends....
Candidates in Hotly Contested Races Collect Big Money from Wall Street Interests
September 27, 2010 | Ahead of the November election, top 20 House beneficiaries of the people and political action committees associated with the finance, insurance and real estate sector have together collected more than $16.2 million from Wall Street interests since January 2009. Meanwhile, the Senate candidates and sitting senators to receive the most from Wall Street interests raked in more than $41.3 million since January 2005 -- the beginning of their six-year election cycle.
Capital One's Lobbying Attack, Magliocchetti's Future Behind Bars and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 27
September 27, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Republicans' 'Pledge,' Stephen Colbert Comes to Washington and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 24
September 24, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Business Favors GOP, Poll Shows Tie Amongst Parties, and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 21, 2010
September 21, 2010 | The Wall Street Journal used data from the Center for Responsive Politics to show a clear swing in political action committee contributions throughout the business sector.
Favre, Goodell Among NFL Notables Playing Political Football During 2010 Midterms
September 9, 2010 | Brett Favre stands among 46 NFL players, owners, executives, associates, or recent retirees who, through June, have donated at least $3,000 to federal political candidates or committees during the current election cycle, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal campaign finance records indicates.
Interior Decorator Charged With Defrauding Government Donated Big to National Republican Senatorial Committee
September 3, 2010 | A Washington, D.C.-based interior decorator faces a felony fraud charge brought by the Department of Justice. But Darlene Mathis-Gardner, president and founder of Systems Design Inc., is not just any interior decorator.
GOP Hopes for Wave Election, Google Dissed by Silicon Valley Rep and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 2
September 2, 2010 | REPUBLICANS LEAD IN POLLS AND TOTAL MONEY RAISED: A new Gallup poll gives Republicans their largest lead ever -- a 10-point spread, 51 percent to 41 percent --- in Gallup's tracking of midterm elections, which dates back to 1942. But GOP candidates are also leading the race in another arena: campaign funding.
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.
Congressmen's Taxpayer-Funded Vehicles Reveal Hodgepodge of Fuel Efficiency, Government Transparency
August 24, 2010 | Congressional members' vehicles are hardly created equal when it comes to how much you, as a taxpayer, are subsidizing them. What's equally unequal: How much information members of the U.S. House of Representatives are willing to reveal about the wheels you're providing them.
Oil Spill Bills Stall in Senate as Industry, Environmental Lobbyists Battle
August 23, 2010 | The oil industry spent nearly $75 million between January and June -- equivalent to the government budget of a mid-sized American city -- lobbying the federal government.
Gay-Friendly Companies: Is GOP Senate Candidate Sharron Angle Trying to Have it Both Ways With Their Money?
August 9, 2010 | Angle, to date, hasn't raised a dime from any corporate PAC, but according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis, she has taken at least $8,900 from leaders of companies known to offer employee benefits to same-sex spouses or that operate in jurisdictions that recognize marriage between same-sex couples.
Halliburton Continues to Flood Lawmakers With Contributions After Oil Spill
July 9, 2010 | Halliburton, the company once headed by former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, contributed $15,500 to federal candidates during June, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of their political action committee's most recent campaign finance filing. That amount represents the third largest month of donations by the PAC this election cycle.
State and Local Governments Aggressively Lobby the Federal Government in Hope of Federal Aid
July 2, 2010 | Take a little national health care reform, mix it with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and add a jobs bill. It's proving to be a recipe for state and local governments -- some of which are running massive budget deficits -- to spend near-record levels of money hiring professional lobbyists in a bid for federal aid.
Threadbare Politics: How Partisan is Your Clothing?
June 29, 2010 | Although the clothing industry is pretty evenly divided overall, individual companies in the clothing manufacturing business tend to be notably partisan in their federal political donations, more so than almost any other industry.
Congress Shines Light on For-Profit Education Sector as Industry Makes Lobbying Surge
June 23, 2010 | Hearings to set to begin Thursday in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, led by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), will shine more light on the ongoing squabble with the Department of Education over issues like incentive pay to recruiters and gainful employment measures. But Congress is just catching up to industry lobbyists on many of the issues.
OpenSecrets.org Shines More Light on the Politicking of Koch Industries, Northrop Grumman, Anheuser-Busch and More
June 11, 2010 | The Center for Responsive Politics has added six new organizations to our list of "Heavy Hitters," the organizations spending the most to influence policy and politics over the years. More than 100 corporations, trade associations, unions and other groups are contained on this list.
Celebrities Max Out to DNC, Comcast Allegations and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 9
June 9, 2010 | The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing in Los Angeles Monday to discuss the effect of a proposed merger between Comcast and NBC Universal. During the course of the hearing, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif) seemed to indicate representatives of Comcast made vague, but inappropriate and potentially illegal offers to her.
Ward Loses to Labrador in Idaho, Rep. Moran Plays the Market and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 26
May 26, 2010 | A POTATO FLAVORED TEA PARTY: On Tuesday, Republicans from the 1st Congressional District in Idaho chose state Rep. Raul Labrador as their candidate in the general election. Labrador defeated Vaughn Ward even though Labrador entered the race late and also faced a significant monetary disadvantage.
First Lady Michelle Obama, Nutrition Advocates Aim to Navigate Resistance from Agribusiness, Corporate Lobbies
May 12, 2010 | Upon her arrival in the White House, first lady Michelle Obama launched the "Let's Move" campaign, encouraging healthier eating habits and reduced obesity rates -- a campaign for which she formally unveiled the goals Tuesday. Yet as the first lady and lawmakers work to enact these goals, they must navigate substantial corporate interests when making decisions about the strictness of regulations and standards for nutrition.
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.
Lawmakers Make Bank from Goldman Sachs, D.C. Voting Bill Gunned Down and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 21
April 21, 2010 | While the Securities and Exchange Commission endeavors to whack Goldman Sachs for alleged fraud, it's worth noting that another government entity -- Congress -- is deeply invested in the company. Quite literally.
Phil Mickelson a Champion of JD Hayworth, SCOTUS Hopefuls' Politicking and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 12
April 11, 2010 | About 16 years ago, Lefty swung right -- and the move didn't involve a 9-iron. Rather, Phil Mickelson donated $705 to the campaign of the deeply conservative JD Hayworth, who was then running for the U.S. House.
Wal-Mart, UBS and Other Groups Added to OpenSecrets.org List of Top Political Givers
April 2, 2010 | Today, the Center for Responsive Politics' list of the top-spending corporations and special interest groups peppering politicians with overwhelming amounts of money in hope of influencing the political process just got bigger.
Google, Facebook Among Young Tech Companies Firing Up Lobbying Efforts
March 15, 2010 | Google's exponential increase in federal lobbying is representative of many Internet companies. And few industries have grown as quickly as the computer and Internet industry has.
Public Option in National Spotlight, But Rarely in Details of Lobbying Reports
February 24, 2010 | What do AT&T, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the Teamsters Union, U.S. Steel, Lowe's, the NAACP, the Colorado Farm Bureau and the City of St. Louis all have in common? Give up? They're part of the motley crew of fewer than three-dozen entities that reported lobbying specifically on the "public option" last year.
The Politics of Woof, Nukes to Mushroom and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 17
February 17, 2010 | Poodly puffballs, giant hulk-dogs and glorified gerbils alike pranced, danced and yelped their way through New York City's Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, with judges at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show ultimately bestowing top honors on a Scottish terrier. Democratic Blue Dogs and Bo the presidential canine aside, what does man' best friend have to do with politics? A good deal, it turns out.
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.
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.
Chris Dodd's Quackability, a Bank Tax Blowback and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 21
January 21, 2010 | Will Sen. Chris Dodd crack under pressure from the financial industry and opponents in Congress and drop the idea to create the independent Consumer Financial Protection Agency as part of financial regulatory reform legislation?
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.
Hedge Funds, Private Equity Firms, Payday Lenders Seek Financial Security from Congress
November 30, 2009 | Legislation aimed at regulating the securities and investment industry is as complex as the industry itself. But the trade groups representing these interests all seem to have at least one thing in common: they fear additional government regulation will damage their business, which especially concerns them given the ailing economy.
Finance and Credit Companies Lobby Lawmakers As Congress Moves to Aggressively Regulate Them
November 19, 2009 | The various companies and trade groups within the finance and credit industry have contributed about $62.4 million to federal candidates, committees and leadership PACs since 1989, with 62 percent of that sum going to Republicans. In the 2008 election cycle, however, the employees and political action committees of these organizations directed a majority of their money to Democrats for the first time since the 1990 election.
Spencer Bachus: 'No More Bailouts'
November 19, 2009 | Although Bachus isn't new to the House Financial Services Committee, he's relatively new to the committee's ranking member position, which he assumed in 2007. Since 1992, employees and political action committees associated with the financial sector have given Bachus $4 million -- exponentially more than any other sector during that time.
Insurers Seek Cover From New Federal Regulations
November 18, 2009 | Risk and uncertainty are as certain as death and taxes. So, to share the burden of risk and hedge against the full financial liability, companies have long offered consumers a variety of insurance products. Facing the prospect of new regulation, the insurance industry is on pace to break a record $154 million it spent on federal lobbying efforts last year. During the first nine months of this year, insurers spent $122 million and hired 953 lobbyists.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, November 18
November 18, 2009 | BANK ON A CASH GRAB: The financial services industry has funneled two-and-a-half times more money to members of the Senate and House banking committees, reveals a new report by Public Citizen, which uses Center for Responsive Politics data.
Blue Dogs and New Democrats Find Friends on Wall Street
November 17, 2009 | Like the health care reform debate, financial regulation legislation has divided members of the same party, opening a rift between liberal and moderate Democrats. But unlike the health care reform debate, where the moderate Blue Dog Democrats have been rabid in their opposition to a public insurance option, a different group has emerged to voice moderates' concerns over financial regulation -- but both are magnets for cash from the financial sector.
Crossing Wall Street
November 16, 2009 | As the United States continues digging itself out of a recession, the nation is poised to re-emerge in a dramatically altered financial climate. And after years of enjoying relatively little regulation, commercial banks, credit companies, hedge funds and securities and investment companies are facing the most extensive overhaul by the federal government since the Great Depression. Over the next seven days, Capital Eye will be following the special interest money in our "Crossing Wall Street" series as both the House and Senate tackle financial regulation.
Federal Lobbying Boom Continues, Third Quarter Reports Indicate
October 30, 2009 | 2009 is on pace to be another bumper year for lobbyists. During the third quarter, corporations, unions, trade associations and other special interests spent $849 million on federal lobbying, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.5 billion. Perhaps not surprisingly, the sectors that could be affected most by the Obama administration's domestic agenda -- particularly health, business and energy -- have been some of the biggest spenders over the course of the year.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, October 30
October 30, 2009 | USING FEDERAL BAILING MONEY TO SECURE ... MORE BAILOUT MONEY? Financial services giant GMAC is effectively broke. Federal officials -- and taxpayers -- may be interested to learn, however, that GMAC has spent nearly $1 million during the first three quarters of this year to lobby the very federal government it's begging for our greenbacks, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis finds.
'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.
Big Donors Ramp Up to Fight FCC Net Neutrality Decision
October 28, 2009 | The Federal Communications Commission's decision last week to begin developing open Internet regulation has left a few big-time political donors and lobbying forces in the telecom industry wondering whether their message got lost in transmission.
House Financial Services Committee Considers Regulating Industries That Heavily Fund Members' Campaigns
October 14, 2009 | The House Financial Services Committee today begins marking up a bill that would create a new consumer protection agency and increase regulation of a number of financial products. Even as members of the committee consider how to prevent another economic collapse, they may have another financial issue in mind -- the industries opposing the measure have contributed $77.6 million to the 71 members of the committee since 1989.
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: Monday, October 5
October 5, 2009 | REPUBLICANS WRANGLE WITH RANGEL'S CONDUCT: Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) has been the center of an ongoing ethics probe and recent calls from Republicans to oust him from his chairmanship of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee means the spotlight isn't going to dim any time soon.
Paul Kirk, Massachusetts' Interim U.S. Senator, Intimately Tied to Business, Lobbying and Democrats
September 24, 2009 | The U.S. Senate vacancy created by the death of liberal lion Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) is prompting another trip through the revolving door of political influence for longtime Kennedy ally Paul G. Kirk, Jr. Kirk was an aide to Kennedy from 1969 until 1977. He subsequently went on to join the law firm Sullivan & Worcester, where he has worked as a partner and lobbyist. Since 1989, he and his wife have also given $65,325 to Democratic candidates and committees.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, September 22
September 22, 2009 | MOTIVE: POLITICAL FUNDRAISING?: Hassan Nemazee, head of a private equity firm, has been indicted for defrauding Bank of America and HSBC, adding to his indictment for defrauding Citigroup. Nemazee and his family have raised $824,500 total for at least 75 lawmakers since 1993, including President Barack Obama ($13,800), Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ($33,500) and Vice President Joe Biden ($23,700) of Massachusetts.
Commercial Banks Lobby Federal Government to Save Billions on Derivatives
September 4, 2009 | Five of the nation's largest commercial banks stand to earn $35 billion on derivatives contracts this year -- but only if they get their way. To ensure that federal legislation won't kill their chance of collecting that cash, they're pouring money into campaign contributions and lobbying efforts.
States and Municipalities Aggressively Lobby Federal Government for Scarce Aid
September 3, 2009 | So far in 2009, 73 local, state or territorial governmental entities have spent at least $100,000 between January and June to lobby the federal government. More than 750 have spent at least $20,000.
Campaign, Data Experts Offer Pointed Suggestions for Improving FEC's Website
August 25, 2009 | Less jargon, more reliable campaign finance data and a greater emphasis on public accessibility should rank among the Federal Election Commissions chief goals as it mulls improvements to its website and communications efforts, several elections experts testified Tuesday before commissioners.
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.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, August 7
August 7, 2009 | Your morning round-up of news and tidbits from the world of money and influence in politics.
Health, Energy and Finance Sectors Dominate 2nd Quarter Lobbying
July 29, 2009 | Want to launch your own investigation into second quarter lobbying expenditures? Start here.
Financial and Real Estate Firms Feel Economic Pinch as Lobbying Efforts Wane
July 29, 2009 | From families to cities to businesses, a terrifically awful national economy is causing most everyone to crimp their spending. Financial institutions and real estate firms, some financially marginalized to the brink of insolvency or beyond, are no exception, particularly when it comes to their government lobbying efforts.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, July 28
July 28, 2009 | It's only Tuesday and already there's plenty of fodder for our new Capital Eye Opener.
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
Unlikely Groups Enter Federal Health Care debate
July 9, 2009 | Though health care companies and consumer advocacy organizations are the most active players in the nation's debate over health care reform, non-medical groups are also lobbying to promote pet causes. They are shelling out considerable cash in the hope of influencing the direction of reform this summer.
Rep. Boustany, Ex-Heart Surgeon, Hearts Market-Based Health Reforms
July 7, 2009 | Former heart surgeon Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.) has raised more than $971,000 from health professionals since 2003 -- his No. 1 industry backer. He is also a member of the House Republican Health Care Reform Working Group and a vocal advocate for private market reforms.
Democratic Doc Favors Single-Payer Health Care For All
June 30, 2009 | Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) is a physician and psychiatrist who is one of the leaders of the House Progressive Caucus on health reform. He has long favored a single-payer health care system, although the health sector is his second largest financial backer.
Nursing Homes Fear Job Loss With Medicare Cuts
June 30, 2009 | The nursing home care industry is focusing the bulk of its attention--and likely money--on thwarting a rule supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and originally proposed by the Bush administration.
Blue Dog Bark Backed by Insurers
June 25, 2009 | There's a particular breed of lawmaker on Capitol Hill that is pushing hard against a public health care plan, much to the delight of two seriously moneyed special interest groups-insurers and pharmaceuticals. They're the Blue Dogs: moderate, vocal and funded in part by the industries trying to protect their bottom line.
Dentist-Congressman Advocates Private-Sector Health Care
June 25, 2009 | The ranking member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, Linder is also a former dentist and businessman. A former member of the American Dental Association, the group is also his No. 2 campaign donor.
Hospitals Take a Scalpel to Reform Proposals
June 24, 2009 | The president of the American Hospital Association has asked its members in recent weeks to "push back" on any proposals from Washington that involve cuts to hospital payments. That could be quite the push--behind the interest group's effort is a history of powerful lobbying and a constant stream of considerable campaign contributions.
Amid Push for Regulation, Hedge Funds Spend Big on Lobbying
June 22, 2009 | As the White House and Congress propose new financial regulations in the wake of the recession, the hedge fund industry is stepping up its lobbying efforts. This morning's Wall Street Journal (subscription only) cites CRP data detailing hedge funds' political spending this year--$1.6 million in the 1st Quarter of 2009 on lobbying--as pro-regulation Democrats have assumed control over both Congress and the White House.
Insurers Fight Public Health Plan
June 18, 2009 | Health care reform could be the insurance industry's greatest nightmare or sweetest dream, depending on the fate of some of the most sweeping proposals. And insurers are hoping that the $765.2 million* they've spent on lobbying since 1998 will pay off now.
Diagnosis: Reform
June 17, 2009 | For some individuals, how Congress aims to reform America's health care system is literally a matter of life and death. For some industries, it could mean the difference between weathering the economic storm or shuttering their businesses. Over the next month, Capital Eye will be following the money as the various special interest groups continue to play politics in response to Congress's health reform proposals. Follow the month-long series here.
Obama's Choice For Army Secretary Received Money from Labor & Defense Interests, Including PMA Group
June 2, 2009 | President Barack Obama's choice for the Secretary of the Army, Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) would bring with him strong ties to the defense industry's checkbooks and lobbyists, including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and PMA Group.
Despite Filing for Bankruptcy, GM to Continue History of Political Spending
June 2, 2009 | Before becoming a symbol of the nation's economic problems, General Motors had long been considered a reliable cash cow for lawmakers of both parties.
Ethanol Producers Fueled By Oil and Gas Companies
May 28, 2009 | As biofuel companies and oil and gas companies form an unlikely--though perhaps inevitable--alliance, the smaller biofuels are benefiting both by the capital and the backing of an industry with longstanding influence over the federal government.
Capital Eye Report: Credit Rating Agencies Under Fire Drop More Dollars on Political Influence
May 14, 2009 | As Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eye new rules and regulations to ameliorate the financial turmoil, credit rating agencies are coming under increased scrutiny and are reaching out to K Street for a helping hand.
Where Are PMA Group Lobbyists Now?
May 11, 2009 | A number of former PMA Group lobbyists have started their own firm, Flagship Government Relations, which collected $210,000 from clients in the 1st Quarter of 2009. Here's a full list of where PMA's lobbyists have wound up so far.
OpenSecrets Makes (Another) Appearance on the Colbert Report
April 15, 2009 | Anyone watching last night's "Colbert Report" on Comedy Central may have caught his OpenSecrets shout-out when discussing Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who is sponsoring a bill to regulate the payday loan industry.
Tobacco Lobby Lights Up Debate on Industry Regulation
March 31, 2009 | Whether there's a victory cigar in the future for tobacco executives depends entirely on if Congress passes a bill in the upcoming days that would force more regulation upon the industry. The House is set to vote Wednesday on the legislation, which would give the Food and Drug Administration the power to approve or reject current or upcoming tobacco products and ingredients. The tobacco lobby has spent millions on lobbying over the years but doesn't have the backing of its biggest company (and lobbyist) Philip Morris.
Empty Disclosure
March 19, 2009 | Some lobbyists appear to collect money for nothing--more than half a billion dollars from clients over the last decade, Center finds.
Investment Manager Stanford Was Big-Time Campaign Contributor
February 17, 2009 | Money manager Robert Allen Stanford now has two things in common with embattled investment manager Bernard Madoff: both have come under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding their investors, and both have given significant funds to politicians. Between its PAC and its employees, Stanford Financial Group has given $2.4 million to federal candidates, parties and committees since 2000.
TARP Recipients Paid Out $114 Million for Politicking Last Year
February 4, 2009 | The companies that have been awarded taxpayers' money from Congress's bailout bill spent $77 million on lobbying and $37 million on federal campaign contributions, CRP has found. The return on investment: 258,449 percent.
Washington Lobbying Grew to $3.2 Billion Last Year, Despite Economy
January 29, 2009 | While companies across the board were losing record amounts of money and laying off employees last year, at least one industry seemed to weather the recession: lobbying. Special interests paid Washington lobbyists $3.2 billion in 2008, more than any other year on record and a 13.7 percent increase from 2007, CRP has found. Corporations in the finance, insurance and real estate sector and automotive industry actually slowed or decreased their lobbying spending overall last year, relying instead on trade associations to represent them.
Wealthy Freshmen Increase Congressional Net Worth
January 28, 2009 | New members of Congress are worth $1 million more than the average incumbent, CRP has found after analyzing the lawmakers' personal financial disclosure reports. As they make decisions about the economy, freshmen and incumbents are heavily invested in the struggling financial sector.
Hedge Fund Managers Plead Their Case on Capitol Hill
November 14, 2008 | The five hedge fund managers who testified Thursday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are more likely to find friends among Democrats, who have received 65 percent of the total $14.2 million the unregulated industry has given this election cycle to federal candidates, committees and parties.
Perhaps Anticipating Reform Debate, Health Money Swings to Dems
October 30, 2008 | Widely perceived to be one of the nation's biggest challenges, health care reform will be at the top of the next administration's agenda, and a battle over proposed changes is certain. For the past 15 years, the health sector, which is already gearing up for next year's fight, has given more money to Republicans than Democrats. But with Democrats in control of Congress-and likely to pick up a few more seats next week-the tide is turning.
Races to Watch IX: Wall Street's Favorite Candidates
October 9, 2008 | Not at all to the chagrin of oil and gas companies (and lawmakers who have received campaign donations from them), Wall Street is the new black for congressional candidates looking to link their opponents to an unpopular industry. As federal lawmakers have wrestled with an economic bailout plan worth $700 billion, candidates who have received contributions from the financial sector are on the defensive. Find out which candidates are filling their war chests with money from the finance sector in Capital Eye's final installment of Races to Watch.
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 IV: Money Flowing from Oil and Gas
September 29, 2008 | The oil and gas industry, under the spotlight this fall with energy at the forefront of political discourse, isn't hesitating to put some of its record profits into the hands of candidates who support its cause (or those it's seeking to convert). So far this election cycle, the oil and gas industry has given $12.3 million total to congressional candidates. The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has identified the candidates who have received the most money from oil and gas interests in this election cycle, and Capital Eye selected a few races to more deeply examine the impact of well-digger dollars on politics.
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.
Money and Votes Aligned in Congress's Last Debate Over Bank Regulation
September 23, 2008 | The last time Congress seriously debated how to regulate the financial industry, the result was legislation that allowed the nation's largest banks to get even larger and take risks that had been prohibited since the Great Depression. A look back at that debate, which was over the 1999 Financial Services Modernization Act, reveals that campaign contributions may have influenced the votes of politicians who, a decade later, are now grappling with the implosion of the giant banks they helped to foster.
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.
The Money Behind Palin
August 29, 2008 | John McCain surprised political pundits this morning by inviting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to join him on the Republican ticket. Because Palin's political career is relatively new (she was mayor of Wasilla, an Anchorage suburb, and became governor after the 2006 election), there's little information available in the way of a campaign finance profile. But at the Center for Responsive Politics, we've strung together these observations about Palin's campaign fundraising and money --- and money-related scandal -- in Alaska politics.
Financial Industry Lobbyists Keep Bankers' Hours
August 26, 2008 | For every star-studded concert and poker tournament when the sun goes down over the Rockies, there are dozens of mundane corporate events during the day that resemble what goes on in Washington nearly every other day of the year. Such was the scene Tuesday at a daytime event sponsored by the Financial Services Roundtable, an influential alliance of the nation's biggest banks, insurers, mortgage lenders, investment advisors, credit card companies.
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.
Ethanol Essay Wins OpenSecrets.org Journalism Contest!
August 25, 2008 | The Center for Responsive Politics is pleased to announce that Cassie Fleming, a rising senior at the University of Nebraska, is the winner of OpenSecrets.org's first Citizen Journalism Contest. Read her winning essay on this topic: "How have campaign contributions and lobbying efforts influenced policy on an issue you care about?"
Power Struggle: Alternative Energy Looks to New Administration, Congress for Progress
July 31, 2008 | Long in the shadow of traditional energy sources, alternative energy has come into the spotlight as a potential energy crisis looms. For some producers of alternative energy sources, this is the perfect time to promote their legislative wish list--and spend more money than they ever have before to do it. Others are considering the new push as just hype in the on-again, off-again quest for renewable energy.
Power Struggle: Senators Shore Up Cash from Divided Tourism Industry
July 31, 2008 | While this year's own battle over offshore drilling for oil has largely been a skirmish between the deep-pocketed oil and gas industry and grassroots environmentalists, senators along the coast in particular have to pay attention to an additional industry that's a player on Capitol Hill: tourism.
These Candidates Must Have Been Going Postal
July 21, 2008 | Capital Eye reported recently on a direct-mail fundraising firm that often keeps most of the money it raises for candidates to pay for postage and printing—and as profit. The direct-mail business as a whole has inherently high overhead, and regardless of which firm a candidate employs, it's likely that when a donor responds to a piece of mail soliciting campaign funds, a good chunk of the donation goes toward paying for the letter that asked for money in the first place.
Power Struggle: Energizing the Presidential Race
July 17, 2008 | Like a gas tank hungry for cheap fuel, Americans are yearning for an energy policy from their next president. But various industries and interests, from oil companies to agriculture and environmental groups, also have a serious stake in the next president's energy policy, and are showing it with campaign contributions and lobbying efforts.
For Richer or Poorer
June 26, 2008 | The marriage vow "for richer or poorer" is more than a promise between two people when one of those people is a member of Congress. When lawmakers and their spouses utter those words, they're agreeing to reveal to the world the scope of how rich or poor they may be.
Pale Green
April 18, 2008 | When environmentalists, lobbyists and eco-friendly citizens come a-knockin' on lawmakers' office doors on Earth Day next week, Democrats (and some Republicans) will detail their legislation that directs taxes collected from the oil and gas industry towards renewable energy initiatives. What they probably won't mention is that lawmakers themselves aren't taking a risk on them with their own money.
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.
Strategic Assets
April 3, 2008 | From aircraft and weapons manufacturers to producers of medical supplies and soft drinks, the investment portfolios of more than a quarter of Congress—and of countless constituents—include holdings in companies paid billions of dollars each month to support America's military in Iraq and elsewhere.
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.
Lawmakers Divest Because of Darfur
December 20, 2007 | Congress supported divestment from Sudan this week, but some lawmakers still have a financial stake in companies tied to the genocidal regime.
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.
Outsourcing the Income
December 6, 2007 | As individuals are pushed to replace soft money, professional fundraisers profit.
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.
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.
Business Industries Switching Sides in Presidential Race
July 19, 2007 | Nearly all industries clearly align themselves with one party or another through their campaign contributions to the presidential hopefuls, often supporting the candidate or candidates who favor measures that would benefit the industry.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Business
June 14, 2007 | Business speaks with a loud voice, but its sub-industries have varying views.
Congressional Preview
April 7, 2007 | New leadership in the 110th Congress means newfound influence for interests friendly to Democrats By Miranda Blue and Lindsay Renick Mayer January 04, 2007 | With the changing of the guard on Capitol Hill comes a shift in lobbying efforts. In December, the Republican-led 109th Congress closed with a late-night flurry of bills to appease…
Hot-Button Interests Cooled Down in '06 Election
March 21, 2007 | Voters and candidates had their minds on the war, so PACs representing abortion and gun interests pulled back on their campaign contributions. By Lindsay Renick Mayer March 21, 2007 | Although political action committees across all industries increased their total contributions to candidates during the last election, giving by PACs tied to several hot-button political…
New Year, New Election Cycle Bring New Leadership Team at the Center for Responsive Politics
January 3, 2007 | WASHINGTON – The longtime research director of the Center for Responsive Politics, Sheila Krumholz, has been promoted to Executive Director of the nonpartisan watchdog group, the Center's board of directors has announced. And to develop new services to further the Center's educational mission, diversify financial support for the organization and form new strategic partnerships, the…
Lobbying Rules Make Weldon Case Hard to Investigate
October 18, 2006 | Pennsylvania congressman urges reliance on 'verifiable' facts, but there has been little public disclosure of his daughter's lobbying business. By Lindsay Renick Mayer October 18, 2006 | As federal investigators examine whether Rep. Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania used his political clout to help his daughter's lobbying firm and her clients, members of the press and…
'08 Presidential Conventions Are Big Bid-ness
July 24, 2006 | Profiles of the five metro areas vying to host—and finance—the multi-day gatherings that open the home stretch of the race for the White House. By Neil Tambe July 24, 2006 | (1/11/07 UPDATE: The Democrats have chosen Denver to be the site of their 2008 convention. The Republicans announced in September 2006 that they will…
Too Much Information
July 24, 2006 | In disclosing their personal finances, Congress members who have led efforts to prevent identity theft revealed their Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Voluminous attachments to annual filings make it more difficult to assess lawmakers' wealth. By Lindsay Renick Mayer July 24, 2006 | As personal data on millions of Americans has slipped out…
Hi-Tech Exec Who Bribed Rep. Jefferson Also Contributed to Sanchez Sisters
May 4, 2006 | iGate CEO and wife donated $26,000 to House members from Louisiana and California only. The couple is from Kentucky. By Massie Ritsch May 04, 2006 | Update: Rep. Jefferson was indicted June 4, 2007, on corruption charges stemming from his involvement with Vernon Jackson and iGate.The Kentucky technology executive who has admitted bribing Louisiana Rep.…
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…
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