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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets News
Ex-Congressman McKeon doubles down on Saudi Arabia lobbying efforts
January 17, 2019 | The largest of the two Saudi Arabia payments to McKeon's lobbying firm — $450,000 — came three days after journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death.
Lengthy history with PACs follows Tulsi Gabbard into 2020
January 14, 2019 | Decalred Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard has demonstrated ability as a respectable fundraiser, historically getting substantial sums from PACs.
Each of the five most expensive House races ever took place in 2018
December 10, 2018 | Excluding special elections, each of the five highest-spending House races ever was held this cycle. Democrats won in four of them.
Trump Foundation tax return reveals finances during Trump's first year in office as lawsuit heats up
November 26, 2018 | The Trump Foundation didn't make any grants last year after contributing $3.1 million in 2016 and reported no spending during Trump's first year in office.
Environmental groups spent millions on "green" midterm candidates
November 19, 2018 | Environmental advocacy groups heavily supported "environment champions" during the midterms.
Following recent spike in lobbying, Amazon makes move to DC metro area
November 13, 2018 | Amazon will have a location across the river from the nation's capital, where it has steadily increased its lobbying and campaign contributions.
Donors helped Democrats to modest 2018 victories in the upper midwest
November 9, 2018 | 2018 was a good election cycle for Democrats in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan. In many of the pivotal races, money played a big role.
Lobbying spending at highest levels since 2010
October 25, 2018 | Nearly $2.6 billion has been spent on lobbyists so far, the most through three quarters since 2010 and $100 million more than at this point in 2017. Third-quarter spending is up by approximately $30 million over last year.
Saudi foreign agents' political donations top $1.6 million in 2018 elections
October 23, 2018 | Political donations made by foreign agents hired to act on behalf of Saudi Arabian interests have exceeded $1.6 million in the 2018 election cycle, according to a new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
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.
Chinese media outlet Trump cited as "propaganda" spent over $15.7 million on U.S. influence since 2017
October 2, 2018 | A Chinese government-run media outlet President Donald Trump called "propaganda" has spent over $15.7 million on U.S. influence since 2017.
Can these potential 2020 candidates afford to run for president?
September 14, 2018 | Whoever wants to be president in 2020 will have to raise millions. The fundraising histories of these potential candidates can help us gauge whether they've got what it takes.
Open seats and retirements in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Connecticut take spotlight ahead of Tuesday's primaries
August 13, 2018 | Congressional primaries Tuesday in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Vermont have a handful of open seats and toss-up districts, which will be hotly watched by both parties.
Primaries head to Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington next week
August 3, 2018 | The Aug. 7 primaries in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington offer opportunities for House Democrats.
Lobbying spending dips from first quarter, up in 2018 overall
July 27, 2018 | The second quarter was a sluggish three months for federal lobbying, but spending in the first half of 2018 reached an eight-year high.
'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.
Pruitt landed wife a job at dark money group backing political allies
June 15, 2018 | The Judicial Crisis Network, which temporarily employed Pruitt's wife, has historically given more than $3.3 million to groups affiliated with the EPA chief.
FEC rejects proposal to consider new rules on foreign spending in US elections
May 25, 2018 | The FEC has considered similar proposals before, but none have passed. Vice Chair Ellen Weintraub, who proposed the motion, expressed concern about the possibility of foreign groups using dark money to influence the 2018 midterms.
Before Trump, Cambridge Analytica was on team Cruz
March 23, 2018 | Cambridge Analytica was paid nearly $6 million over 19 transactions by Ted Cruz's presidential campaign before receiving as much as a single payment from Trump.
Trump's state in the eye of the Union
January 30, 2018 | What's to come in President Trump's first State of Union? Expect the phrase "America First." The name Gorsuch. And something will be "great."
DoD, military donors aid Democrats
November 10, 2017 | Department of Defense employees have given a greater percentage of their donations to Democrats so far this election cycle than they did under any Republican administration since at least George H.W. Bush's presidency. CRP's political donation data covers each year beginning in 1989 — the first year of the elder Bush's presidency — and comes…
Why some campaign contributions get returned
October 10, 2017 | It's been a big week for politicians refunding tainted campaign donations. First, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. returned a $32,000 contribution from Donald Trump's personal attorney Marc Kasowitz, who made the donation in 2013 after Vance decided not to pursue a fraud investigation against Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. Now, at least a…
Grant to Trump: How court cases influenced campaign finance
October 6, 2017 | When Ulysses S. Grant ran for president in 1868, he benefited from large contributions from wealthy entrepreneurs, such as railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt. "Never before was a candidate placed under such great obligation to men of wealth as was Grant," one historian said of Grant's donors' largesse. But if Grant was among the first presidents to…
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…
Trump's "beachhead" teams host dozens of former lobbyists
March 24, 2017 | Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has been mired in questions about his investments in the healthcare industry. As it turns out, some of the people helping him get grounded at the department are also prompting questions about their ties with the industry. Lance Leggitt, a lobbyist at Baker Donelson since 2006, was named…
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…
Defense sector contributions locked in on committee members
March 2, 2017 | You couldn't blame defense contractors for being in a great mood this week. In his speech to Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump — who has repeatedly said he wants to build up American military dominance — announced that he's "sending Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the defense sequester and calls for…
Lobbying numbers down again — but poised to shoot up with new administration
February 1, 2017 | Note: Since some lobbyists file after the quarterly deadline, visit our lobbying summary for the most current data. We started to spot the decline when Barack Obama took office: Fewer people registered to lobby, and less money was being spent to influence Washington. And that trend continued last year: By the end of 2016, companies spent $3.1 billion…
Energy sector and EPA nominee: Oklahoma Strong
January 24, 2017 | Scott Pruitt's confirmation hearing last week involved some pointed visual props. Making the case that Pruitt, the Oklahoma attorney general who is President Trump's nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is cozy with the energy sector, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) held up a chart full of boxes and arrows. All the organizations listed on…
Betsy DeVos and her big-giving relatives: Family qualifies as GOP royalty
December 1, 2016 | It's no secret that Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Education Department, is a political fundraising juggernaut. Her contributions to candidates and school choice causes around the country have been all over the news since she was named the nominee. More consequential, though, are the depth and breadth of contributions by her family…
One Nation rising: Rove-linked group goes from no revenue to more than $10 million in 2015
November 17, 2016 | One of the most active groups in the 2016 cycle wasn't a super PAC — though those were plenty busy — but a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, One Nation. From mid-2015 through 2016, the group spent about $40 million in a largely successful push to protect the GOP's fragile majority in the Senate. And it did…
No Secretary of State prospect donated to Trump
November 16, 2016 | Update Dec. 14: President-elect Trump tapped ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson. For background on his political contributions, click here. We continue our series on the money-in-politics histories of candidates for Donald Trump's future Cabinet by looking at those who have been mentioned as possibilities to run the State Department. (See our earlier analyses on prospects for…
Pentagon pick could have deep influence on Trump
November 15, 2016 | Updated Nov. 16. Update Dec. 1. President-elect Donald Trump chose retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis as Secretary of Defense. President-elect Donald Trump has made inflammatory comments about some of the nation's current or possible defense policies. He has hinted at a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, supported use of nuclear weapons, called NATO…
The NRA Placed Big Bets on the 2016 Election, and Won Almost All of Them
November 9, 2016 | OpenSecrets Blog and The Trace partnered on this story; it was published by both outlets. In North Carolina, the NRA spent $6.2 million on the incumbent Republican Sen. Richard Burr, the most it has ever invested in a down-ballot race. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) The National Rifle Association took a historic gamble in 2016, and it paid…
Members of the military giving three times as much to Clinton as to Trump
November 4, 2016 | Active and retired members of the military have been showing far more support for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton than for her Republican rival, at least as measured by the checks they've written to her campaign. Individuals who listed their employers as the U.S. Department of Defense or major branches of the military, or who…
Fundraising histories and lots of experience in speculative Clinton Cabinet
October 28, 2016 | Washington thrives on speculation and now, after months of guessing at things like primary contenders and vice presidential picks, it's time to draft potential cabinets. With no shortage of well-educated guesses on who might lead the various executive departments, certain names crop up more often than others, often officials and bureaucrats with substantial political and policy…
Total cost of 2016 election could reach $6.6 billion, CRP predicts
October 25, 2016 | Note: Please see our updated prediction of the cost of the 2016 election. Is 2016 the Year of the Billionaire when it comes to financing the election? There are plenty in the mix. And they've helped fuel what is turning out to be the most expensive election ever. The Center for Responsive Politics projects that candidates,…
Outside groups — mostly party establishment — playing big in GOP's vulnerable districts
October 13, 2016 | With scorching news about Donald Trump dominating the media, along with his equally blistering pushback, GOP members of Congress have had to make some tough decisions about where to position themselves vis-a-vis the top of the ticket. And situation's trickle-down volatility has done them no favors, helping to ensure that the latest Roll Call list…
They talk the talk, but don't write the checks: No Trump donors on Republican stage yet
July 19, 2016 | Republicans are denouncing Ohio Gov. John Kasich for ditching his own party's convention held in the state he governs. Of course, he's not the only nationally known GOP leader to skip the proceedings. It gets worse, though: None of Monday's or today's prime-time speakers at the Cleveland confab have donated more than $200 to Donald Trump's campaign or the super…
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…
Hard money still matters, and here's who's giving it
June 9, 2016 | Yes, we live in a gilded age of campaign finance, with billionaire donors forking over tens of millions of dollars to super PACs. But hard money — which is contributed directly to candidates' campaigns, political parties or regular PACs and, unlike outside money, is subject to limits — still matters to those seeking office. Candidates…
Military donors salute Sanders, show little support for Trump
June 3, 2016 | If campaign contributions are any indication of broader support, members of the military are lining up behind Democrats in the presidential race, with Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) in the lead. Individuals listing their employer as the U.S. Department of Defense or one of the branches of the military have given $374,600 to Sanders, more than to any…
Scam PACs drawing FEC attention
May 20, 2016 | The Federal Election Commission is raising questions about reports filed by the biggest super PAC associated with Scott B. Mackenzie, who's listed as the treasurer of more than two dozen PACs. As OpenSecrets Blog has reported previously, much of the money raised by Mackenzie's PACs goes to vendors with ties to him. The FEC's letters,…
A donor in Florida gave a super PAC $10,000 through an LLC. Was it legal?
March 23, 2016 | Note: This post has been updated to include the full email correspondence between Brian Neff and OpenSecrets Blog. Fort Lauderdale private equity manager Brian Neff says he doesn't like how the government treats small businesses. To make his point, last June, Neff made a $10,000 political contribution through his latest limited liability corporation, Sintavia, rather than under…
Nonprofits dominate airwaves in Senate races, with no donor disclosure
February 25, 2016 | When Democrats consider their odds for regaining the Senate this November, one of the first states that comes to mind is Pennsylvania, where first-term Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican, is locked in a rematch with former Democratic Sen. Joe Sestak, who lost to Toomey in 2010. But for a race with such high stakes, it seems, at…
How Crossroads GPS beat the IRS and became a social welfare group
February 12, 2016 | When a group called Crossroads GPS sent the IRS an application for tax-exempt status in September 2010, Nancy Pelosi was speaker of the House, Snapchat hadn't started doing whatever it does, and Miley Cyrus was still Hannah Montana. A lot has changed since then, including the political influence of 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations like GPS, a…
Old campaign money flows to former intelligence chair's new group, and former staffers
November 24, 2015 | As they await January 2, 2016 — the day they can legally become lobbyists — former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and his former chief of staff, along with two more of Rogers' onetime staffers, have found a use for some of the lawmaker's $1.3 million leftover campaign funds. It doesn't involve many contributions to other candidates or the…
Tightened U.S. security likely means more funding for DHS contractors
November 16, 2015 | After terrorist attacks in Paris left 129 dead and hundreds injured this week, police departments across the United States upped their security, while the National Football League promised to do the same at its Sunday and Monday games. The NFL consulted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation following the…
Lobbying spending contracts by 10 percent in third quarter
October 27, 2015 | Someone must have called a three-month time out in Washington's influence game during the late summer and early fall. Spending on lobbying was already sluggish this year, but outlays dropped from nearly $822 million between April 1 and June 30 to $738.6 million in the most recent quarter. While the third quarter is typically the slowest of…
Cruz' islands strategy meets rough waters
October 14, 2015 | Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has a strategy to take his campaign all the way to the convention, and it runs straight through the U.S. Virgin Islands. To make it work, though, his campaign will have to navigate a tricky intra-party rivalry on the islands brought to a boil in part by a…
Diverse 2016 candidates take in largely similar industry contributions
August 11, 2015 | As many Americans sat in front of their television sets Thursday evening to watch the first party-sanctioned debate of the 2016 presidential election season, they were probably not surprised that the GOP contenders attempted to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. As the Center's recently updated 2016 presidential profiles show, however, the candidates' top…
Once more, a slide in lobbying revenues
July 30, 2015 | Substantial spikes in outlays for lobbying by some of the biggest-spending clients could not keep overall second-quarter numbers from sliding below those of the first three months of the year — and in fact below those of any second quarter since at least 2010, with the exception of 2013. About $802 million was spent on…
Scam PACs keep money churning, but not to candidates
July 29, 2015 | The set of political groups using Scott B. Mackenzie as their treasurer certainly can't be accused of sitting on the money they raise: Consulting firms rake in cash, donor lists are sold from one group to another in the same network, hefty legal bills are paid. In fact, their spending outpaces their revenue — but there are…
Conservatives' call to arms: "religious liberty" exemption from gay marriage decision
June 30, 2015 | Just days after the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges — which handed gay rights advocates their greatest victory yet, establishing a constitutional right for same-sex couples to marry — conservatives are finagling ways to circumvent the decision. In Texas, the state attorney general was encouraging county clerks to refuse to issue marriage…
Three of five senators running for WH have big backing from lobbyists
June 19, 2015 | Three of the five U.S. senators running for president have made super-fans out of a few K Street lobbyists, an analysis of campaign finance data by OpenSecrets Blog shows. Republican Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have each raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from current or one-time federal lobbyists…
Denny Hastert, the eclectic lobbyist
May 29, 2015 | Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert's (R-Ill.) indictment Thursday by the Justice Department on charges of evading cash transaction reporting requirements and lying to the FBI came as something of a shock to many, in part because Hastert has led a pretty low-key life as a lobbyist at Dickstein Shapiro LLP since leaving Congress in 2007. In…
Rove's 'new' group isn't new, and that could be the point
May 26, 2015 | Karl Rove and his colleagues at the dark money behemoth Crossroads GPS have a "new" 501(c)(4), and according to reports, they're going to use it in much the same way they have used GPS itself — as a conduit for anonymous, political money in the 2016 elections. But the group, One Nation, isn't "new," and…
Lawmakers who traveled to Azerbaijan urged action benefiting state oil company that funded trip
May 26, 2015 | Several lawmakers caught up in an investigation of their participation in a lavish overseas trip introduced legislation that would benefit the alleged host of their spring 2013 junket – the state-owned Azerbaijani oil company. Additionally, these lawmakers — and others on the trip — have received tens of thousands of dollars in donations from a…
This Memorial Day parade is brought to you (in part) by Kuwait and Taiwan
May 22, 2015 | Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and that means lots of activity in the nation's capital — including the National Memorial Day Parade. Organized by the American Veterans Center, the parade has numerous corporate sponsors. What could be more American? So it may seem a little odd that the event is also sponsored by two…
F-35 Contractors, Under Fire, Spent Record Amounts in 2014
May 4, 2015 | Scathing reports have once again spotlighted the massive cost and delays surrounding the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a jet designed for multiple branches of the military that has been dubbed the single most expensive weapons program in history. Even as criticism has rained down upon them, though, the four main contractors on the project have made sure…
Reid Linchpin of Democratic Big Dollar Fundraising
March 27, 2015 | Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's announcement he won't run for reelection in 2016 lights up unexpected races for his leadership post and his Nevada seat, but its biggest impact might be the loss of one of the Democratic party's most industrious and creative fundraisers. And in the post-Citizens United era, Reid has been a linchpin of…
A Hard Rain of Lobbying on Clean Water Act Rules
March 26, 2015 | Representatives of farmers unions, cattle interests and lumber companies, plus municipal representatives from across the country, filed into the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee's hearing room Tuesday as the panel met to hear stakeholder perspectives on proposed Clean Water Act regulations that have been a bone of contention for the last year. Major industries affected…
Seventh Annual K Street Classic: Longhorns Remain on Top
March 18, 2015 | According to the American Gaming Association, over 40 million Americans are filling out brackets in preparation for the March Madness tournament, which kicks off Thursday. Many will play it safe, listen to the analysts, and bet on Kentucky for the championship. But that's boring, and the NCAA tournament has a penchant for producing upsets. So…
Friends Helping Friends: Melgen's Contributions Came Early and Often for Menendez
March 9, 2015 | The Justice Department reportedly is on the brink of filing criminal corruption charges against Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) for allegedly pushing the interests of a Florida ophthalmologist in exchange for gifts and contributions. Menendez says he's done nothing wrong, and that Salomon Melgen's generosity over the years was spurred because the two are friends. Friends…
AIPAC Posts Biggest Lobbying Year in 2014 as Netanyahu Goes to Congress
March 2, 2015 | Close to three dozen Democrats will boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, angry that House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) invited the head-of-state without consulting President Obama. The rift is emblematic of the tension between the White House and hard-line supporters of Israel on how to deal…
Crowding In on Cromnibus, Most Heavily Lobbied Bill of '14
February 5, 2015 | December's cromnibus spending package was a bonanza for lobbyists, with the defense, banking, and health care industries especially flexing their influence muscle to make sure their priorities were on the agenda. The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 83), or Cromnibus, which combined a short-term continuing resolution on Department of Homeland Security funding with broader…
New Cuba Policy Reinvigorates Anti-Castro Donors
February 4, 2015 | President Barack Obama's announcement in December that he would start normalizing relations with Cuba seemed a direct shot at a once-powerful lobbying presence in Washington — the large, well-organized and relatively wealthy enclave of Cuban-Americans and Cuban exiles who have been major contributors for decades. Although the community's cash has gone to candidates on both sides of…
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…
Immigration Not the Only Issue for Homeland Security Lobby
January 16, 2015 | As the Department of Homeland Security funding bill seems all but dead due to GOP attempts to roll back the president's actions on immigration, a variety of interested parties that have little to do with border policy are left hanging on the sidelines. The House passed the 2015 bill Wednesday, along with a series of…
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…
Military Donors: Army Gives Democratic, Other Branches Favor GOP
November 10, 2014 | As the country prepares to honor its veterans Tuesday, OpenSecrets Blog broke down where members of the armed services made political contributions before last week's elections. Overall, military donors favored Republican candidates and conservative organizations in 2014, accounting for 55 percent of the nearly $800,000 they gave to candidates, party committees and outside spending groups.…
K Street: End of the Slide?
November 10, 2014 | It may be too early to call 2014 the year that K Street's long decline ended, but the most recent round of reports suggest at least a leveling off. Third quarter 2014 lobbying expenditures totaled $771.9 million, which is only a bit lower than outlays during the same period in previous years. And spending for the…
Overall Spending Inches Up in 2014: Megadonors Equip Outside Groups to Capture a Bigger Share of the Pie
October 29, 2014 | This Center for Responsive Politics report is part of #Money14, a series of independent reports exposing the role of money in American politics. Join us for an event around the fifth anniversary of Citizens United to hear more about the participating organizations' innovative research and work together for a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory democracy.…
Lobbying Giants Extend Spending Lead
October 23, 2014 | Lobbying heavyweights reasserted their dominance during the third quarter, as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Realtors built on their already sizable second quarter spending totals and remained Nos. 1 and 2 on the list of top lobbying spenders. The National Association of Realtors — a trade organization boasting more than 1.2 million members…
Ebola Lobbying Goes Viral
October 22, 2014 | If you're seeking reassurance on the Ebola threat, don't look at the latest lobbying filings. In the third quarter spanning July through September, 17 organizations specifically referred to the hemorrhagic fever — which has already caused more than 4,500 deaths in West Africa and one in the United States — in their lobbying filings. This…
Gusher of Cash Follows Chemical Spill
September 19, 2014 | On Thursday, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) presented a new version of legislation to overhaul chemical safety regulations, dissenting from a bipartisan bill that was still being negotiated more than a year after it was introduced. But Boxer, who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee, isn't the only one putting up a fight: Several big…
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,…
Little(r) Guys Often Try Harder in Washington
September 11, 2014 | Who's working hardest to make an impression in Washington? We know which organizations contribute the most, and which ones spend the most on lobbying. What the lists don't show, though, is how much those organizations have to exert themselves to earn their influence. A gigantic corporation, trade association or union might spend only its spare…
Primary Threat in Alaska has GOP Establishment Shuddering
August 18, 2014 | In Alaska's Senate primary race, the Republican establishment has downplayed threats to its top candidate, Dan Sullivan. Yet his challengers, Joe Miller and Mead Treadwell, have triggered a frenzy of last-minute spending to ensure Sullivan wins the Tuesday election. As of late July, Sullivan had about $4.1 million in the bank — over three times more…
Interest in Israel: The Money in Politics On Gaza
August 4, 2014 | As the fighting in Gaza escalated over the past few weeks, Congress said and did little, except consider a bi-partisan bill just before recess to replenish aid to Israel's missile defense program. At a time when nearly everything is grounds for noisy partisan rancor, this unusual silence and cooperation indicates general accord on Capitol Hill…
Immigration, Net Neutrality Help Trigger Big Spending Increases in 2nd Quarter Lobbying
July 30, 2014 | Lobbying filings for the second quarter show that the public debate often seeps into the advocacy efforts of companies. This year: immigration, net neutrality and the right to channel a broadcast program using a tiny antenna have caused several companies to spend big in order to influence legislators. Meanwhile, some topics, including gun rights and defense spending,…
Self-Funding, Big Donors Dominate Pricey Georgia Runoff
July 21, 2014 | Tomorrow's GOP primary runoff for Georgia's Senate seat isn't quite as contentious as the recent Mississippi smackdown, but the battle between Rep. Jack Kingston and his opponent David Perdue is the third most expensive this year, costing more than $19.6 million through July 2. Each candidate has spent more than $5 million and outside groups have dropped million-dollar…
The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act, or Hunting for Cover on Guns
July 8, 2014 | Despite objections from a handful of Democrats, the Senate voted on Monday to move forward with a pro-hunting bill that has delighted most gun rights groups, including the National Rifle Association. Introduced by embattled incumbent Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act (S. 2363) would unlock funding to build shooting ranges on public land while easing hunting restrictions. But…
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…
Why Should We Win a Webby?
April 22, 2014 | We're proud to be considered for a Webby Award. However, we need your votes to win the People's Voice portion of the prize. Need to be persuaded? Here's a quick look at the new, groundbreaking, or just plain cool additions we've made to OpenSecrets.org this year. Now vote, please!
The Politics of Drought: California Water Interests Prime the Pump in Washington
April 10, 2014 | When it comes to California's water supply, some have more at stake than others -- and they act accordingly in D.C.
Consequences of McCutcheon: Dan Backer Version
April 9, 2014 | Shaun McCutcheon's lead attorney scoffs at the notion that super JFCs and PACs will proliferate with the overall contribution limits now in the dustbin. He has some experience, but he also has skeptics.
Waning Influence? Part 1: Tracking the "Unlobbyist"
March 18, 2014 | What's fueling the twin decreases in spending on lobbying and the number of people doing it? The first in a series of occasional reports by CRP as we try to get behind the numbers.
Eastman Part of Coalition that Quashed Stricter Bill on Chemicals
February 12, 2014 | An overhaul of the aging Toxic Substances Control Act would have tightened oversight of chemicals -- until it got deep-sixed by the industry.
The Olympic Committee's Washington Sway
February 5, 2014 | As the curtain rises on the winter games in Sochi, we look at the U.S. Olympic Committee's investments in the nation's capital.
Divided We Stand
January 28, 2014 | State of the Union -- 9 p.m. tonight. But Obama's list of 2014 priorities may sound a lot like last year's roster, due in part to a deadlocked Congress that produced a historic year of inaction.
More on Citizens United: Recommended Reading, Policy Updates
January 24, 2014 | Resources for delving deeper into the repercussions of the landmark Supreme Court decision.
Top Lobbiers Cut Back in 2013
January 23, 2014 | The group of 30 organizations that spent the most money lobbying in 2012 cut their spending in 2013, with some showing dramatic declines.
Defense Contractors Lose a Strong House Ally
January 16, 2014 | Rep. Buck McKeon, chair of the House Armed Services Committee and a big recipient of campaign funds from military contractors, announced his retirement.
Murray's Budget Deal a Boon for Strong Supporters at Boeing
December 13, 2013 | Many Democrats are disappointed with the budget deal struck by Patty Murray and Paul Ryan. That's likely not true of Boeing, one of Murray's biggest contributors.
McKeon's Possible Successor Another Defense Industry Favorite
December 3, 2013 | Rep. Buck McKeon's (R-Calif.) chosen successor for chairman of the House Armed Services Committee is another lawmaker with deep financial ties to the defense industry.
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.
OpenSecrets Politiquizz: Food Fight
November 17, 2013 | With talks of soda taxes, GMO food labeling and now a potential FDA ban on trans fats, the food and beverage industry has been playing defense on several fronts. As the spotlight on what's inside America's food grows, so too does the industry's political spending. In this week's Politiquizz, we ask who in Congress the industry favors most.
Obama Selects Key Donor as Ambassador to Hungary
November 8, 2013 | A television producer is the latest of Obama's major donors or bundlers from the entertainment industry to win a high-profile political appointment.
Northrop Grumman's Drone Campaign
November 8, 2013 | Northrup's big lobbying push paid off when Congress brought the Global Hawk drone back to life. Still, demand is soft for military hardware, and it's unclear what approach the company will take.
Wellspring's Flow: Dark Money Outfit Helped Fuel Groups on Political Front Lines
November 5, 2013 | From 2008 to 2011, a mysterious dark money group called Wellspring distributed more than $17 million to front-line political groups across the country. An OpenSecrets.org and National Public Radio investigation into the group details who is organizing this group and how far and wide the group's money has been sent.
Koch Industries Lobbied for Heritage Action Debt-Reduction Plan
October 24, 2013 | While the company said it had no position on linking government funding with Obamacare defunding, it went to bat for tying an increase in the debt ceiling to a 10-year debt reduction plan.
Rep. C.W. Bill Young Bows Out for 2014
October 9, 2013 | The longest-serving GOP lawmaker, a favorite of the defense industry, announced he won't seek re-election in 2014.
The Money Behind the Republicans Who Want to End the Shutdown
October 7, 2013 | Twenty-three Republicans have said they are willing to make a deal on a clean budget bill that would end the shutdown. Here's a look at how money might be playing a role in their decision to break ranks.
OpenSecrets Politiquizz: Women Donors and the 2012 Cycle
October 4, 2013 | This week's Politiquizz draws from our recent report, "Sex, Money and Politics" to ask about women as political donors.
Defense Contractors Take to the Hill to Lobby on Drones
September 25, 2013 | Major defense firms have taken to Capitol Hill to lobby on new drone technology, amid concerns that the Pentagon might be cutting corners.
PolitiQuizz: Defense, Money, and Congress
September 23, 2013 | Congress and the defense sector were in the spotlight at the start of this month, as calls both for and against a military strike on Syria overtook the headlines before August recess was even over. Which members of Congress are the sector's favorites?
Gingrey's Revolving Door
September 19, 2013 | Republican Rep. Phil Gingrey's comments about congressional staffers' ability to leave Capitol Hill and go "make $500,000 a year" as lobbyists drew the wrong kind of attention to the lawmaker, who is hoping to become a senator next year. He is, of course, partly right: His former chief-of-staff is now a lobbyist for, among others, a health care company that is Gingrey's biggest donor.
Behind Rocket Blast, Carefully Calibrated Washington Relationships
September 9, 2013 | NASA's rocket launch Friday from the outskirts of Washington made for great photo ops, but was also a reminder of the relationships the company has built on Capitol Hill with key lawmakers.
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.
Bread and Water for Lobbyists? Top-Spending Clients Cut Back Yet Again
July 25, 2013 | Second quarter lobbying reports show more declines in spending. With a couple of exceptions -- the American Hospital Association and NCTA -- cutbacks were the rule from April through June.
Billion Dollar Baby: U.S. Chamber is First to Hit Lobbying Milestone
July 23, 2013 | The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has spent more than $1 billion lobbying members of Congress and other officials since 1998 - by far a greater amount than any other organization over the period. The Chamber has no rivals in terms of raw resources devoted to lobbying - and may also have little competition when it comes to overall influence on the Hill.
LGBT Interests, Celebrating Court Rulings, Also Increasingly Active as Donors
June 26, 2013 | LGBT groups and those affiliated with them, celebrating their Supreme Court victories today, have been active political donors, and Democrats are almost always the beneficiaries.
The Politics of Fire
June 17, 2013 | As firefighters in Western states continue to battle wildfires, lobbyists in Washington are fighting their own battle over how to handle fires like the Black Forest blaze in the future.
Nominees to D.C. Appellate Court Are Solid Democrats, Contributions Show
June 5, 2013 | Obama's speech in the Rose Garden this week to announce three judicial nominees pressured lawmakers to put partisanship aside to fill the vacancies in the court. None of the three appear to have particularly controversial pasts, but all are solidly Democratic donors.
Rove's Shadowy Defense
June 2, 2013 | Karl Rove complains that his Crossroads GPS 501(c)(4) gets more scrutiny than liberal groups. But it's in a league of its own when it comes to spending on politics.
Just Who Was Rand Paul's Apology For?
May 22, 2013 | Yesterday, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) offered a blunt apology to Apple CEO Tim Cook, scolding his fellow senators for criticizing Cook and his company for using offshore havens to avoid billions in tax bills. Apple doesn't have a PAC, so it can't reward Paul for his outrage on the company's behalf, but Paul is planning a trip to Silicon Valley next week, where he'll be meeting with top tech execs, according to media reports.
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.
Lobbyists 2012: Out of the Game or Under the Radar?
March 20, 2013 | Spending on lobbying as well as the number of active lobbyists was down in 2012. But nearly half of lobbyists who were active in 2011 but reported no lobbying in 2012 continued to work for the same employers -- suggesting that many have simply avoided the reporting limits while still contributing to lobbying efforts.
Issues and Interest Groups in State of the Union Spotlight
February 12, 2013 | The economy, immigration, gun control and climate change are among the issues President Obama is expected to highlight in his address tonight. But don't expect any of his proposals to sail through Congress -- there are too many interests at stake for that.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 7: Menendez Ties to Donor Deepen, Hutchison Joins Giuliani's Firm, and More
February 7, 2013 | Sen. Robert Menendez' ties to a donor who's under FBI investigation are deeper than initially reported: According to the Washington Post, he contacted top federal health officials twice over their finding that the donor overbilled Medicare. And research by OpenSecrets.org shows the donor and his wife each contributed to Menendez' legal defense fund
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 6: Duckworth "Buzziest" House Freshman in Media Hype and Fundraising, One Florida University Beefs Up Lobbying Staff, and More
February 6, 2013 | Rep. Tammy Duckworth was mentioned in the news more in her first month of office than any other House freshman, according to a University of Minnesota study. She also spent more in her campaign than her colleagues in the class of '12.
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. 29: K Street Talks Cybersecurity, Defense PACs Make Year-end Investments, and More
January 29, 2013 | Everyone from Wal-mart to Boeing wanted to be heard on cybersecurity in 2012's final quarter. Also, defense PACs made many post-election investments in Capitol Hill allies.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 24: Sequestration Fears Fuel Fourth-Quarter Lobbying
January 24, 2013 | For both the defense sector and the pharmaceutical industry, 2012 lobbying numbers declined over 2011 -- despite a rush to keep the government from plunging over the fiscal cliff, taking many private sector entities with it.
Former House Appropriations Member Parlays Defense Experience Into Lucrative Post
January 17, 2013 | Former Rep. Steven Rothman, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and its defense subcommittee, is heading a new defense unit of a corporate law firm. He's not allowed to lobby for a eyar, but he'll help the firm's clients in their "dealings" with the federal government.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 14: Cornyn Hearts Cruz, Revolving Door in Reverse, and More
January 14, 2013 | Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn could benefit from some of the fundraising sources of his new BFF, tea party favorite Sen. Ted Cruz.
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.
OpenSecrets PolitiQuizz: 2012's Most Popular Bills
December 19, 2012 | A very Washingtonian hit parade is the basis of this week's quiz.
Military Donors Rallied Late for Romney, But Obama Held Advantage
December 13, 2012 | Although military donors contributed big in the final weeks to Romney, Obama maintained his overall advantage for the campaign cycle.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 11: Banks in Potentially Crippling Lawsuits, A Cultural Misunderstanding Over Wal-Mart Lobbying, and the Death Star Petition
December 11, 2012 | Some of the nation's biggest banks are defendants in a whole new round of lawsuits over subprime mortgages, with potential liability in the hundreds of billions. WalMart is accused of illegal lobbying in India, though it all seems to be a misunderstanding.
OpenSecrets PolitiQuizz: Super PACs' Eleventh-Hour Money In, Money Out
December 10, 2012 | Financial disclosure reports were filed last week with the Federal Election Commission. See who has the most startling fundraising and spending numbers.
Stanford Leads BCS Bowl-Bound Schools in Contributions, Lobbying
December 5, 2012 | The 10 universities headed to BCS bowls this season also have been politically active and have spent a combined $1.5 million lobbying and $2.7 million on campaign contributions. Stanford, by far, has spent the most with almost $300,000 on lobbying and $1.7 million in contributions.
Defense Lobbying Continues Downward Flight Path
December 5, 2012 | The number of clients lobbying on defense issues has dropped steadily since 2008. It now ranks fifth, behind even transportation.
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.
Capitol Eye Opener Nov. 20: Sequestration Puts Cloud Over Defense, Allen West Concedes, and More
November 20, 2012 | The defense sector braces for sequestration. Allen West (finally) concedes. Obama talks with business leaders.
Fear of Sequestration Not Limited to Defense, Lobbying Records Show
November 16, 2012 | Sequestration is the subject of much lobbying activity, and it's not all coming from the defense industry.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 14: Losing Incumbents Could Get Second Chance, Bipartisan Group Pushes Campaign Finance Reform
November 14, 2012 | There may be a way back for at least a couple of Republican incumbents who lost last week. Plus, another try for campaign finance overhaul?
Mystery Firm is Election's Top Corporate Donor at $5.3 Million
November 5, 2012 | The biggest corporate contributor in the 2012 election so far doesn't appear to make anything–other than very large contributions to a conservative super PAC.
Latest Lobbying Reports Show Continued Decline in Spending
November 2, 2012 | Don't look to the lobbying industry to stimulate the economy. Despite the outlays of notable exceptions like Google, spending on lobbying continues its decline.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 26: Passing $1 Billion in Outside Spending, Pro-Gingrich Group's Apocalyptic Ad, and More
October 26, 2012 | More than $1 billion has been spent by outside groups in this election cycle, and meanwhile candidates, parties and super PACs all cleaned up in the first 17 days of October. Also, the pro-Gingrich super PAC Winning Our Future makes its first expenditure in months, producing a dark vision of four more years of Obama.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 23: Defense Spending Deadlock, Romney's Mourdock Ad, and More
October 23, 2012 | Contributions from the defense sector have been evenly split between Obama and Romney, despite the military's preference for Obama. Oil and gas contributions fall to four-month low for Romney, but he still tops Obama.
Update: Armed Forces Show Overwhelming Support for Obama
October 22, 2012 | Obama has gained the support of military donors by a wide margin.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 18: Binders Full of Money, Bloomberg's New Super PAC, and More
October 18, 2012 | Don't laugh, binders are big business and helped make Romney the wealthy man he is today, while another wealthy man, Mike Bloomberg dives into the world of super PACs head first, and the Ivy League education of two New York Senate candidates.
Debate Prep: Your Guide to the Issues and Who's Invested in Them
October 16, 2012 | Tonight's debate will be closely watched to see whether the president delivers a more energetic performance. But there are other reasons to tune in, including keeping an eye on whether the candidates' responses reflect the positions of their campaign contributors.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 12: Romney's 360 on Abortion, Strange Bedfellows in the 501(c) World, and More
October 12, 2012 | Romney may have tried to tack to the center on abortion, but less than 48 hours later he was back to attacking Planned Parenthood -- which has shown its muscle as an outside spending group this cycle.
Hot Race for Massachusetts Senate Seat: Scott Brown vs. Elizabeth Warren
October 11, 2012 | The national spotlight that focused on the 2010 Senate race won by Republican Scott Brown has once again lit up Massachusetts. Challenger Elizabeth Warren had outraised the incumbent through the first half of the year, and both candidates had plenty of money in the bank.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 11: Too Many Tanks, Affirmative Action Case's UT Supports Obama and More
October 11, 2012 | The Army says it doesn't need any more M-1 Abrams tanks, but it may get them anyway. The company that makes them just happens to be one of the largest contributors to campaigns nationwide.
Sesame Street Employees Never in Romney's Camp
October 5, 2012 | Even before putting Big Bird's job in jeopardy, Mitt Romney wasn't getting support from Sesame Street employees.
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 13: New Report on F-22 Oversight, Gary Johnson Putters Along, and More
September 13, 2012 | Lawmakers presiding at a hearing today on problems plaguing the F-22 Raptor have taken in more money from the aircraft's maker than the average member of Congress, according to a new report using CRP data.
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 11: Primaries in Three States, Cash from Trash Hauler and More
September 11, 2012 | Three of the candidates who are likely to emerge winners of today's primaries in New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Delaware will go straight into general election contests that are rated as toss-ups as Republicans fight to retain their large majority in the House.
Capital Eye Opener, August 16: Obama Implements Immigration Policy, Romney Beating Obama in Swing State Fundraising and More
August 16, 2012 | Lobbying on the DREAM Act made strange allies on Capitol Hill. A new poll shows Mitt Romney ahead in some key battleground states. And the DCCC hits Rep. Dan Benishek (R-Mich.) on Medicare.
Washington's Influence Olympics: The Marathon
August 9, 2012 | After nearly two weeks of stiff competition among K Street's most powerful forces, the final -- and toughest -- event at Washington's Influence Olympics is upon us: the marathon. Like the actual event at the London Games, participants in the marathon at the Influence Olympics must possess the endurance to sustain a strong lobbying operation over a long period of time. Unlike the real Olympics, however, many of the top sprinters are also among the most competitive marathon runners.
Washington's Influence Olympics: The 100 Meter Dash
August 8, 2012 | Usain Bolt's success got us thinking -- which company is the top "sprinter" this year in Washington? In other words, which groups have rushed out the door the quickest to spend the most money on lobbying through first half of 2012?
Capital Eye Opener, Aug. 7: UK PACs, Airport Scanners Turn To Washington, Lobbying From The Heart
August 7, 2012 | The UK is third in the Olympics medal count, but first when it comes to foreign-linked PAC contributions to U.S. candidates. Companies that make full-body scanners get serious about lobbying, and we examine a mega-hospital corporation's ties to Washington.
Washington's Influence Olympics: Basketball
August 3, 2012 | It's gotta be the shoes. We test the D.C. clout of the country's top basketball footwear companies at today's Influence Olympics event, which features a blowout that rivals even Team USA's recent London performances.
Washington's Influence Olympics: Boxing
August 2, 2012 | To emerge victorious from this event, lobbying firms must prove they can knock out the competition by offering representation on a broad range of issues to an array of industries -- thus packing a heck of a bottom line punch.
Washington's Influence Olympics: The Shooting Competition
August 1, 2012 | To arms! The latest round of Washington's Influence Olympics pits weapons manufacturers against each other. We promise minimal bloodshed.
Texas Senate Duel is Off the Charts for Outside Spending
July 31, 2012 | Ted Cruz and David Dewhurst have been collecting Republican endorsements like so many gold coins, but the real gold was the independent spending in the race by 17 different organizations. All told, $7.7 million was spent by outside groups supporting Cruz, while $6.2 million favored Dewhurst, helping make the race the costliest non-presidential race so far this election cycle.
Washington's Influence Olympics: The High Jump
July 30, 2012 | Today's event in our ongoing Washington Influence Olympics: The high jump! Which companies have had the biggest jump in their lobbying expenditures from 2008, the year of the last summer Olympics, to 2011?
Capital Eye Opener, July 25: A Spike in Super PAC Money from Individuals, Signs of Life at the IRS on Political Nonprofits and More
July 24, 2012 | Individual donors are loving super PACs, posting a big spike in contributions in 2012's second quarter. The IRS shows signs of life when it comes to politically active 501(c) groups. And the YG Network runs ads calling for greater transparency in the budget sequestration process, though it's not disclosing who's funding the ads.
Capital Eye Opener, July 2: Crossroads hits ND and NM; Former IRS official targets ALEC; Shadow money in the spotlight;
July 2, 2012 | Political nonprofits face increased scrutiny. Crossroads spending network makes new media buys. And ALEC is accused of tax violations.
Capital Eye Opener, June 28: Medical Pros Square Off, NY AG vs. US Chamber and GM Revs Political Engine
June 28, 2012 | The primary battle between Republican James Bridenstine and Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) in Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District was not only a clash of Tea Party and establishment Republicans, but of different types of medical professionals.
Experts talk "Shadow Money" at Center for Responsive Politics Conference
June 20, 2012 | Conference on nondisclosing outside groups prompts lively debate on the current landscape and what -- if anything -- should be done.
Ron Paul's Unorthodox Fundraising
May 15, 2012 | Ron Paul's announcement Monday effectively ending his presidential bid brought the end of a quiet campaign that nevertheless raised more money -- $36.7 million as of March 31-- than that of any Republican candidate other than Mitt Romney. And his donors had an identity all their own.
#CISPA, #SOPA, #PIPA and #BigLobbying
April 27, 2012 | In an era when Republicans and Democrats can agree on almost nothing, one issue in the last three months has been providing common ground: rewriting the rules of the Internet. Privacy and free speech advocates have unleashed a groundswell of outrage as they've rushed to rally the public against the measures. But corporate backers of the proposals have fought back hard.
Military Turns From Paul to Obama In March
April 24, 2012 | Until recently, the military has been a stalwart source of support for Republican hopeful Ron Paul. But in March, it was Obama that scooped up the most support from the armed forces -- about twice as much as Paul, in fact. Romney remains an also-ran when it comes to backing from the military.
Facts on #CISPA
April 20, 2012 | SOPA is still warm in the grave, but here comes CISPA, a bill that would mean corporations could turn over info about their users to law enforcement without a court order. Privacy advocates are outraged and trying to stir up support before next week's House vote. Companies lobbying on the bill have given lots of money to its original sponsor, Republican Rep. Mike Rogers.
OpenSecrets' Mailbag: The Less-Than-1 Percent, Ron Paul's Army and More
March 2, 2012 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets Blog's Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
Donors to GOP's Nondisclosing Nonprofits Travel in Familiar Networks
February 27, 2012 | Several politically active 501(c)(4) groups that don't disclose their donors have received multimillion-dollar contributions from groups that are familiar players in Republican circles, OpenSecrets Blog has learned.
Back to the Wall, Planned Parenthood Hangs Tough
February 7, 2012 | Planned Parenthood fields a tough defense. Anyone who didn't figure that out last week, when a breast cancer charity cut off the group's funding and quickly reversed course, could have looked at its lobbying expenditures for 2011, the year Republicans re-took control of the house and posed a significant threat to its bottom line.
Looking Back at South Carolina Winner Newt Gingrich's Long Money-in-Politics Past
January 21, 2012 | Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has won the South Carolina GOP presidential primary, and despite claiming to be an outsider, he has been in Washington a long time.
Military Donors Prefer Ron Paul
January 5, 2012 | GOP candidate and Air Force veteran Ron Paul continues to highlight his strong support from members of the armed forces as he hits the campaign trail following his third-place finish in Iowa. And the numbers continue to bear him out, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Buying the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus
December 14, 2011 | It's the steal of the century. For the price of buying a condo in Washington, D.C., you can support the political campaigns of members of Congress who support your trillion-dollar program. Talk about return on investment!
Jennifer Palmieri Spins Through Revolving Door Again, Back to White House
December 7, 2011 | The White House press shop will soon have a new addition: Jennifer Palmieri, who will be the deputy communications director. Despite her status as a former lobbyist, Palmieri is likely to find a welcome home working for a president who once vowed that lobbyists would not "find a job in my White House."
As Herman Cain Suspends Campaign, His Money Stays Put
December 5, 2011 | While it remains to be seen what role former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain will play in the next stretch of the race for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, it's certainly true that his political war chest is alive and well for the time being.
New Joint Analysis: 15 Tea Party Caucus Freshmen Rake in $3.5 Million in First Nine Months
November 18, 2011 | Despite their anti-Washington rhetoric, many freshmen members of the House Tea Party Caucus have been increasingly reliant on special interest political action committees, a joint analysis by iWatch News and the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Time Running Out for Public Disclosure of Supercommittee Recommendations
November 15, 2011 | The twelve members of Congress on the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction -- better known as the debt supercommittee -- have just seven days left to provide Congress with recommendations to cut more than $1.2 trillion from the federal deficit, if they are to meet their November 23rd deadline. And the more time that passes, the slimmer the odds for the public to see those recommendations before they go to a vote in Congress, scheduled for that same day.
Norquist's 'Super' Influence, Lawmakers Use Insider Status on Stock Market and More in Capital Eye Opener: Nov. 15
November 15, 2011 | As the deadline approaches for the supercommittee to agree on $1.2 trillion in cuts to the federal budget, the influence of one unelected player may make the difference, the Wall Street Journal reported. Antitax advocate Grover Norquist could be a big reason for the supercommittee's stalemate, thanks in part to his nonprofit's deep pockets.
Department of Veterans Affairs Increasingly Targeted by Lobbyists
November 11, 2011 | More companies, unions and other groups could lobby the Department of Veterans Affairs this year than ever before, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics. Through the end of September, 254 organizations reported lobbying the VA.
OpenSecrets.org Details What Special Interest Groups Spent Most on Third-Quarter Lobbying
October 31, 2011 | During the third quarter of 2011, more than 10,000 individual lobbyists actively worked to advance the interests of their clients and monitored political developments in the nation's capital. That's roughly 20 lobbyists for every member of Congress.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Which Presidential Candidate is Seeing the Most Red?
October 17, 2011 | With the presidential field pretty much set, it's time to take a closer at how the 2012 presidential candidates' money stacks up, quite literally.
Surge of Lobbying Fuels Keystone XL Pipeline Project
September 28, 2011 | In its trek from the tar sands of Alberta to the white sands of the Gulf Coast, the Keystone XL oil pipeline project would traverse 1,700 miles. The oil's long voyage across the American heartland through a pipeline about the size of a semi-trailer truck tire is not unlike the journey the project has traveled the past three years through the bureaucratic pipeline in Washington.
Dueling Straw Polls, Obama's Small-Dollar Donors And More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 25
September 26, 2011 | As President Barack Obama shifts his re-election campaign into high gear, some people are wondering if he still has his small-dollar donor magic.
Barack Obama, Ron Paul Lead in Campaign Cash From Military Donors
September 22, 2011 | U.S. wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya may weigh on the minds of voters next year, but during the early months of the 2012 election cycle, members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are active political donors are mainly rallying around two candidates, according to a new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics: Barack Obama and Ron Paul.
Donor to Lindsey Graham Indicted for Illegal Campaign Contributions, Fraud
September 21, 2011 | A South Carolina pharmaceutical executive and major contributor to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has been indicted for making at least $31,000 in illegal donations to the senator and embezzling at least $3.6 million of federal grant money, which Graham helped to earmark.
The Politics of Netflix, Tyco Splits Again and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 20
September 20, 2011 | Netflix Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings announced Sunday that the company would separate its online streaming and DVD services, with the latter operating under the name Qwikster.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Which 2010 Candidate Did the Conservative Club for Growth Aid Most?
September 19, 2011 | The conservative group Club for Growth has been releasing white papers" on the presidential candidates -- documents it bills as "a series of in-depth reports on the economic records and rhetoric of next year's White House hopefuls." The group also scores votes by members of Congress and ranks them based on how fiscally conservative they are.
House Rebukes Labor Board, Pennsylvania's Presidential Ambitions and More In Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 16
September 16, 2011 | A bill (H.R. 2587) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday that aims to prevent the National Labor Relations Board from ordering companies to close or relocate employees.
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.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Which Political Heavy Hitter Has Lobbied the Defense Department Most?
September 12, 2011 | What company lobbied the Department of Defense most frequently in 2001, and how many years since then has that company ranked as the company to most frequently lobby the DoD?
The Politics of Ozone Regulation
September 9, 2011 | President Barack Obama recently instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to overturn written ozone regulations. According to The Hill, the president's decision came after his chief of staff, Bill Daley, met with representatives from business trade associations and environmental groups.
Conflicts of Interest in Congress, Robert Gates' Revolving Door Move and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 7
September 7, 2011 | Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' spin through the revolving door means that William & Mary will have a new weapon in its lobbying arsenal.
The Wilderness Lobby, Postal Workers United and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 6
September 6, 2011 | September is National Wilderness Month, and while the Lorax may not be a registered lobbyist in Washington, D.C., several other groups are working to protect the environment and promote wilderness through lobbying and advocacy.
What Special Interests are Bankrolling the 2012 Presidential Candidates?
August 30, 2011 | So how do the major presidential candidates stack up in terms of who is bankrolling their campaigns? OpenSecrets Blog investigates.
The Civil Rights Lobby, Huntsman Corp. Exec Starts Super PAC and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 30
August 30, 2011 | Decades after former NAACP counsel Thurgood Marshall joined the U.S. Supreme Court, the NAACP is still fighting to eliminate racial prejudices and to secure political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens. And part of that fight involves lobbying in the nation's halls of power.
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.
Sectors With Much at Stake in Debt Talks Heavily Invested in Supercommittee Members
August 17, 2011 | The 12 members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction won't be legislating in a vacuum: They bring with them ties to particular industries and loyalties to particular issues.
Defending Defense Spending, Preventing the Planet of the Apes and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 12
August 12, 2011 | Some members of Congress have rallied to defend defense spending with automatic cuts built into the Debt Ceiling Act if the so-called "super committee" should fail and the potential for major cuts in defense spending by the super committee itself.
Bush Bundlers Reluctant to Give, Super PAC Mystery Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 5
August 5, 2011 | Republican presidential hopefuls' underwhelming second-quarter fund-raising totals can be attributed, in part, to a large network of elite GOP fund-raisers that remains untapped, the New York Times reported.
First Presidential Campaign Finance Reports Show Clout of Wall Street, Retirees
July 28, 2011 | President Barack Obama has raised $48.7 million for his re-election campaign and his GOP challengers have raised a combined $36.7 million. But where is that money coming from?
Money Talks: OpenSecrets.org's Interview With Political Scientist James Thurber
July 14, 2011 | Political science professor James A. Thurber, the founder and director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University, talks with OpenSecrets Blog about President Barack Obama's time in the White House, Obama's fund-raising machine, federal lobbying regulations and the proliferation of outside spending.
God's Lobbyists: The Hidden Realm of Religious Influence
July 13, 2011 | When it comes to the government lobbying efforts of most religious institutions, their activities are notably shrouded in darkness, even as representatives of numerous faiths routinely pressure federal lawmakers on issues ranging from health care to international relations, poverty to abortion rights.
Defense Dollars to Democrats, the Odd Couple: McCotter and Unions and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 8
July 8, 2011 | Historically, Democrats in Congress have been perceived as the bigger proponents for cuts in defense spending. But recent campaign contributions from political action committees show party affiliation alone doesn't translate to support -- or lack thereof -- from defense interests.
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Pro-Israel Money, Ethics Inquires and More
June 27, 2011 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets.org Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
Veterans Organizations Take Fight To Washington as Obama Announces Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan
June 22, 2011 | Veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are fighting a bloodless battle in Washington. But like the wars oversees, the conflict in the nation's capital is also being driven by a large force and sizable amounts of money.
Ethanol's New PAC Plan, IBM Turns 100 and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 17
June 17, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Republican Lawmakers Seek to Spike Obama Transparency Measure
May 31, 2011 | Republican members of the House of Representatives drove the passage of an amendment Wednesday that opposes a proposed executive order with significant campaign finance implications. The executive order would require federal contractors to disclose political contributions from the two years leading up to a potential contract.
Remembering Soldiers and Defense Lobbying, T-Paw's Mideast Slipup and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 30
May 30, 2011 | As we dedicate this day to those who serve our nation at home and abroad, it's interesting to note the steadily growing power of the defense industry within the borders of the nation's capital.
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.
Cinco de Mayo Political Cash, Ashcroft's Revolving Door Spin and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 5
May 5, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Big Companies, Special Interests Hire Private Congressional Delegations to Lobby Government
May 2, 2011 | In all, 43 different companies, organizations and special interest groups last year employed at least three former congressmen as registered federal lobbyists, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Bin Laden's Demise, Romney's FEC Surprise and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 2
May 2, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Donald Trump's Political Donations, Lobbying Law Firms Drop DOMA Defense and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 26
April 26, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
On Earth Day, Environmental Lobby Sees Green in Bid to Promote Causes
April 22, 2011 | Many of last year's top groups in the pro-environment industry have filed first quarter federal lobbying reports suggesting they are still very much engaged with Congress, a preliminary Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows.
Pace of Federal Lobbying Slows in First Quarter
April 21, 2011 | Facing a newly divided Congress and a murky legislative outlook in the near future, many of the nation's most active government lobbying powerhouses are slowing the pace of their spending, preliminary analysis of first quarter federal lobbying reports show.
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.
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.
Libya Defense Spending, T-Paw's Fund-raising and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 29
March 29, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Raytheon's Political Firepower, AT&T's Expanding Clout and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 21
March 21, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Dozens of Senior Congressional Committee Staffers Once Worked as Lobbyists
March 16, 2011 | Dozens of senior congressional committee staff members are former federally registered lobbyists, having represented various special interests that frequently clash with Congress, an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics and Remapping Debate indicates.
The Red Cross Lobby, Congressman Beats Jeopardy! Computer and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 2
March 2, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Defense Industry Cuts Under Pressure
February 28, 2011 | For this week's PolitiQuizz, we want you to take a look at the finances of two defense industry members in relation to the House Armed Services Committee. Boeing and General Electric's political action committees are prolific contributors to numerous federal candidates. During the 2010 election cycle, which freshmen Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee received contributions from both Boeing and General Electric?
Boeing Wins Refueling Tanker Contract After Massive, Sustained Political Influence Effort
February 24, 2011 | The federal government's selection of Boeing to build the next generation of Air Force aerial refueling tankers comes after years of contentious fighting that's resulted in sky-high lobbying spending and accelerated campaign contributions to key politicians.
National Popular Vote Plan Pushers Hire New Lobbyists, Bring on Deep-Pocketed Help
February 23, 2011 | Supporters of a plan to dramatically reshape the way Americans elect presidents have brought in some new, big guns.
Thune Stays in Senate, Lobbyist Snowpocalypse and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 23
February 23, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Obama's 2012 Budget Fight Begins, Outside Unions Support NFL Players and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 14
February 14, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money and politics.
Following the Money from Egypt, Sen. Webb Retires and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 10
February 10, 2011 | Foreign Policy magazine recently revealed how Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and ex-Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) introduced a resolution last July to press Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak toward more free and fair elections
Earmark Loopholes, Energy Standards in Flux and More In Capital Eye Opener: February 9
February 9, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in 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.
Earmarks Banned, Parties In Debt and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 2
February 2, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Financial Crisis Commissioners Donate to Appointers, the State PAC Advantage and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 28
January 28, 2011 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis finds that many of the commission's 10 members are prolific political donors with five of the 10 members donating to at least one of the two congressional leaders responsible their commission appointments
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.
Political Gifts From Beyond the Grave: Dead Woman Donates Thousands of Dollars to Tea Party Express
January 14, 2011 | For more than two years, the Tea Party Express' political war chest has been filled with thousands of dollars in donations from a dead woman. How exactly Joan Holmes, who died in 2007, made $7,500 worth of donations from beyond the grave is shrouded in mystery: Both Lee Holmes, her husband, and a Tea Party Express official deny that they're responsible.
NFL Plays Political Football, Shooting Curbs Congressional Business and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 10
January 10, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Lobbying Your True Love: Twelve Days of Gifts and Special Interests Access This Christmas
December 22, 2010 | All told, $185,908 can buy you twelve days of access to everything from drummers to pear trees. And while giving your true love every item in the "12 Days of Christmas" song may cost a pretty penny, keep them on retainer every day of the year costs even more. The cost of the 12 firms and organizations advocating for these gifts so far this year has been $12.4 million, by the Center's calculations.
Gay Rights Lobby's Fave Republicans, Fight Over Travel Tax and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 20
December 20, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Crossroads GPS Whacks Pelosi, Cornyn and Thune Contradict Themselves on Spending and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 16
December 16, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Business Leaders Bring Significant Lobbying Muscle To Meeting With President Barack Obama
December 15, 2010 | The 20 companies represented at today's summit spent $104.6 million on federal lobbying this year, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis. That is, these 20 businesses alone fueled 4 percent of the $2.61 billion spent by all companies, unions and other organizations during the first three quarters of 2010.
Space Exploration Technologies' Heavenly — and Political — Missions Blast Off
December 9, 2010 | While headlines touted Space Exploration Technologies' unmanned space journey as a giant leap away from large governments dominating the heavens -- only the governments of the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India and the European Union previously accomplished such a feat -- the company is hardly shielding itself from politics.
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Lobbying Surges As Repeal Fight Nears Climax
December 3, 2010 | From January through September, 29 unique groups have lobbied on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on openly gay service members, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of federal lobbying reports explicitly mentioning the measure.
What Your Purchases Mean for Politics, Republicans Fight for Top Committee Spots and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 1
December 1, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Gay Rights Political Donations Plummet Amid Contentious Congressional Session
November 30, 2010 | The years leading up to the 2010 midterm election have been an important stretch for gay rights advocates, but you wouldn't necessarily know it by gauging the amount of money invested this cycle by gay and lesbian rights groups and their donors.
Fourth Amendment Underwear, Defense Spending Surge and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 30
November 30, 2010 | 'FOR WHEN UNWARRANTED SEARCHES GO TOO FAR': Are you a disgruntled holiday traveler, upset over the recently enacted Transportation Security Administration airport safety measures? Do the words 'body imaging scan' make your blood rise?
Body Scanner Producing L-3 Communications Increases Political Gifts, Targets Power Brokers
November 24, 2010 | The political action committee of L-3 Communications -- one of the two defense contractors behind the full-body scanning machines now used in more than 60 U.S. airports -- has doled out more political cash this election cycle than at any other time, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, Suspended Over Political Donations, Has Political History of His Own
November 19, 2010 | MSNBC's newest suspension victim is former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-Fla.), the current co-host of the network's "Morning Joe" program. Scarborough's recent political contributions build upon a history of giving to Republican candidates.
Top Industries Put Brakes On Federal Lobbying Spending During Third Quarter
November 18, 2010 | Despite expending massive sums of money, some of the industries most active in lobbying the 111th Congress slowed their spending during this year's third quarter in the face of the midterm elections and a changing political tide, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal data.
Convicted: House Panel Says Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel Guilty of Ethics Violations
November 16, 2010 | In a rare trial, a special House ethics committee panel today convicted Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), the once powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, on 11 counts of violating House ethics policies.
Wall Street Lobbying Surge, Microsoft Hired Former Fed Official and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 16
November 16, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Which Industries Won and Lost in Election 2010?
November 10, 2010 | Imagine that every member of Congress represents the industry or special interests that have contributed the most to his or her campaign coffers. Which industries and special interests, then, lost or won seats in Congress during the 2010 midterm election?
EXCLUSIVE: Confidential JPMorgan Chase Memo Predicts Congressional 'Gridlock'
November 9, 2010 | JPMorgan Chase, the $2 trillion bank and financial services firm, predicts that the newly Republican-controlled U.S. House will clash with the still-Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate to the point where progress on large legislation is completely halted, according to a confidential memorandum dated Nov. 3 and obtained by OpenSecrets Blog.
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.
Cash Couldn't Help Three Democratic Powerhouses in Midterm Election
November 4, 2010 | Republicans' 60-seat surge during Tuesday's midterm election included replacing the seats of three longtime committee chairmen with almost a century of experience in Congress between them.
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.
Election 2010 to Shatter Spending Records as Republicans Benefit from Late Cash Surge
October 27, 2010 | Center for Responsive Politics predicts midterms could cost nearly $4 billion.
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.
Foreign-connected PACs Increase Giving During 2010 Cycle
October 18, 2010 | Until the 2006 election cycle, federal-level, foreign-connected PACs greatly favored Republicans. But since then, they have been aggressively bipartisan. For example, in most cases, a large donation to Republican party committee or candidate is balanced by one of equal size to Democratic counterparts.
Arkansas Race Turns Shaving Into Fund-raising, Beck's Backlash Raises Record-Breaking Donations and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 15
October 15, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Tea Party-Loving Republican Senate Candidates Propelled by Cash from Ideological Groups, Small Donors
October 7, 2010 | Thirteen Tea Party-backed Republicans want the U.S. Senate to experience a new brand of political brew after November 2. The question isn't whether they will or won't, but rather, how many of them will be in office? And donations from people making modest campaign contributions appear poised to play an integral role in propelling them into office.
Contrary to Linda McMahon Campaign's Assertions, World Wrestling Entertainment Lobbied on Legislation
October 4, 2010 | Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Linda McMahon, who has repeatedly challenged the truthfulness of her Democratic opponent, Richard Blumenthal, has had her own problems with splitting hairs.
Obama Presses DISCLOSE Act, a New Airline Lobbying Force and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 20
September 20, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Three Obama Administration Employees Fell Through Cracks of Lobbyist Deregistration Process
September 16, 2010 | The first lady's chief of staff. A top government official in charge of fair housing. A senior staffer at the Education Department. These three people share a common distinction: Not only did they each work as registered lobbyists prior to joining the Obama administration last year, but they were never officially deregistered as lobbyists before taking on their new jobs, a Center for Responsive Politics review of lobbying disclosure reports filed with the House and Senate indicates.
Republican Staffers Tempted By Private Market, Labor Donations Large – or Small? – and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 10
September 10, 2010 | Republican? Former congressional staffer? You are in demand! According to Eric Lichtblau of the New York Times, lobbying groups and political consultants have been wooing Republicans in the past few weeks...
Lobbyist in Action: How A Veteran Congressional Influencer Works Her Craft
August 27, 2010 | Firm knowledge of congressional members. Understanding of their districts. Near-clairvoyance for their concerns. These are the elements needed to become a successful environmental lobbyist. And for half a day in July, OpenSecrets Blog had unfettered access to an environmental lobbying force in action.
Joe Miller's Tea Party Cavalry, Parties Chase Campaign Cash and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 26
August 26, 2010 | How did Republican attorney Joe Miller make such a comeback against incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski? One thing is for sure, Miller benefited from the financial support of the Our Country Deserves Better PAC, a political operation run by the Tea Party Express.
Pro-Environment Groups Outmatched, Outspent in Battle Over Climate Change Legislation
August 23, 2010 | With significant majorities in Congress, a president promising action and favorable public opinion all on their side, many environmentalists believed their political stars had properly – and finally – aligned. Yet even as these groups seemed poised to capitalize on favorable trends, moneyed opponents girded for a fight with more financial capital than ever before.
Intel and McAfee Form Alliance, Sarah Palin's Censorship and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 20
August 20, 2010 | COMPUTER GIANTS MERGE AND COMBINE POLITICAL MIGHT: Security technology company McAfee announced Thursday plans for its procurement by microchip manufacturer Intel for $7.68 billion. Both companies have been financially active in politics, but in different ways.
PMA Group Founder Indicted For Fraud, FEC Hits PAC With Hefty Fine and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 6
August 6, 2010 | PMA GROUP CHARGED IN ETHICS PROBE: Revolving door ex-lobbyist Paul Magliocchetti, once one of Washington's most powerful lobbyists and founder of the PMA Group, a defense lobbying firm. On Thursday, Magliochetti, a former aide on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, stood accused by federal prosecutors of overseeing one of the largest campaign frauds in U.S. history.
Nonprofit Groups Defend Big Oil, FEC Announces Fines And More in Capital Eye Opener: August 5
August 5, 2010 | An advocacy group recently began a public relations campaign in defense of the oil industry with some pointed criticism from BP -- after the corporation rebuffed a request for a donation from the group. Groups like the Institute for Energy Research are organized as nonprofits and thus can wage ideological battles with little disclosure of their funding or motives, the Washington Post reports.
Lobbyists Bet on Harry Reid, DCCC Plans Ad Offensive and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 4
August 4, 2010 | K street lobbyists seem to be betting Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), donating big sums to his campaign chest. Reid collected $56,000 in individual donations from registered lobbyists in just a few weeks.
OpenSecrets.org Adds Dozen New 'Heavy Hitters' to Popular Database
August 2, 2010 | There's a select fraternity of corporations and special interest groups that consistently bring the biggest bags of cash to political fights. At OpenSecrets.org, we call them our "Heavy Hitters," and this month, we've added a dozen new ones to our eponymous database.
Tea Party Caucus Members Bankrolled by Health Professionals, Retirees, Oil Interests
July 30, 2010 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows that the biggest contributors to the 49 members of the newly-established congressional Tea Party caucus -- it so far includes only Republican -- are health professionals, retired individuals, the real estate industry and oil and gas interests. Furthermore, donations from health professionals, oil and gas interests and Republican and conservative groups are, on average, higher for Tea Party caucus members than for members of the House of Representatives in general and even their fellow House Republicans.
Ex-Soldier, Gay Rights Activist Dan Choi Subdued With Political Donations Despite Flashy Lobbying Antics
July 30, 2010 | The nation's highest-profile advocate against the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is using a full arsenal of tactics in his bid to lobby it to death. Yet despite all the attention and flashy antics, Army Lt. Dan Choi has been coy about utilizing a traditional tool of Washington influence: campaign contributions.
DNC Unveils New Campaign Strategy, Club for Growth Brings the Heat and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 29
July 29, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Professional Lobbyists Help Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts Ring in Centennials
July 27, 2010 | A Scout's motto is "be prepared" -- and in Washington, D.C., scouting organizations stay prepared with the help of hired lobbyists. Last year, the Girl Scouts reported $199,000 in lobbying expenses, including fees to a firm run by a former member of Congress, while the Boy Scouts paid out $180,000 to a firm that also represents a tobacco company and a foreign government.
Obama Presses DISCLOSE Act, K Street's Bundlers and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 27
July 27, 2010 | President Barack Obama Monday took to the bully pulpit to urge passage of the DISCLOSE Act -- and to criticize Senate Republicans for their staunch opposition to the measure that's aimed at improving campaign finance transparency.
Lawyers, Law Firms Maintain Support for Charlie Rangel Despite Ethics Accusations
July 23, 2010 | Lawyers and law firms are already on pace to surpass the $146,000 they donated to Rangel during the 2008 election cycle. The industry has have given more than $142,000 to the congressman's reelection campaign this cycle. The American Association of Justice -- the leading association of trial lawyers in the U.S. -- donated $10,000 to Rangel's campaign committee, tied for eighth among his biggest contributors.
Big Oil's Ever-Expanding Influence, Schumer's Haul and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 23
July 23, 2010 | Reports released Thursday by two major Washington, D.C. publications are highlighting the extent of the oil and gas industry's political influence, which has increased in the wake of the BP oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.
John Boehner Butts Out, the Defense Industry Plays Offense and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 22
July 22, 2010 | House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), a long-time smoker, had stated his intentions to quit smoking in an effort to encourage a friend to do the same. Curious development since Boehner is one of big tobacco's favorite politicos.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Election Dollars
July 19, 2010 | If you haven't noticed already by the onslaught of political ads on the radio or on TV, Opensecrets.org feels obligated to inform you that its election season. What's election season in America without big bucks? So far, candidates, parties, and interest groups have spent a whopping $2.5 billion on the 2010 election cycle-- and this number is only going to grow as November 2 approaches.
A New Obama Cabinet Member, John Hall's Proposed Lobbying Restrictions and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 14
July 14, 2010 | OMB HEAD SPINS OUT, NEW ONE SPINS IN: Jacob Lew, Obama's new pick to head the Office of Management and Budget, has more than 30 years of experience in Washington, spinning through the revolving door between the public and private sectors on multiple occasions.
Kagan Defends Against Republican Criticism, Wall Street Reform Reformed and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 30
June 30, 2010 | During the first day of questioning at her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings yesterday, Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan launched a strong defense against her Republican critics.
Lawmakers Go Out To The Ballgame, Sometimes For Campaign Cash
June 29, 2010 | At least a dozen lawmakers have held fund-raising events at baseball games at Nationals Park this year, including three slated to play in tonight's annual congressional baseball game, based on a Center for Responsive Politics review of invitations leaked to PoliticalPartyTime.org.
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.
The Tar Heel Lobby, A White House-Labor Feud and More in Capitol Eye Opener: June 11
June 11, 2010 | The university continues to lobby the federal government as it tightens its belt. UNC spent $100,000 on its federal lobbying efforts in the first quarter of 2010, putting it on pace to nearly match its lobbying expenditures in 2008, when the school spent $450,000 on lobbying, the most in its history.
Ahead of Primary, California Democratic Rep. Jane Harman's Anti-war Challenger, Marcy Winograd, Condemns Israeli Military's Use of Force Against Flotilla
June 7, 2010 | California's 36th Congressional District, Democratic candidate Marcy Winograd has made an issue out of AIPAC and the Israeli blockade of Gaza as she challenges incumbent Rep. Jane Harman from her left flank in a Democratic primary.
Gay Rights Lobby Sees Victories and Room for More Action after Votes on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy
May 28, 2010 | During the first quarter of 2010, only a handful of organizations reported lobbying on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding gays in the military, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of lobbying reports that explicitly mentioned this measure. Most of the groups identified by the Center supported a repeal of the policy.
Kagan No Fan of 'Citizens United,' Morrison's Money-in-Politics Coup and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 20
May 20, 2010 | KAGAN NO FAN OF CITIZENS UNITED: She doesn't have a judicial record to pass around, but Elena Kagan recently filled out a 202-page questionnaire for the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Supreme Court nominee is reportedly dropping clues in interviews with senators this week.
Will Anti-Establishment Candidates Oust Democratic Senate Incumbents?
May 17, 2010 | Despite long odds, insurgent candidates have challenged senators in Arkansas and Pennsylvania, and now these two sitting Democratic senators risk being ousted Tuesday by disgruntled voters. Challenges in each state have gained steam thanks to enthusiasm among the Democratic base, with some liberal activists and unions defying the Democratic Party establishment and bucking even the political operation of the White House.
Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan a Loyal Democratic Donor, Foe of 'Citizens United'
May 10, 2010 | The move to promote Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court comes at a time when the Obama administration is criticizing the court's January ruling in the high-profile campaign finance case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Kagan herself led the government's defense in that case.
Arizona Diamondbacks Hit for GOP, Former Rep Bolts for Minor Party and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 6
May 6, 2010 | Perhaps it's a witch's brew of bad luck and worse geography that's propelling the Arizona Diamondbacks crosswise into a debate not about inconsistent pitching or subpar batting, but ... immigration reform. Or perhaps not.
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.
Formaldehyde, Guns and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 19
April 19, 2010 | Who knew the Formaldehyde Council was a K street regular? For the past 10 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has been trying to change the classification of formaldehyde from a "probable" to a "known" carcinogen. However, the agency has encountered relentless opposition throughout the process.
Democrats Pocket More Campaign Cash from Special Interests Ahead of 2010 Midterm Elections
April 8, 2010 | The cost of the 2010 election cycle is on pace to break the record for a midterm election, set during the 2006 cycle. And across the board, Democrats, who now control the White House and both chambers of Congress, are on the receiving end of far more campaign cash than they were four years ago, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis.
Revolving Door Shuts on Barack Obama's TSA Nominee Robert Harding
March 27, 2010 | Retired Maj. Gen. Robert Harding, President Barack Obama's second nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration withdrew his name from consideration Friday, citing "distractions" from his previous work running a private contracting firm that both lobbied and did business with the federal government.
Dreaming of More Accessible Data
March 24, 2010 | In observance of Ada Lovelace Day, Center for Responsive Politics Research Director Jihan Andoni shares thoughts on her work making government more transparent.
Number of Special Interests Vying to Influence Health Reform Legislation Swelled As Debate Dragged On
March 19, 2010 | Time has rarely been an ally of President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats seeking to enact comprehensive health insurance reform. And the longer they took, the larger the army of special interest lobbyists grew. By the end of the fourth quarter when both the House and the Senate adopted versions of the bill, the number of clients had increased by nearly 300 percent, the Center for Responsive Politics found.
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.
TSA Nominee Robert Harding's Politics, New Massa Mess and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 10
March 10, 2010 | Transportation Security Administration no stranger to lobbying or political donations.
Campaign Cash Linked to Earmarks, Eric Massa Quits Amid Scandal and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 8
March 8, 2010 | CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS EQUAL FEDERAL EARMARKS? Perhaps.
J.D. Hayworth Readies for Republican Rumble with a Well-Heeled John McCain
February 16, 2010 | J.D. Hayworth's Republican primary challenge to Sen. John McCain will be a difficult and expensive endeavor. McCain benefits from a war chest of more than $27 million as well as a host of Republicans both young -- Sarah Palin, Scott Brown -- and veteran -- Dick Armey, Grover Norquist -- ready to campaign on his behalf.
Lobbyists Earn $1.3 Million Per Hour As Lawmakers Log Long Days
February 16, 2010 | Federal lobbying soared to a record $3.5 billion last year, as lawmakers clocked long hours and worked at a pace to be, in the opinion of one congressional scholar, the most productive Congress in decades. This translates to approximately $1.3 million spent on lobbying for every hour that Congress was in session in 2009, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
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.
Norm Dicks Gets Defensive, Another Congressman Bows Out and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 11
February 11, 2010 | U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) is in line to become the next chairman of the House Defense Appropriations subcommittee after the unexpected death of Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.).
Snow, Snow and More Snow in Capital Eye Opener: February 10
February 10, 2010 | In Washington, D.C., the city is effectively shut down, as is the Center for Responsive Politics, as bona fide blizzard conditions persist. The federal Office of Personnel Management estimates that the storms have so far cost taxpayers $350 million in lost productivity
Rep. John Murtha, Popular and Polarizing, Dead at 77
February 8, 2010 | Rep. John Murtha, a long-time Democratic lawmaker as popular with his Pennsylvania constituents as he was polarizing on the national political scene, died this afternoon after experiencing complications from gallbladder surgery.
Richard Shelby's War for Defense Dollars, NFL Love for Louisiana Pol and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 8
February 8, 2010 | Over the past 20 years, employees and political action committees associates with the defense aerospace, defense electronics and miscellaneous defense industries rank among Sen. Richard Shelby's top 15 campaign contributors when grouped by industry.
Democrats and Lobbyists Party in Miami, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Gets Bombed and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 4
February 4, 2010 | MONEY IN MIAMI: Democratic senators and K Street lobbyists hit the beach over the weekend at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee retreat at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach Resort, an event with the purpose of raising money for Democratic Senate candidates in the 2010 election.
Citizens Against Citizens United, Contractors to the Moon and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 3
February 3, 2010 | With the campaign finance world still trying to sort out the aftermath of Citizens United v. FEC, Marc Ambinder over at The Atlantic makes an interesting observation about the potential for corporate spending to surpass that of political parties.
Working on the Railroad, Bernanke Back in Business and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 29
January 29, 2010 | THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: One component of the pending jobs bill, passed by the House and currently being considered by the Senate, is $8 billion in grants to build high-speed train lines across 31 states. However, critics say that the amount proposed will be only a tiny fraction of the cost associated with such an ambitious infrastructure development project.
OpenSecrets.org Offers 2010 Legislative Preview Ahead of Barack Obama's State of the Union Address
January 27, 2010 | The past year proved to be a legislative whirlwind in Washington, with a new administration, and expanded Democratic majorities in Congress, tackling an ambitious legislative agenda against the backdrop of two wars and an economic meltdown. Twelve months later, the story is much the same.
Assessing Health Reform, Addressing Don't Ask Don't Tell and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 26
January 26, 2010 | OBAMA MAY ADDRESS DADT IN SOTU: Senate Armed Forces Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) announced Monday that he would postpone a hearing slated for this week on the military's controversial "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. News outlets are now reporting that Levin was asked to postpone the hearing until after President Obama's State of the Union address on Wednesday, so that Obama could weigh in on the subject.
Chris Dodd Flames Out, White House Visitor Info Materializes in Capital Eye Opener: January 6
January 6, 2010 | Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) is expected to announce he won't run for re-election this year.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, December 23
December 23, 2009 | 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE A CHRISTMAS EVE SHOWDOWN: Yes, the Senate is preparing to vote on a health care reform bill Thursday, on Christmas Eve. Members have been engaged in a flurry of legislative back-and-forth, seemingly incapable of much beside the task at hand, particularly considering that they'll likely spend Christmas itself in Washington, D.C. But alas, this hasn't stopped two senators from opposite ends of the political spectrum from penning a pair of dueling 'Twas the Night Before Christmas spoofs.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, November 24
November 24, 2009 | The State newspaper in South Carolina reports that Republican Gov. Mark Sanford has been charged with breaking state ethics laws 37 times by the South Carolina Ethics Commission. The charges include flying first class instead of coach on state trips, using campaign funds on a hunting trip and using state airplanes for family trips. The allegations come after the commission spent three months investigating Sanford. Lawyers for Sanford say the charges are minor and technical, according to The State.
Republican Senator Robert Bennett Seeks to Permanently Sunset TARP Program
November 20, 2009 | Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) originally supported of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) enacted by President George W. Bush in October 2008. He later opposed the second TARP authorization under President Barack Obama, and he now believes that the TARP program has served its purpose and should expire at the end of this year.
Gay Democratic Fund-raiser Says Money Should Only Support Candidates Who Back Equality
November 6, 2009 | A well-heeled Democratic fund-raiser is calling on donors to stop the "gay ATM" to politicians who don't fully support equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. Once named the most powerful gay man in America by Newsweek, David Mixner is angered by the hands-off approach of President Barack Obama and the Democratic National Committee concerning a failed ballot measure in Maine that would have allowed same-sex couples to marry. He says he's also troubled by Obama not quickly fulfilling his campaign promises regarding rights for gays and lesbians.
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.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, October 27
October 27, 2009 | TECH COMPANIES FIND (K&L) GATES OPEN TO VISCLOSKY: Want $2.4 million in earmark funds? It appears all you need to do is start a company, hire the right lobbying firm and wait two weeks. At least this was the case with start-up company NanoSonix, which won Rep. Pete Visclosky's (D-Ind.) support only 16 days after filing its incorporation papers and hiring lobbying firm K&L Gates to represent its interests on Capitol Hill.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, October 23
October 23, 2009 | ANTI-RAPE AMENDMENT HAS LOBBYIST FOES: Defense contractors are lobbying Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) to remove or water down language from the defense appropriations bill that prohibited defense contractors from denying victims of assault or rape the ability to bring their case to court, reports Sam Stein at the Huffington Post, who also cites CRP data in his article.
Potentially Vulnerable House Democrats Flex Fund-raising Muscle During First Three Quarters
October 21, 2009 | Democratic incumbents in the U.S. House of Representatives that their party views as potentially vulnerable raised an average of $842,400 since January, while Republican incumbents in the House viewed as potentially threatened raised an average of $597,300, the Center for Responsive Politics has found. Furthermore, these Democratic lawmakers ended the third quarter with an average of $646,000 in cash on hand, while these Republican congressmen ended the quarter with an average of $434,300.
Across the Nation, Big Money Congressional Races Heat Up
October 21, 2009 | The South Carolina's 2nd Congressional District is currently the most expensive House race in the country, but it's not the only place in the country where strong third quarter fund-raising totals show incumbents and challengers eagerly battling each other.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, October 15
October 15, 2009 | BACHMANN'S MONEY BOMB: Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) tried to send a message to Democrats yesterday by holding a one-day fundraising blitz, which brought in $95,011.38, according to her site.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, October 13
October 13, 2009 | HEALTH INSURERS RELEASE NEW REPORT: On Sunday, a new study commissioned the health insurance industry group America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) claimed that the health reform legislation authored by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) "will increase premiums above what they would increase under the current system." The Senate Finance Committee, which is chaired by Baucus, is set to vote today on its version of health insurance reform legislation.
Will Nobel Prize Bring Obama Momentum on Climate, Nuclear Weapons Policies?
October 9, 2009 | President Barack Obama said he hoped his Nobel Peace Prize could be used as a means to give momentum to causes including nuclear nonproliferation and addressing climate change. And momentum may be needed to fight the resistance among some lawmakers and well-heeled special interests.
Panel Rules Against Challenger in "Blood Money" Speech Dispute Against Lawmaker Backed By Turkish Interests
October 8, 2009 | Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) is one of the top recipients of money from Turkish-American groups. But the Ohio Election Commission has ruled that her 2008 third-party challenger David Krikorian made a false statement when he claimed Schmidt took money from "Turkish sponsored" political action committees.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, October 8
October 8, 2009 | IS THE HONEYMOON OVER?: Pundits this week have been speculating whether President Barack Obama has begun to lose favor among the media and are pointing to a recent Saturday Night Live skit as evidence. But Democrats have maintained financial support from NBC employees so far this year.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, October 7
October 7, 2009 | CASTLE ON A (SENATE) CLOUD: Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) announced yesterday that he intends to run for the Senate seat left vacant by Vice President Joe Biden, turning the race into "one of the top races in the country," said National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman John Cornyn (R-Texas), according to The Hill. Cornyn also hinted that the race would be expensive.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, September 30
September 30, 2009 | IN DEFENSE OF DEFENSE EARMARKS: Congressional lawmakers -- most notably, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) -- are under fire for what some critics say are unnecessary, politically motivated federal earmark requests.
Journalist Robert Kaiser Weaves Tale Of Lobbying Boom & Statesmanship Bust
September 23, 2009 | Kaiser, who has worked for the Washington Post for 46 years, talked Tuesday night at the National Press Club about the skyrocketing cost of political campaigns and the boom of the lobbying industry. Kaiser shares the body of his observations about politics and campaigns in his new 400-page tome So Damn Much Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government.
OpenSecrets.org Featured in Book About Under-the-Radar News Stories
September 21, 2009 | "Censored 2010: The Top 25 Censored Stories of 2008-09" hit bookstores this week, prominently featuring Capital Eye blog reports throughout.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, September 18
September 18, 2009 | WATCHDOG NAMES MOST CORRUPT LAWMAKERS: The nonprofit ethics watchdog Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington (CREW) has released their fifth annual report on members of Congress who they deem have engaged in unethical -- and sometimes illegal -- behavior. Fifteen lawmakers made this year's list, including Sens. Mitch McConnell, Roland Burris and John Ensign, and Reps. Jesse Jackson, Jr., John Murtha, Pete Visclosky and Don Young.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, September 17
September 17, 2009 | CONGRESSIONAL GRIDLOCK: In just a few short weeks, on Oct. 1, the current transportation authorization bill will expire. Unless Congress acts -- and fast -- this will leave the federal transportation system without any money. As with any major legislation, lobbyists are coming out in droves to influence the shape of a new transportation bill.
Bill to Grant Federal Marriage Benefits to Gay & Lesbian Couples Faces Uphill Battle
September 15, 2009 | Democratic Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York introduced a bill today to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Groups advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues and rights, however, face an uphill battle on K Street and Capitol Hill to pass it.
Economic Downturn Hits Some Industries, K Street Firms Hard
September 6, 2009 | Washington, D.C., is enjoying the long Labor Day weekend, and the Center for Responsive Politics is no different. But in your leisure time, check out this front-page story by Washington Post reporter Dan Eggen, who uses our research and data in noting Sunday: "In a year when Washington's influence industry should be thriving, with epic battled over health-care and energy legislation, lobbying in many sectors is in marked decline as defense contractors, real estate firms and other companies pull back in a down economy."
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, August 17
August 17, 2009 | DONOR DO-NOT CALL LIST: If you gave cash to Sen. Arlen Specter before his switch from the GOP to the Democratic party, you might want to make sure your caller ID is working properly.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, August 12
August 12, 2009 | Your morning digest of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Several Lobbying Firms Enjoyed Second Quarter Financial Success
July 30, 2009 | The economic slowdown hasn't meant a slowdown in revenue for many well-connected K Street lobbying firms. During the second quarter of 2009, several lobby shops reported earning significantly more than they did during the same period last year.
Lobbying Firms Pick Up PMA Group's Clients, Make Some Cash
July 30, 2009 | When mega-lobbying firm PMA Group shut its doors earlier this year under FBI scrutiny, its clients certainly weren't thrilled. Ten other lobbying firms, however, have reaped the benefit, earning at least $560,000 in the first six months of the year from PMA's former exclusive clients.
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.
Gun Amendment Supporters Backed by NRA Donations
July 22, 2009 | The Senate narrowly voted down an amendment this afternoon that would have permitted gun owners to carry concealed firearms across state lines into states with tighter gun regulations. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and attached to a defense spending bill, rallied lawmakers who have received significant donations over their careers from gun-related issue organizations.
Lockheed Opposes Defense Cuts, but Donates to Friends and Foes Alike
July 20, 2009 | President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and unlikely ally Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) want the Senate to reject additional Pentagon appropriations in a budget vote scheduled for later this week, specifically the $1.75 billion to buy seven F-22 jets.
Defense Contractor Charged With Kickbacks Helped Fund Murtha's Campaigns
July 7, 2009 | Richard Ianieri, the defense contractor charged today with accepting $200,000 in kickbacks from a subcontractor, was the president of a company that gave more money to Rep. John Murtha (D-Penn.) than any other lawmaker--including the years after Ianieri left Coherent Systems International and Argon ST bought it.
Dr. Ron Paul Prefers Free Market Approach to Health Reform
July 1, 2009 | Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) is an OB-GYN who has delivered more than 4,000 babies. Since 1995, he has also collected $1.1 million from the health sector as he advocates for market-based reforms for health care.
Keeping Tabs on PMA Group's Clients
June 26, 2009 | As the House Ethics Committee continues its investigation of the lawmakers financially connected to the defunct lobbying firm PMA Group, we want to make sure you've got updated tools to do some of your own detective work.
Ethics Panel Members Received Paltry PMA Contributions
June 15, 2009 | The House Ethics Committee members who began an investigation into the activities of now-defunct lobbying firm PMA Group last week have received relatively little in the way of campaign donations from the firm and its defense-contractor clients.
Project Censored Honors CRP Stories
June 11, 2009 | Three articles authored by CRP are among the year's top stories that should have earned more widespread attention, according to the nonprofit media watchdog group Project Censored.
Capital Eye Report: Donors Weigh in on Close Ties Between Moran Brothers
June 9, 2009 | Brian Moran enters today's Virginia gubernatorial primary loaded with contributions from the campaign fund of his older brother, Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and their mutual allies in the Northern Virginia defense industry. While there is nothing new about politicians supporting their family members' bids for office, the Moran brothers' ties have attracted national notice as Brian has become locked in a three-way battle for the Democratic nomination.
Visclosky Leaves Subcommittee to Member Without Strong Financial Ties to PMA
June 2, 2009 | Under the shadow of a federal investigation, Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) announced today that he is temporarily giving up his post as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, leaving the spot to Rep. Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.).
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.
Murtha's Warchest Includes Cash from Embattled Defense Contractor Kuchera
May 29, 2009 | While Kuchera Defense Systems' recent troubles may not have anything to do with Rep. John Murtha (D-Penn.), the congressman can't deny a strong financial connection to the contractor: In addition to the millions he's secured in earmark funds for the company, he has also collected more political funds from employees at Kuchera than any other current member of Congress since 1992.
Visclosky's Office Subpoenaed in Connection with PMA Group
May 29, 2009 | The feds have issued subpoenas to the congressional office, campaign committees and employees of Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) in the FBI's continuing investigation into whether now-defunct lobby shop PMA Group violated campaign finance laws. Do a little investigating yourself using these OpenSecrets' resources.
Big Donors & Bundlers Among Obama's Ambassador Picks
May 28, 2009 | U.S. presidents have long rewarded big campaign donors, fundraisers and other loyalists with ambassadorships, and Democratic President Barack Obama seems to be no exception. The list of individuals he has announced he will be nominating to ambassadorships around the globe include several big contributors and bundlers.
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.
Not Quite the Hard-Knock Life on K Street
April 30, 2009 | Given all of the variables, measuring the impact of the economy on K Street isn't exactly a science. But the Center for Responsive Politics has conclusively found that lobbying during the first three months of 2009 has actually increased slightly compared to the same period of time last year. Here you can check out how much which industries and clients have spent the most on lobbying so far this year and which have increased or decreased the most since the start of 2008.
In Defense Spending Battle, Lawmakers Seek Funds for Top Donors
April 27, 2009 | Members of both the House and Senate defense appropriations subcommittees are slated to meet as early as this week to mark up the $83.4 billion supplemental request from the Obama administration. In preparation, some lawmakers have already been lobbying their colleagues to support requests that will benefit defense contractors in their home states--companies that also help fill the campaign coffers of many members of Congress.
Indiana Congressman Says He's Giving Back PMA Group's Money–Some of It
April 6, 2009 | Over the years, Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) has collected a total of $1.4 million from embattled lobbying firm PMA Group to his candidate committee and PAC, making the firm his most generous donor. Now that the FBI is reportedly looking at Visclosky's relationship to PMA, Visclosky has said he'd give away a mere $18,000 in "suspect" campaign contributions linked to the firm, according to the New York Times.
Stevens Trial May Have Been Flawed, but Senator's Unusual Connections to Convicted Contributor Aren't in Doubt
April 1, 2009 | It looks like former Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) might be getting the "get out of jail free" card, although it was money that nearly put him there in the first place. The U.S. Department of Justice has asked the judge in Stevens's corruption case to throw out the conviction because prosecutors withheld evidence from the senator's defense team--but while his trial may be in question, his financial connection with Bill Allen and VECO is not.
PMA Group and Clients Paid Out $40 Million to Current Congress
March 12, 2009 | This week we took yet another look at the contributions from embattled lobbying firm PMA Group, this time analyzing all donations from the firm and its clients back in time to all members of the 111th Congress, plus President Obama. Since 1998, the firm and its clients have given $40.3 million total to the candidate committees and leadership PACs of 514 lawmakers--nearly every member of the current Congress.
Petition Paradoxical Politicians to Pass S. 482
March 11, 2009 | This Capital Eye post is a call to action: Please lobby your senators to (finally) file their campaign finance reports electronically. There's a handy website to guide you, but before I direct you there, I'd like to point out some paradoxical practices of the U.S. Senate that might leave you scratching your head.
Congressmen Overseeing Defense Budget Got $8 Million from PMA Group and Clients
March 2, 2009 | The FBI hasn't been the only group continuing to investigate lobbying firm PMA Group, which specializes in securing federal earmarks for its clients. At the Center for Responsive Politics, we've expanded our original analysis of contributions from the lobbying firm to lawmakers, specifically those on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, to include contributions from PMA's clients, as well.
Embattled Lobbying Firm PMA Targeted Members of Defense Committees
February 12, 2009 | The close ties between Rep. John Murtha and a Washington lobbying firm raided by the FBI have put the powerful Pennsylvania Democrat under greater scrutiny. The lobbyists at PMA Group have been Murtha's fifth most generous campaign donor over time, but he is just one of 284 members of the 111th Congress who have collected money from the firm, which specializes in securing federal earmarks for its clients. In total, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee have given current members of Congress $3.4 million since 1989.
New RNC Chair Brings Fundraising Prowess to Post
February 2, 2009 | The GOP has selected former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele to lead its fundraising efforts as the chair of the Republican National Committee. Although Steele lost his 2006 bid for Senate, he raised nearly as much money as his opponent, Congressman Ben Cardin.
Washington Lobbying Grew to $3.2 Billion Last Year, Despite Economy
January 29, 2009 | While companies across the board were losing record amounts of money and laying off employees last year, at least one industry seemed to weather the recession: lobbying. Special interests paid Washington lobbyists $3.2 billion in 2008, more than any other year on record and a 13.7 percent increase from 2007, CRP has found. Corporations in the finance, insurance and real estate sector and automotive industry actually slowed or decreased their lobbying spending overall last year, relying instead on trade associations to represent them.
Power Players: With Health Sector's Money Supporting Him, Baucus Offers Prescription for Reform
January 23, 2009 | As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is a target for campaign contributions from Wall Street and the health sector. He's outlined his own vision for health care reform and his committee will have to decide if the overhaul is fiscally possible.
Power Players: New Appropriations Chair Popular with Defense
January 13, 2009 | As the chair of the defense appropriations subcommittee, Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) has been a popular target for the defense industry's campaign contributions. Capital Eye analyzes the money behind the lawmaker who recently replaced Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) as chair of the entire Senate Appropriations Committee.
Georgia Candidate Raises Big Money, Loses Big
November 7, 2008 | Despite raising four times more than her incumbent opponent, Republican Deborah Honeycutt lost this week by a landslide in the race to represent Georgia's 13th District. Honeycutt, who raised $4.7 million compared to Rep. David Scott's $1 million, has received a fair share of negative media attention for being a client of BMW Direct, a DC-based fundraising firm.
Justice, Defense Department Employees At Odds Over Next Leader
October 23, 2008 | 2008 appears to be the first race in recent presidential elections where there is a clear partisan preference among campaign contributors who work in the federal government, as well as in state and municipal government--and even a distinct preference within major federal agencies, including the high-profile departments of Justice and Defense. Barack Obama has collected nearly three times more than John McCain from civil servants and public officials ranging from U.S. attorneys to small-town mayors.
Military Donors Don't Stay the Course
October 17, 2008 | Some of the most interesting dollars to follow since the start of this election cycle have been those given by donors in the military, who have preferred anti-war candidate Barack Obama over hawkish John McCain from the start. But a surge of funds to McCain, a Vietnam War prisoner, in the final months that he was able to accept private contributions, moved him into the lead.
Revolving Door: Former Senator Lands on Defense Company Board
October 15, 2008 | Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) continues his spin through the revolving door between the public and private sector with his decision to accept a position on the board of the North American arm of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company.
Like a Good Neighbor
September 2, 2008 | Whether it's political posturing or out of the goodness of their hearts, both presidential candidates are responding to Hurricane Gustav's havoc along the Gulf Coast--John McCain by curtailing the opening of this week's Republican National Convention and Barack Obama by asking supporters to donate money to the Red Cross. In the wake of such natural disasters, insurance companies, too, play politics, and this election cycle is no exception, with both presidential candidates collecting money from the industry.
You Have So Many Open Secrets!
August 7, 2008 | The recently redesigned OpenSecrets.org reached a milestone this week: 1,000 people have signed up for personalized MyOpenSecrets profiles, which allow you to "watchdog what you want" and have the information waiting for you every time you visit the site. Here at the Center for Responsive Politics we're delighted that so many people are taking advantage of this new feature we launched in May.
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.
Defense Fills Democratic Coffers
June 16, 2008 | John McCain's military experience is hardly gaining him a financial edge from defense contractors, whose campaign contributions to the presumptive Republican presidential candidate are only about $4,000 more than those given to his likely Democratic challenger, Barack Obama, who has no military experience.
Lawmakers Bring Home the Bacon; Make Pork
June 9, 2008 | The money that flows into Congress is often meant to spur the stream of money back out of Congress. Such is the case especially with contributors seeking a handout from their representative in the form of earmarks, or pork.
Climate Change: A Hot Issue on K Street
May 27, 2008 | Climatologists aren't the only source of data on global warming. It turns out that disclosure reports filed with Congress show that lobbying on climate change has been heating up sharply in recent years.
Industry Switch Indicates GOP Trouble
May 16, 2008 | Bruising losses for congressional Republicans in districts that are traditionally GOP strongholds pretty clearly signal that the party's in trouble. The money behind the elections is painting the same picture.
Lobbyists in McCain Land Deal Have Close Ties to Senator, Post Reports
May 9, 2008 | The Washington Post's story this morning about a land deal supported by John McCain that benefits his donors, bundlers and staffers illustrates how furiously Washington's revolving door spins. It's enough to make even a senator dizzy.
Military Analysts and the Revolving Door
April 24, 2008 | The New York Times generated a lot of buzz this week with a story about military analysts who work for military contractors when they're not opining on television. The analysts, who have unprecedented access to information from the Bush administration, lobby for military contractors, serve on their boards and act as consultants to them.
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.
Phone Companies Want to Be Off the Hook
March 21, 2008 | For an industry that exists to enhance communication, the telecom industry is awfully quiet these days. Instead, as members of Congress debate this week whether to provide immunity from lawsuits for those companies that allegedly cooperated with the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program, the telecom industry has reached out and touched lawmakers with cash.
European Company Plays American Politics — And Wins
March 13, 2008 | The cost of a $35 billion Air Force tanker contract is $304,000 in campaign contributions and $2.8 million in lobbying expenditures (and a superior bid, the companies who won the contract would say). Under these circumstances, the North American arm of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Company (EADS, parent of Airbus) partnered with U.S.-based Northrop Grumman to win the giant defense contract this week.
Military Support Goes to Anti-War Candidates
February 3, 2008 | Republican Ron Paul, an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq, continues to draw the most contributions from uniformed service members, pulling far ahead of the rest of the presidential hopefuls by the end of 2007.
2008 Legislative Preview
January 24, 2008 | A floundering economy, global warming and No Child Left Behind are likely to be among the issues the president addresses, and Congress takes up, this year.
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.
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.
The Other Iraq Surge
September 13, 2007 | A sharp increase in contributions from the military to Democrats suggests the Republican commander-in-chief and his party are losing the troops' support.
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.
An Apple a Day Won't Keep the Lobbyists Away
August 1, 2007 | As Congress and the president debate just how much to spend on funding health insurance for children, various industries are trying to ensure they're not paying for it.
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.
Shades of Green (Part of the "Cultivating Support in Washington" Series)
July 12, 2007 | Environmentalists, ethanol advocates, fiscal conservatives and conservationists want to see a move away from the New Deal.
Groups Team Up to Tackle 'Archaic' Bill (Part of the "Cultivating Support in Washington" Series)
July 12, 2007 | Small-scale crops, sugar users and some unlikely organizations band together to lobby Congress.
Defense Lobbying Goes Underground
June 27, 2007 | While subway riders in other cities encounter ads for toothpaste, Washington-area commuters see ads for fighter planes.
Chairmanship Has Its Privileges
April 18, 2007 | When members of Congress run for president, they can usually count on support from the industries most affected by their congressional committees. Chris Dodd, whose day job includes serving as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, has brought in nearly $739,000 from the securities and investment industry he regulates, making it his highest contributor in…
Under the Radar
April 12, 2007 | Loopholes in disclosure rules have allowed at least $223 million in "stealth" lobbying to remain a mystery, Center finds.
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…
Inside Voices Grew Louder in '06
March 29, 2007 | Most of the biggest spenders on lobbying increased their advocacy last year, while growth by the typical interest was flat. By Lindsay Renick Mayer March 29, 2007 | Critics may have dismissed the 109th Congress as "do-little," but groups spending the most to lobby members of that Congress were seemingly doing a lot in 2006.…
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…
Democrats Set Their Sights on Iraq Contracts
February 8, 2007 | A generous giver to Republicans, the defense sector is facing new scrutiny now that Democrats are in control. By Lindsay Renick Mayer February 08, 2007 | In questioning just how many taxpayer dollars have been wasted on bloated contracts to fight the war in Iraq, members of a congressional oversight committee refuted the notion Wednesday…
Federal Communications Commission Employees Find Themselves Wired to Lobbying Firms
January 4, 2007 | As FCC employees revolve out of government and into the private sector, they're likely to find themselves lobbying their former employer.
Power to These People
November 16, 2006 | Campaign finance profiles of Senate Majority Leader Reid, incoming House Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and runner-up Murtha By Lindsay Renick Mayer November 16, 2006 | (Updated to reflect Hoyer's win for majority leader) The message from voters in the 2006 midterm elections seems clear: Out with the old, in with the new. As the…
Center for Responsive Politics Predicts '06 Election Will Cost $2.6 Billion
October 25, 2006 | This year's intensely competitive election for control of the House of Representatives and Senate will be the most expensive midterm election ever, the Center for Responsive Politics predicts. Candidates, national political parties and outside issue advocacy groups will spend roughly $2.6 billion by the end of 2006 to influence the 472 federal contests around the United States and pad the war chests of incumbents not running this year.
Campaign for Transparency: Invite Senators to Join the 21st Century
September 25, 2006 | Center for Responsive Politics urges U.S. Senate to file their campaign finance reports electronically ____________________ As the congressional election approaches, supporters of open government have a non-partisan opportunity to take action, which will save taxpayer money and improve the transparency of campaign finance. The Center for Responsive Politics, along with other watchdog groups, members of…
Clients of Lobbying Firm Under Investigation Contributed $6 Million to Lewis and Appropriations Committee
June 22, 2006 | Copeland Lowery Jacquez Denton & White haven't just hired appropriations staffers to gain influence. The lobbyists and their clients have bankrolled committee members' campaigns and PACs. By Massie Ritsch June 22, 2006 | Clients of a Washington, D.C. lobbying firm under federal investigation have contributed at least $6.2 million to the campaigns and political action…
Lots of Cash Funds Contest to Succeed 'Duke' Cunningham
June 5, 2006 | A closely watched and expensive special election in California's 50th District will determine who takes the seat of the convicted congressman—at least until November. UPDATED June 6 to include the national parties' additional spending on this race By Massie Ritsch June 02, 2006 | As their longtime congressman sits in federal prison for taking bribes,…
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.…
The Hammer's Toolbox
April 5, 2006 | What Tom DeLay can—and can't—do with his leftover campaign cash By Center for Responsive Politics April 05, 2006 | Indicted in Texas for money laundering and embroiled in a lobbying scandal involving former aides, resigning Rep. Tom DeLay could use his leftover campaign funds to pay his ever-mounting legal bills. But what else could the…
A New Battleground
March 8, 2006 | War veterans try to topple congressional incumbents and their bigger war chests By Courtney Mabeus March 08, 2006 | To raise money for his congressional campaign in Minnesota, Tim Walz first had to learn how to sell himself. It's a skill he didn't have much need for in 24 years as a national guardsman, but,…
Supreme Court Questions Vermont's Campaign Finance Law
March 1, 2006 | Justices, now joined by Alito, express disfavor for spending limits and wonder about state's unusually low contribution capsBy Courtney Mabeus March 01, 2006 | Vermont has the strictest campaign finance law in the country, but questioning Feb. 28 by the U.S. Supreme Court suggested the justices may rule that the state's limits on campaign contributions…
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