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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets Blog
Center for Responsive Politics Receives Knight News Challenge Award from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
July 22, 2015 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2015 — The Center for Responsive Politics is delighted to announce that it has been awarded $525,000 as a winner of the Knight News Challenge on Elections. The award will enable CRP to vastly expand the amount of information available to voters on politically active nonprofit organizations that don't disclose…
Lobbyists bundle big money for Clinton, Bush
July 16, 2015 | By Paul Lewis and Will Tucker in Washington. This piece was cross-posted with The Guardian. Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush, the 2016 presidential candidates leading the money race in the Democratic and Republican fields, are amassing fortunes that will leave them politically indebted to some of the most influential lobbyists in Washington. Disclosures to the…
Property claims loom as issue in U.S.-Cuba normalization
July 14, 2015 | Cuba will soon get an American ambassador and a full U.S. embassy in Havana for the first time in more than half a century. But on the path to normalized relations, there's a $7 billion potential roadblock. And large U.S. corporations with big lobbying operations aren't taking the lead on this one — individual Americans are. A group…
New York lawmaker raises funds in Puerto Rico amid debt crisis
July 1, 2015 | Never mind that Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is an ambitious but still relatively unknown Republican from upstate New York. Thanks to her political connections, she has fans in Puerto Rico. And Puerto Ricans may be counting their friends in Washington. With an imminent debt crisis looming over the Caribbean commonwealth that threatens the U.S. municipal bond market, Puerto…
Departed members of the 113th Congress find new homes on K Street, and elsewhere
May 20, 2015 | Former members of the 113th Congress have embarked on various new adventures since their defeats, retirements or departures for other reasons: Some are teaching, others are pondering away at think tanks, a couple are embedded in corporate culture, a few are even enjoying their freedom and sleeping a little later every morning. Not surprisingly, though,…
'I'm Not a Candidate': How Presidential Hopefuls Get Around Finance Rules
March 30, 2015 | This story was cross-posted with the The Guardian. The dinner invitations that dropped into the inboxes of political donors last week proudly boasted a list of guests whose names have already become very familiar in the crowded race for the Republican presidential nomination. Jeb Bush, Scott Walker and Rick Santorum are among nine confirmed speakers…
The JCN Story: Building a Secretive GOP Judicial Machine
March 23, 2015 | This story was cross-posted at The Daily Beast. It was a cold winter night in Washington, D.C., not long after President George W. Bush won a second term, and the mood at the upscale Italian restaurant was downright celebratory. The most prominent guest was Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, but his table also boasted a…
Stephen Colbert — Two-Time Recipient of "OpenSecrets Bump" — Calls IRS' Bluff
March 19, 2015 | PROGRAMMING NOTE: This is a premium report for our OpenSecrets Platinum members only, so if you are not reading this on a $10,000 AppleWatch that you got as a party favor at your niece's Sweet 16 yacht-christening and/or dressage quadrille performance, you're in the wrong place. Now that it's just us, let's start with a disclosure: OpenSecrets…
Trading Old Friends For New: PACs Nurture Budding Relationships
March 11, 2015 | Big money hates the underdog. But what happens when the underdog wins? The race to make amends with the newcomer is a mad dash down K Street after every election, and recent campaign disclosures show some striking turnabouts by big-league PACs. More than any favoritism for Democrats or Republicans, big PAC money most reliably supports…
Who Cares About SOTU? We Have a Few Guesses
January 20, 2015 | The economy is growing steadily, unemployment is down, the stock market is soaring, gas prices are diving. Good luck getting a rise out of someone by mentioning the deficit at a Washington dinner party, something that would have been unimaginable in the not-so-distant past. There's plenty of good news for President Obama to dwell on…
Historic Defections in Boehner Vote; Money Couldn't Buy Him Everybody's Love
January 6, 2015 | Speaker John Boehner of Ohio secured a third term as the top Republican in the House, and number three in the line of succession for the presidency. But party dissidents made a scene, with 25 not voting for him on the first ballot. Each vote was arguably a slap in the face; it's rare in recent…
Breaking Party Ranks on EPA Science Vote
November 24, 2014 | The Environmental Protection Agency is supposed to base its major decisions on science — good science. But what is good science and how do you decide it? Since 1978, the EPA has had a science advisory board tasked with helping answer those questions. But, because this is Washington, nothing is ever that simple. Last week,…
Down to the Ground Game
November 2, 2014 | These last days of the campaign are when person-to-person contact with voters — the famous "ground game" — is meant to help push candidates over the top. The ground game is the last refuge of every campaign trailing in the polls, since a stellar get-out-the-vote operation can close a deficit in a hurry. This cycle, Democrats, in…
Straw Into Gold: Candidates Trading Leadership PAC Dollars for Campaign Cash
October 31, 2014 | This story is cross-posted at TIME.com With just a few days remaining in the first quarter of 2014, Mary Landrieu did something generous: The embattled Democratic senator from Louisiana, herself in the midst of an exceedingly tough re-election race, used her leadership PAC to give $5,000 to the campaign of Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), who…
Dave Brat's New Buddies
October 17, 2014 | It appears Dave Brat has given up running on a shoestring for a new pair of Air Jordans. The Republican nominee for Virginia's 7th District congressional seat became a political celebrity overnight by defeating House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a June 10th primary — despite a multimillion dollar fundraising disadvantage. The tea party-supported Brat…
SarahPAC, Like Palin Herself, Light on Donations to Fellow Republicans
October 16, 2014 | The involvement of immediate family members in a drunken brawl does little to boost one's political prospects. On a different level, the same might be said of a stingy leadership PAC. Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's SarahPAC continued to perform underwhelmingly as a source of funds for other candidates in 2014's third quarter, a…
Jeb Bush Raises Close to $1 Million for GOP Senate Hopefuls
October 14, 2014 | If Jeb Bush does decide to run for the GOP nomination in 2016, he may have five good friends in the Senate to rely on for support. Last month, Bush hosted a fundraising event in Tampa for the benefit of five GOP Senate challengers hoping to unseat Democrats in some of the most closely contested…
In Kansas, the Right Unites in Attacking Independent Candidate
October 14, 2014 | Different factions of the Republican Party are uniting in Kansas against a common enemy: the independent who is threatening Sen. Pat Roberts's re-election bid. The GOP has swooped in to support the three-term Republican incumbent against self-proclaimed centrist Greg Orman. National party operatives like Chris LaCivita have taken the reigns of Roberts's campaign, according to Bloomberg.…
Gun Groups Locked and Loaded for Nov. 4
October 6, 2014 | One month till the election? Welcome to the OK Corral — the shootout's just beginning. Both the National Rifle Association and Americans for Responsible Solutions, the pro-gun control group founded by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), have said they will unleash a fusillade of ads supporting and attacking candidates in some of the tightest contests in the…
Sharing is Caring: Uber, Airbnb, Lyft Invest in Washington
October 1, 2014 | You know an industry has come of age when it starts investing in Washington. And so it goes with companies involved in the "sharing economy," which have begun attempting to influence policies impacting their business models. Some outfits in this category are local, like those that provide bike-sharing services. Others, such as Uber, Lyft and…
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,…
John Tierney Keeping it Close — Again — in Mass.
September 8, 2014 | Rep. John Tierney of Massachusetts once again is expected to face a struggle on Nov. 4 in his bid to return to the Capitol — that is, if he even makes it to that ballot. First, he has to wrangle the Democratic nomination from a tough challenger in Tuesday's primary: former Marine Seth Moulton. In some ways, this…
Two Grand Juries Continuing Probe Into 2012 Iowa Payola Scandal
September 4, 2014 | Last week's guilty plea by former Iowa State Sen. Kent Sorenson wasn't the end of the federal investigation into the 2012 Iowa caucus payola scandal — not by a longshot. OpenSecrets Blog has learned that FBI agents have been interviewing a slew of witnesses connected to Ron Paul's presidential campaign and grand jury subpoenas have been…
Chamber diversifies its portfolio in endorsing Peters
September 3, 2014 | In a move that might indicate a shift in political strategy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Democratic incumbent Rep. Scott Peters on Wednesday, backing him over his Republican challenger Carl DeMaio in a tight race for California's 52nd Congressional District. Previously, the business group has stuck almost entirely with Republicans. Peters is one of four Democrats who have received the…
Politiquizz: Hot, Hot, Hot
August 22, 2014 | (Photo: Dog's Empire) Members of Congress will have a lot on their plate when they return from summer recess early next month ― but for some, one of their biggest concerns may be holding on to their jobs come November. Statistically speaking, many of those members will get to keep their seats: 90 percent of…
Gather Ye Contributions, In Bulk
August 21, 2014 | Seven-figure political contributions are a regular feature of politics this decade, but only outside groups like super PACs are allowed to accept such large checks. Contributions to candidates and party committees are still subject to strict limits, which makes gathering the huge sums that it takes to run competitive campaigns difficult and extremely time-consuming. For…
Politiquizz: Winners, Losers & Quitters
August 12, 2014 | With fewer than three months until the general election, campaigns are in full swing as candidates push their supporters to show up at the polls. There's lots of buzz about what Congress will look like after November 4th, and who will be moving to Washington, but the list of those who won't be heading back…
In Montana, Sunk Candidate Is Sunk Cost
August 11, 2014 | A plagiarism scandal that drove Sen. John Walsh (D-Mont.) to drop his re-election bid Thursday was a major blow to the Democratic Party, still intent on proving it can keep its majority in the Senate. It also constituted a major financial loss for Democrats who'd placed their bets on Walsh and saw them evaporate long…
One GOP Consultant, Two Campaigns and a Snarl of Outside Groups
July 28, 2014 | Bruce Rauner is a Chicago billionaire who has never held political office, yet this spring he mowed down a crowd of rivals and claimed the GOP nomination to be Illinois' next governor. David Perdue is a wealthy former executive who also has never been elected to public office, yet he too knocked off a string…
In Wichita, Pompeo and Tiahrt Vie for Koch Backing
June 23, 2014 | Last month, former Kansas Rep. Todd Tiahrt announced his candidacy for the state's Fourth Congressional District seat by shooting some early barbs at his former protégé, incumbent Rep. Mike Pompeo, citing some of the "big policy differences" that divide them. The Republican rivals have one thing in common, though — the hand that has fed their political careers is one and…
Unreported Spending Helped Stoke Discontent With Cantor
June 19, 2014 | In other upsets where tea party-backed candidates have emerged as victors, outside spending has been a big part of the formula for helping insurgents prevail. In the case of Majority Leader Eric Cantor's epic defeat at the hands of an unknown opponent in the Virginia GOP primary last week, though, outside groups seemed to play…
In Mississippi Primary, Money Raining In Before the Storm
June 16, 2014 | Sen. Thad Cochran's (R-Miss.) chances of fending off tea party-backed challenger Chris McDaniel remain uncertain a week before the runoff election next Tuesday — but if he loses, it won't be for lack of trying by establishment Republicans. Cochran has benefited from the strong support of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), whose fundraiser last week on…
More Insiders Aim to Move Up Leadership Chain
June 13, 2014 | Most Washington insiders seem convinced that House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) will take over for Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) at the end of July; then again, most of these people were convinced Cantor would cruise to an easy re-election. But if the real race now is to see who takes over as Majority Whip,…
Money is on Kevin McCarthy to Replace Cantor
June 12, 2014 | The surprising defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) shocked the GOP and delighted many Democrats, but it also sent the House Republican caucus into a frenzy over who would fill Cantor's shoes as the party's No. 2 man. Palace intrigue — already gathering steam due to speculation that House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) would step…
Don't Blame Steakhouses for Cantor's Fall
June 11, 2014 | It's difficult to overstate the magnitude of Eric Cantor's upset loss to little-known challenger Dave Brat in Virginia's 7th Congressional District. Through May 21st, Brat received no PAC donations, was outraised 25-to-1, and saw just $4,805 in outside spending on his behalf. Last night, journalists combing through CRP's data on the race came up with…
In S.C., Money Matters Far More Than Before for Graham
June 10, 2014 | South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham has never had to fight with a fellow Republican for his Senate seat. Now, he is battling tooth and claw to ward off six cheeky challengers in today's primary. The two-term senator has already spent $8.5 million in the 2014 race, outflanking all his Republican contenders, who together have barely spent $2 million.…
Top Donors to Joint Fundraising Vehicles: Overwhelmingly Republican
June 4, 2014 | On Tuesday, the Senate leaders from each party spoke to their colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, sharing their contrasting views on the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions that have loosened campaign finance restrictions. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have long clashed in this area — and they also know which side their bread…
Mississippi Mudfest: Campaigns, Outside Groups Give It All They've Got
May 30, 2014 | Mississippi can lay claim to some of the GOP's ugliest infighting leading up to Tuesday's Senate primary vote, marked by a proxy war between the conservative establishment and tea party affiliates that's triggered a torrent of spending by outside groups. Poll results have been all over the map in recent weeks, indicating that state senator and…
Hot Race in NC-5? No, but Foxx is Hauling in Out-of-State Cash
May 22, 2014 | Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) doesn't have much to worry about this year — she easily dispatched a primary challenger earlier this month, and her Democratic opponent has raised just $3,000. So why does OpenSecrets.org consider the race for North Carolina's Fifth Congressional District a "Hot Race"? As it turns out, Foxx's campaign fundraising raised a red flag when we…
Rand Paul's Ties With Losing N.C. Primary Candidate Run Deep
May 7, 2014 | Last night, North Carolina Speaker of the House Thom Tillis won the Republican primary and the right to challenge Democratic incumbent Sen. Kay Hagan — a victory for the GOP establishment, as Tillis easily dispatched outsider Greg Brannon. This morning, pundits not only declared victory for the establishment, but speculated that Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who flew down last weekend to…
Hot Races 2014: In N.C., Outside Groups Work to Oust Wayward GOP Incumbent
May 2, 2014 | A patch of coastal North Carolina might seem like an unusual place to wage a political battle over the future of Israel. But Rep. Walter B. Jones' (R-N.C.) long record of isolationist foreign policy votes has attracted over $1 million in outside spending to his congressional district, where his seat was once considered "extremely safe."In a twist on the…
Many Candidates — Political Opposites Included — Share Common Donors
April 22, 2014 | A scant few Americans give money to political campaigns -- but those few often give to many.
Ranking the RINOs: Who Does the Tea Party Hate Most?
April 4, 2014 | Outside spending tells us something about the incumbents that tea partiers most want to dump off the side of a boat.
CRP Presents Program on Money-in-Politics Disclosure Issues
March 13, 2014 | We're hosting a mini-conference on roadblocks to transparency in the U.S. government -- and proposing some solutions. Experts from CRP, Campaign Legal Center, Covington & Burling, Center for Public Integrity, CQ Roll Call and more will address the issues in panels on campaign finance, lobbying, and the growth of dark money. Sign up now!
Sincere or Strategic, Lobbyists Give Big
March 12, 2014 | It's hard to sort out lobbyists' motivations for making campaign contributions. But the top recipients of their donations so far this cycle are a bit of a surprise: Top Republican leadership and at-risk Senate Democrats.
Credit Suisse's On-Shore Friends
February 28, 2014 | A Senate report this week hammered European banking giant Credit Suisse for helping American clients hide billions in Swiss tax shelters. Still, despite the report and a tough hearing that followed, Credit Suisse is actually on quite good terms with a number of lawmakers -- and is an all-around big spender in town.
Outside Spending in Texas Trends Toward the Establishment
February 27, 2014 | In Texas, outside groups are helping the more establishment Republicans, not the renegades, a change from recent elections.
Many of Dingell's Donors Likely to Migrate to His Wife
February 26, 2014 | The spouse of the former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is likely to get the same level of strong support from the auto industry.
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.
Four Years After Citizens United: The Fallout
January 21, 2014 | The 2010 decision reshaped the campaign finance landscape in obvious ways, and some less apparent ones too.
Most Likely to Exceed: Who's Poised to Double Down Post-McCutcheon
January 15, 2014 | In anticipation of the Supreme Court's ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, the Center for Responsive Politics and the Sunlight Foundation have teamed up to look at the deep-pocketed donors who could give even more if the justices strike down another limit on the amount of money in U.S. politics.
YG Network Has a Big Haul, and Pays a Big Salary
November 21, 2013 | YG Network, the fledgling conservative 501(c)(4) with links to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), came on strong in 2012 with big donors and a big salary for its director.
Liberal Dark Money Dominating 2014 Elections
November 7, 2013 | The amount of outside spending that's occurred in the 2014 election cycle is up dramatically from its level at the same point in the last cycle. Spending by dark money groups alone has increased even more. The real surprise is that liberal groups have dominated the scene so far.
Debt Crisis "Nay"-Sayers Received Large Sums from Business, Finance Interests
October 22, 2013 | A joint analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics and the Washington Post shows that business interests played a key role in helping elect lawmakers who rejected their plea to raise the debt ceiling and end the shutdown.
Supreme Court and Campaign Finance: McCutcheon Chapter
October 8, 2013 | Could a decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission be based on misconceptions about how campaign finance actually works -- much as the 2010 Citizens United decision was?
Return of The Hammer?
September 21, 2013 | Will Tom DeLay, whose state money-laundering conviction was thrown out this week, try for a comeback? If so, he'll have to find a few new sources of campaign cash. Some of his deepest-pocketed donors have moved on in one fashion or another.
Outside Groups in Kentucky Senate Race Fueled by Out-of-State Money
August 1, 2013 | Kentuckians for Strong Leadership may indeed be for strong leadership, but it doesn't appear to involve many Kentuckians. The latest fundraising disclosures show that its attacks on Mitch McConnell challenger Alison Grimes are being paid for almost entirely by people other than Kentuckians. By the same token, liberal groups going after McConnell don't seem to have any Bluegrass State money, either.
Deep in Hock: 10 Most Indebted Campaign Committees
July 24, 2013 | Candidates will do most anything to win elections -- including, in some cases, putting their campaign committees deep in debt.
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.
An Unexpected Challenge to Enzi in Wyoming: Calling All Donors!
July 8, 2013 | In each of his three elections, Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) has made short work of his opponents, cruising to easy victories in the conservative-friendly state. But he may need to ramp up his fundraising -- he could face a primary challenger with ample name recognition.
Through Thick and Thin, Blue Dog Money Follows Blue Dog Members
May 1, 2013 | It's been said if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. Just make sure it's blue. Members of the House Blue Dog Coalition contribute to other Blue Dogs to an unusual degree.
Johnson's Retirement Makes Way for GOP Takeover
March 26, 2013 | Sen. Tim Johnson was the sole remaining Democrat in the South Dakota Congressional delegation. His retirement could move the GOP closer to a Senate majority.
Oscar Nominees Award Dems Millions in Political Money
February 22, 2013 | Politicians watching the Oscars this weekend of course will be seeing stars, just like the rest of us. But many of them -- Democrats, at least -- may see something much more alluring: dollar signs. Of the 51 actors, directors and producers nominated for the six most-watched categories, 25 nominees or their spouses have contributed to a political candidate or cause since 1990, nearly all of them Democratic. Most supported Obama either in 2008 or 2012, or both. And "Lincoln" is the money-and-politics blockbuster of the year.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 15: Duke Energy's Convention Loan-Turned-Donation, Kerry and the Heinz Deal, and More
February 15, 2013 | When the Democrats were putting together their convention in Charlotte, they shunned corporate contributions, only to run into a funding crisis. Their workarounds included a loan guaranteed by Duke Energy -- a loan that appears to be turning into a donation.
Ron Paul Network Was Lucrative for Jesse Benton
February 8, 2013 | Jesse Benton was an integral part of the Paul family's network of organizations, and a lightning rod for controversy before he left last fall to become Mitch McConnell's campaign manager. We can settle one matter about which critics have raised questions: How much he earned during his years with Paul's various committees.
The Politics of Super Bowl XLVII
February 1, 2013 | NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the top brass of the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens tilt Republican, though not dramatically. The same goes for the extremely well-funded NFL Gridiron PAC.
Education Advocacy Declines Steeply
January 31, 2013 | Spending on lobbying was down across the board in 2012, but no interest group tightened the purse strings more than the education industry. In 2011, the industry, which includes both for-profit and nonprofit colleges and universities and trade associations that represent both, reported spending about $106 million on lobbying expenses. In 2012 it spent only $88.6 million -- a decline of more than $17.6 million
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 28: Harkin Retires as Cantor and McConnell Look to the Future
January 28, 2013 | Sen. Tom Harkin's retirement has opened a door for the GOP in Iowa in 2014, while Mitch McConnell is shoring up his cash and his allies for his own re-election fight. Meanwhile, in the House, Cantor might be eyeing the speakership.
For Outgoing Lawmakers, Connections Mean Chance to Cash In
December 26, 2012 | It's that time of the year where retiring members of Congress or those who were forced out by voters begin looking for jobs elsewhere -- such as K Street. Making the jump from lawmaker to lobbyist is lucrative. Some members aren't even waiting for their terms to expire.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 21: Newark Mayor Eyes Senate Seat, Appropriations Panel Gets First Chairwoman, and More
December 21, 2012 | Cory Booker positions himself for a Senate bid, while Sen. Barbara Mikulski becomes the first woman to helm Appropriations.
Capital Eye Opener Dec. 18: Sen. Inouye Passes Away, Club for Growth Against Sandy Relief, and More
December 18, 2012 | Sen. Daniel Inouye broke many barriers, but he never had to set any fundraising records: He was a lock for re-election every time. Also, the Club for Growth declares the Superstorm Sandy relief bill a waste of money.
Rising Stars: Newly-Elected Lawmakers to Watch
December 5, 2012 | Newly elected members of Congress are weeks away from claiming their seats. Here is CRP's shortlist of newcomers expected to make some waves.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 4: Emerson Through the Revolving Door, Angle Audit Turns Up Problems, and More
December 4, 2012 | Newly re-elected Rep. Jo Ann Emerson announced her plans to leave Congress by February, the FEC finds irregularities with Sharron Angle's failed 2010 Senate campaign finance reporting, and a new poll rates Congress' perceived honesty and ethics.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 3: Watts' RNC Buzz, DaVita's D.C. Footprint, and More
December 3, 2012 | J.C. Watts, who's being mentioned as a possible RNC chair, has some strong ties to shadow money. A dialysis company that's accused of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid has invested heavily in Washington. And Bloomberg's pro-gun control super PAC likely had an impact.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 30: Lobbying on Syria, Biden Goes to COSTCO, and More
November 30, 2012 | Lobbying on issues related to Syria has ramped up as the conflict in the war-torn nation has intensified. South Dakota's Tim Johnson begins to put his campaign in gear. And Biden pays a visit to a new COSTCO store, where any Democrat is likely to get a friendly reception.
Tech Industry Lobbying, Led by Google, Defies General Lobbying Decline
November 28, 2012 | The tech industry continues to expand its lobbying efforts, defying the overall trend of declining lobbying expenditures. Google leads the way.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 28: Protesters Strip in Boehner's Office, Special Election Dates Announced in Illinois, and More
November 28, 2012 | Are nude protestors listed on lobbying reports? Also, Illinois governor moves forward to replace Jackson, and Buffet nominates Dimon for Treasury.
Capito Announces 2014 Senate Bid After Congressional Re-election
November 26, 2012 | Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito gives everyone plenty of notice as she announces her 2014 bid for one of West Virginia's Senate seats. Based on its past support, the mining industry is likely to back her in a major way.
Lawyers Win Big While Wall Street Splits the Difference
November 15, 2012 | Lawyers and lobbyists invested their contributions in winners to a far greater degree than did Wall Street, health professionals, and the real estate industry.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 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?
Mixed Results for Challengers That Outraised Incumbents
November 7, 2012 | Some winning challengers yesterday had a cash advantage to neutralize the incumbent advantage, though a couple of races where challengers won the fundraising battle are still too close to call.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 7 (The Day After): Incumbents Who Dominated Both Money and Votes, FreedomWorks' Bad Day, and More
November 7, 2012 | Some incumbents blew their challengers right off the field with both fundraising and vote-getting. Also, FreedomWorks strikes out in the races where it spent the most money.
Massachusetts, Virginia Senate Among 2012's Most Expensive Races
November 6, 2012 | The role of outside spending in federal elections dramatically changed in 2010 with the Supreme Court's decision in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case, which opened the doors for corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money advocating for or against candidates. The Center for Responsive Politics estimates this election likely will cost $6 billion, shattering the previous record by more than $700 million, much of which is due to the massive increase in outside spending.
Hot Race for Montana Senate Seat and the Authentic Rancher: Jon Tester vs. Denny Rehberg
October 31, 2012 | Nearly $40 million has poured into the Senate race in Montana, where there are three heads of cattle for every human one. That makes it one of the most expensive contests in the nation.
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.
Wall Street Funds Down From Obama's Inaugural Run
October 25, 2012 | This time last cycle, Wall Street had give candidate Barack Obama $9 million more than this time around and was his fourth-highest contributing industry. Mitt Romney has received almost $13 million more from Wall Street than Obama.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 24: The Boss Campaigns for Obama in Swing States, Incumbents Support Citizens United Restrictions, and More
October 24, 2012 | After initially saying he'd stay out of this presidential campaign, Springsteen is everywhere for Obama. And don't think it's only Democrats who want to curtail what Citizens United has wrought.
Small Donors, Billionaires, Corporations and a Loan Funded Party Conventions
October 18, 2012 | The story of how the conventions were funded this year follows much the same path as the whole campaign finance narrative this year -- the Republicans dominated the money game, pushed by big dollar donations from billionaires, while Democrats turned to traditional allies and two big hometown corporations to pay their convention bill.
Backed by Adelson, Republican Pro-Israel Group Targets Obama
October 17, 2012 | With support from casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and a board laden with well-connected luminaries of GOP fundraising, the Republican Jewish Coalition is making a strong push to turn just enough Jews against Obama to deny him re-election.
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. 10: Citizens United Takes to Hulu, Ending Spending's New Ad Campaign, and More
October 10, 2012 | Citizens United, whose name is now synonymous with the Supreme Court decision that helped open the spigots to unlimited independent spending, airs a new movie on Hulu.
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 27: An Ace-in-the-Hole-in-One for Romney, Akin Support Resurfaces, and More
September 27, 2012 | Jack Nicklaus gets personal with Romney, while the NRSC sends verbal hugs -- and the hint of monetary ones -- to Todd Akin.
Capital Eye Opener Sept. 25: Outside Money Worries Cornyn, Campaign Season Good to FedEx, and More
September 25, 2012 | Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, says the campaign finance system is "broken" because of the influence of outside money.
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 21: Club for Growth Targets Graham, Pawlenty's New Gig, and a Super PAC Sits on Its Money
September 21, 2012 | The conservative Club for Growth takes aim at Lindsey Graham, while Tim Pawlenty takes a lucrative new job -- and removes himself from consideration for a Romney cabinet slot. And billionaires donate to a pro-Republican, pro-gay marriage super PAC that hasn't done anything yet.
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 19: Shadow Money Shuffle, Cash Quest Trumps Campaigning, and More
September 19, 2012 | It may look like a network of misfiring neurons, but our visualization, done in collaboration with Newsweek & the Daily Beast, actually shows the connections between shadow money groups.
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 17: Cheeseheads' Choice, Big Donor's Bad Math and More
September 17, 2012 | The race between Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson for a Wisconsin Senate seat shows Thompson's fundraising has been far less hearty than Baldwin's -- but what a difference name recognition makes.
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 30: Gabby PAC, What GOP Donors Want, and the NRA Fires Again
August 30, 2012 | Gabrielle Giffords re-enters politics with a PAC. Meanwhile, policy changes that would help Sheldon Adelson, Harold Simmons and other major political investors.
Capital Eye Opener, August 29: Romney's Gender Gap, Quayle's Defeat and Hall & Oates Strike PAC
August 29, 2012 | Ann Romney's speech reached out to female voters, but female donors are not backing her husband; despite fundraising advantages and a well-known Republican name, Rep. Ben Quayle lost his seat last night; and at least one super PAC can't rely on the old man's money this year.
Capital Eye Opener, August 22: Obama's Full Court Press, Super PAC Apps and More
August 23, 2012 | Michael Jordan led a roster of current and former NBA all-stars in rolling out the red carpet for President Barack Obama last night for an evening of fundraisers that was expected to net the incumbent about $3 million for his re-election bid.
Capital Eye Opener, August 20: Akin's Money Background, Nonprofit Strategies and Fancy Zip Codes
August 20, 2012 | Read up on Todd Akin's campaign finance background, secretive nonprofit's shift their strategies and after Romney's campaign picked up $7 million on a fundraising tour of the East Coast's fanciest zipcodes, we wondered who the people that actually live there write their checks to.
Following the Money in the Wisconsin, Florida and Connecticut Primaries
August 15, 2012 | This year's long, expensive and often unpredictable primary season is drawing to a close, but could still have some surprises in store. Races in Wisconsin and Florida pitted Tea Party favorites against members of the Republican old guard, and candidates are divided not just by philosophy but by fundraising style and super PAC support.
Capital Eye Opener, Aug. 10: New York AG Takes On Nonprofits, Romney Halfway to $800 Million Goal and More
August 10, 2012 | New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman requests financial information from political nonprofit groups. Mitt Romney to crack $400 million in fundraising. And Barack Obama losing his edge among student donors.
Helping Themselves: 2012 Candidates Have Spent Over $130 Million Funding Their Own Campaigns
August 2, 2012 | Dozens of candidates have more than $130 million invested in their own campaigns ahead of the November elections, in races ranging from the recent Texas primary runoff to a Hail Mary Senate campaign in Arizona.
Capital Eye Opener, July 16: New FEC Filings Show Super PAC Strength Can Be Relative, and Pro-Lugar Super PAC Takes Shadow Money
July 16, 2012 | Super PACs turn out to be good repositories for cash from family in Washington state and Florida. And in Indiana, the pro-Lugar super PAC's biggest donor was a secretive groups that doesn't disclose its donors.
Jim Bopp's Stealthy Super Pac: Big Names Funded Pro-Mourdock Effort
July 13, 2012 | OpenSecrets Blog has an exclusive look at the funders of conservative lawyer Jim Bopp's USA Super PAC, which spent heavily to elect Richard Mourdock in Indiana's hard-fought GOP Senate primary.
Capital Eye Opener, July 13: DISCLOSE Act 2.0, Ralph Lauren's China problem and Bay State antagonists hold their fire
July 13, 2012 | New versions of the DISCLOSE Act, this time tailored to gain more support, will soon be put to the test. Ralph Lauren takes fire for Chinese-made Olympic duds, but he contributes to home-grown politicians. And in the Massachusetts Senate race, record hauls for the candidates while outside groups mostly hold their fire.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Marco Rubio
July 6, 2012 | After riding an anti-establishment Tea Party wave into office in 2010, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) has gone from being a relatively unknown state representative to a potential vice presidential pick in just two short years. Although some have reported that GOP candidate Mitt Romney is not vetting Rubio, the campaign insists it is considering the 41-year-old Florida native for the VP slot.
Making Sense of Presidential Fundraising Numbers
June 28, 2012 | Campaign finance disclosures released last week by the presidential campaigns, parties and one of the joint fundraising committees have raised a lot of eyebrows and generated speculation about the financial challenge facing the President's re-election campaign. Although it's unclear whether the fundraising surge experienced by the Romney campaign (writ broadly) in May will be sustained. But it seems unlikely that either candidate will lose due to lack of funds.
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.
Capital Eye Opener, June 27: Guns, Contempt and Money; Campaign Ad Disclosure Passes Hurdle; Reid and McConnell make nice on student loans
June 27, 2012 | The NRA hearts the GOP. The Office and Management and Budget says the FCC's new rule on disclosure of political ad buys doesn't violate the Paperwork Reduction Act. And Congress could provide relief on student loan rates this week.
Hatch v. FreedomWorks, JPMorgan Bankers Continue Giving Ways and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 26
June 26, 2012 | Despite outside spending, Orrin Hatch is a lock to prevail in his primary, while JPMorgan Chase employees show some love for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's leadership PAC. And a breakdown of the Obama campaign's spending.
New OpenSecrets Feature: Top Lobbyist Donors
June 12, 2012 | If campaign donations facilitate access to power, a select group of Washington lobbyists will be scheduling many meetings on Capitol Hill after the 2012 elections. These deep-pocketed individuals regularly donate the maximum allowable amount of money to federal candidates (currently $117,000 per 2-year cycle). Today, the Center is releasing a new feature, displaying the top 25 lobbyist contributors to federal candidates, parties and outside spending groups.
Mystery Health Care Group Funneled Millions to Conservative Nonprofits
May 18, 2012 | A secretive, well-funded group provided $44 million in 2010 to a host of 501(c)(4) groups, many of which were among the most active in airing ads attacking Democrats in the midterm elections. The Center to Protect Patient Rights was the source of more than half the budget of the group American Future Fund, for example. The Center's role in funding the groups has not previously been reported.
Anti-Incumbent Super PAC Looks Beyond Pennsylvania
April 26, 2012 | At the outset, nobody thought Rep. Tim Holden, a 20-year Democratic incumbent from Pennsylvania, would have a competitive race in his 2012 bid to keep his seat for yet another term. But that was before the Campaign for Primary Accountability (CPA), a new super PAC, and other outside spending groups began to focus on the on the district.
House Races: First Quarter Revelations
April 25, 2012 | By spring of each election year, most prospective House candidates have decided whether to jump into the frying pan, and the fundraising race is well under way. The first quarter FEC reports give some clues about how competitive the races are likely to be.
E-Filing Campaign Finances Remains a Rarity for Senators
February 1, 2012 | In this Internet Age, 81 senators have Twitter accounts for lightning-fast communication. Yet only a handful of them typically file their campaign finance reports electronically.
Who is Behind the Attacks on Dem Senate Candidate Elizabeth Warren?
December 12, 2011 | Nothing is known about the donors to Crossroads GPS -- a conservative group that, along with its affiliated super PAC, American Crossroads -- plans to spend $240 million during the 2012 election cycle. But the finance, insurance and real estate sector accounts for $1 out of every $9 that American Crossroads has raised. Yet Crossroads GPS recently slammed Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren for allegedly being too close to Big Finance.
Third-Quarter Campaign Finance Reports Show Barack Obama Winning Presidential Money Race
October 16, 2011 | Overall, fund-raising by all GOP presidential candidates is down about 50 percent this year compared to the money raised by all Republican presidential candidates at the same point four years ago, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Granite State Money Chase, Joe the Plumber Rises Again and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 11
October 11, 2011 | As they chase voters and campaign cash, the eight Republican presidential hopefuls will debate tonight at Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Notably, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has collected more money from residents of the Granite State than any of his GOP rivals.
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.
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.
Corporations Represented on ALEC's Private Enterprise Board Are Big Spenders in Washington
September 12, 2011 | Twenty-three corporations -- including AT&T, Exxon Mobil, Kraft, Coca-Cola and Koch Industries -- compose the ALEC's "private enterprise board." On the national level, these companies have been mustering a juggernaut of lobbyists to target congressional initiatives and donating extensively to a number of candidates.
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.
Conservative Groups Spend Big in Nevada Special Election
September 2, 2011 | Heading into the final stretch of the campaign, Democrat Kate Marshall has out-raised Republican Mark Amodei, but outside groups have also dumped more than $800,000 into the race.
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.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: How Heavily Did Weiner's GOP Opponent Rely on Personal Cash?
August 29, 2011 | A one-time opponent of former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.), who resigned earlier this year amid a sexting scandal, is getting another chance at winning New York's 9th Congressional District.
Lobbying on Clean Coal, AFL-CIO Forms Super Labor PAC and more in Capital Eye Opener: Aug 26
August 26, 2011 | The AFL-CIO will soon join more than a hundred other groups in the ranks of those with super PACs. The organization says it will use its new power to harness unlimited contributions from union members and other donors for state elections, rather than on the national level.
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.
Boycotting Campaign Contributions, Protecting the 'Spotted Owl' and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 17
August 17, 2011 | According to research by the Center for Responsive Politics, Schultz, along with his wife, Sheri, has donated $183,650 to federal candidates and political committees since the 1994 election cycle when he made his first known donation. Of that sum, 95 percent has benefited Democrats, including $100,000 to the Democratic National Committee.
Barack Obama's Bus Tour, Tom Tancredo's Super PAC and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 16
August 16, 2011 | Fresh off his unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign as the Constitution Party candidate in Colorado, ex-Rep. Tom Tancredo has founded his own super PAC. The group, which is known as the American Legacy Alliance, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission Friday.
Senate Dems Pick 'Super Committee' Members, How Much is $2.1 Trillion and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 10
August 10, 2011 | Late Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced the identities of his three picks for the "super committee" tasked with cutting the nation's debt and spending -- Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.).
Obama's Birthday Bash, Former Florida GOP-er to Run as a Democrat and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 4
August 4, 2011 | President Barack Obama turns 50 years old today, and he kicked off the celebration with a fund-raising event in Chicago on Wednesday night at the Aragon Ballroom. Ticket prices ranged from $50 to $38,500. All proceeds from the event will go to the Obama Victory Fund, Obama's joint fund-raising committee with the Democratic National Committee.
Ross Retires from Congress, Bunny Mellon Defends Edwards and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 26
July 26, 2011 | Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.), one of the 25 remaining Blue Dog Democrats in Congress, announced Monday that he would not be seeking a seventh term, leaving his seat in a GOP-leaning district up for grabs.
Prior to Arrest, Kashmiri American Council Director Donated to Congress Members, Political Parties
July 22, 2011 | Dr. Syed Fai made $28,790 in contributions since the 1990 election cycle, research by the Center for Responsive Politics indicates. He made contributions on both sides of the aisle, but the top recipient of his cash was Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.), who chairs the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and is the third highest ranking Republican on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Financial Sector Helps Barack Obama Score Big Money for Re-election Fight
July 22, 2011 | One-third of the money President Barack Obama's elite fund-raising corps has raised on behalf of his re-election has come from the financial sector, according to a new Center for Responsive Politics analysis. Individuals who work in the finance, insurance and real estate sector are responsible for raising at least $11.3 million for Obama's campaign and the Democratic National Committee, according to the Center's research.
Obama Nominates Former Ohio AG, a Loyal Democratic Donor, to Lead New Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
July 18, 2011 | Between the 1990 election cycle and the 2010 election cycle, former Ohio AG Richard Cordray donated $71,080 to Democratic candidates and organizations, research from the Center for Responsive Politics indicates. His wife, Margaret, donated an additional $16,500 -- also all to Democrats.
Fund-Raising Reports Reveal Presidential Candidate Haves — and Have Nots
July 15, 2011 | After weeks of speculation, President Barack Obama's campaign is on track to setting presidential fund-raising records while many Republican candidates are suffering from debt, numerous competitors and a general lack of commitment from big-dollar donors.
Voldemort Defeats Potter in Political Contributions, Wall Street Warns White House and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 14
July 14, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics
Capital Rivals: A Telecom Battle Royal
June 30, 2011 | Facing potentially stifling federal regulations that threaten to short-circuit their profits, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile have each dumped millions of dollars into campaign contributions and federal lobbying expenditures, hoping that a barrage of political influence will subdue any unwanted restrictions.
Rush Limbaugh's Tea Time Ride, Skyping Your Congressman and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 30
June 30, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Dueling Donations: Lobbyists Lining Pockets of Both Democratic and Republican Party Committees
June 22, 2011 | A notable group of federal lobbyists -- 22 individuals to be exact -- made personal contributions to national party committees on both sides of the isle, according to an analysis of 2010 campaign donation records by the Center for Responsive Politics. But a notable few -- 22 individuals to be exact -- made personal contributions to national party committees on both sides of the isle, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Dozens of Congressmen File for Extension on Financial Disclosure Documents
June 15, 2011 | Instead of today, 76 House representatives will sometime this summer release reports on their stock, bond and mutual fund holdings, as well as investments in real estate, ownership interests in private companies and cash, according to a tally by the Center for Responsive Politics.
News Companies Popular Investments Among Congressmen
June 15, 2011 | Many members of Congress have a vested interest -- beyond just their political careers -- in the performance of the same organizations that are supposed to be their watchdogs, a Center for Responsive Politics investigation indicates.
Obama (Again) Visits Political Patron, GOP Debate Remains Civil and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 14
June 14, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Prolific Fund-Raiser Michele Bachmann Enters Republican Presidential Fray
June 13, 2011 | Bachmann raised the most money during the 2010 election cycle, outpacing 434 of her House colleagues, as OpenSecrets Blog has previously noted. Her dominant $13.5 million haul was much more than House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), who was a distant second with nearly $9.8 million in fundraising.
Gabrielle Giffords' Political Future, Chris Frates Bolts Politico and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 13
June 13, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Romney Lands Big Donors, Daily Show's Stewart Backed Weiner and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 8
June 8, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Democrat or Republican, National Party Committees Reap Campaign Riches From Registered Lobbyists
June 6, 2011 | The Democratic National Committee has a policy against accepting donations from registered lobbyists, but the other national party committees are all too happy to take lobbyists' money.
Exclusive: DNC Accepted Lobbyist Donations in Violation of Internal Policy, Will Return Contributions
June 3, 2011 | The Democratic National Committee will reimburse at least 10 registered federal lobbyists who donated to the committee -- a violation of the organization's stated policies -- after OpenSecrets Blog brought the donations to the DNC's attention this afternoon.
Koch Industries and ExxonMobil Among Hundreds of PACs to Switch Party Allegiances After Election 2010
May 26, 2011 | In an election year where more congressional incumbents were ousted from power than any time since 1948, political action committees were quick to switch allegiances from one party to the other in the aftermath of the historic Democratic losses.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Who's the Politician that Herman Cain and Tim Pawlenty Both Dig?
May 23, 2011 | Summer may indeed be approaching. But it's currently also presidential season in the United States, that quadrennial event which means means that along with your Memorial Day celebrations this weekend, you're going also be hearing a lot about who is campaigning for president.
Blue Dogs' Lobbying, SEC's Revolving Door and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 16
May 16, 2011 | BLUE DOGS CHASE JOBS ON K STREET: Having been systematically targeted by congressional Republicans during the 2010 election cycle, some conservative Blue Dog Democrats appear to have found a silver lining to their exile from Capitol Hill.
Can Small-Dollar Donors Fuel a Michele Bachmann Presidential Bid?
May 12, 2011 | Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), the founder of the House Tea Party Caucus, is weighing a presidential bid. And as she does, Bachmann may have a strong claim on President Barack Obama's mantle of small-dollar donor fund-raising success.
Big Special Election Ad Buys, Facebook Seeks Disclosure Exemption and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 11
May 11, 2011 | With a competitive three-way special election just two weeks away in the New York 26th Congressional District, the big-spending conservative super PAC American Crossroads is stepping into the action. And the group's move prompted the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to make a big media buy of its own, too.
Donnelly Runs for Senate, Howard Dean's Group Calls for Afghanistan Withdrawal and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 10
May 10, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Herman Cain Touts Outside Status Despite Numerous Financial Ties to Politicians
May 6, 2011 | While former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain has never occupied elected office, he is no stranger to Washington's world of money in politics. Cain has regularly opened his wallet for political allies, and he even operates his own political action committee, called the Hermanator PAC.
Tiny Towns Spend Big Bucks on Lobbyists to Reap Federal Government Riches
May 4, 2011 | Investment in federal lobbying spurs huge returns for some small cities.
Oil and Gas Industry's Congressional Friends, Congressman 'Struggling' and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 3
May 3, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Barack Obama Seeks Big Bucks, Lobby Shop Hires Norm Coleman and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 28
April 28, 2011 | President Barack Obama returned Wednesday night to a land where campaign cash has flowed for him like milk and honey: New York City. Of every $20 Obama raised when he ran for president in 2008, $1 came from someone in New York City. And as he battles for re-election, Obama is hoping to keep his New York City supporters motivated to again open their pocketbooks for him.
Firefighters Halt Campaign Donations, Ron Paul's Bid and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 27
April 27, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Gary Johnson Launches Presidential Campaign, Van Hollen Sues FEC and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 22
April 22, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Obama's Contribution Disclosure Order, Issa Fights for Transparency and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 21
April 21, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Capital Rivals: FedEx vs. UPS
April 20, 2011 | FedEx and the United Parcel Service square off in OpenSecrets.org's latest installment of Capital Rivals.
FEC Audits Obama's 2008 Campaign, Vilsack to Run in Iowa And More in Captial Eye Opener: April 19
April 19, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
FEC Reports Indicate Slow But Certain Start to 2012 Presidential, Congressional Campaigns
April 16, 2011 | The next national election may be more than 18 months away, but that's hardly stopping candidates from firing up their fund-raising operations, a preliminary Center for Responsive Politics analysis of 1st quarter Federal Election Commission campaign filings indicates.
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.
Campaign Finance Reform Advocates, Opponent Spar During Senate Committee Hearing
April 13, 2011 | High-profile advocates for and against campaign finance reform debated the merits of recent -- and potential -- changes to federal law.
Prolific Fund-Raiser Mitt Romney Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee
April 11, 2011 | Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney today announced his intention to explore a presidential run in a video posted on his website. Romney, a Republican and proven political fund-raiser, was long expected to declare his intention to again run for president.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Planned Parenthood Survives Cuts, But What Next?
April 11, 2011 | For this week's PolitiQuizz, we want you to take a look at the lobbying activity of groups on both sides of the abortions rights debate.
President Barack Obama Seeks to Again Mobilize Donors During Re-Election Campaign
April 4, 2011 | During the 2008 election, Barack Obama set fund-raising records and mobilized millions of individual donors. Obama was particularly successful in turning small-dollar donors into repeat givers, often via the Internet. His re-election campaign will be trying to emulate that success this go around.
From Slaves to Pornographers, Campaign Contribution Records Rife With Characters
March 31, 2011 | Freedom fighters, pornographers and self-proclaimed evil rich men are among the cast of characters appearing in federal campaign finance documents stretching back more than two decades, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Supreme Court Questions Trigger Mechanisms of Arizona Public Financing System
March 28, 2011 | During oral arguments in McComish v. Bennett, the Supreme Court's more conservative justices showed particular interest in the independent expenditure trigger provision of Arizona's public financing law -- and skepticism about its constitutionality.
Arizona Public Financing Law Faces Major Supreme Court Test
March 28, 2011 | The U.S. Supreme Court today will hear the first challenge to laws regarding public financing systems for political campaigns since the 1970s. Here is OpenSecret Blog's synopsis of the case.
Court Battles Over Campaign Disclosure Loom, Legal Experts Predict
March 20, 2011 | A storm is brewing over political disclosure rules. And a flurry of litigation, at the state and national level, may be in the offing.
Calls to Fix the FEC, Wisconsin's National Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 16
March 16, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
New NPR Chief's Political Donations, Presidential Candidate to Forego Big Dollars and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 10
March 10, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
American Action Network Under Fire, Barbour's Hire and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 9
March 9, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
OpenSecrets.org Announces Winners of 2011 Money-in-Politics Oscars
February 24, 2011 | The 2nd annual OpenSecrets.org Money-in-Politics Oscars returns today to bestow awards on Academy Awards nominees who best emblematize the cozy relationship between the cinematic and political elite.
Tea Party Activists Press Forward Despite Meager Finances, Varied Electoral Success
February 23, 2011 | During the 2010 election cycle, 20 political action committees registered with the Federal Election Commission with the "Tea Party" moniker attached to their respective names, yet only a handful of these groups raised serious money, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal data.
Sen. Jon Kyl to Retire, Sarah Palin Misses CPAC and more in Capital Eye Opener: February 11
February 11, 2011 | Despite strong approval ratings and a good likelihood of re-election, Sen. Jon Kyl announced on Thursday his plans to retire at the end of the 112th Congress...
Daily Show Contributors, Like Cable News Brethren, Walk Tightrope With Political Donations
February 8, 2011 | Many bona fide news organizations have conflict-of-interest rules that prohibit employees from making financial contributions to politicians. But such rules in the world of cable news have become murkier -- even for programs who market "fake news," as the Daily Show has defined its product. And fake or not, the Daily Show, which routinely interviews powerful politicians, is viewed by many Americans as a legitimate news source.
Democratic Financier Cynthia Stroum Flames Out After Brief Stint as Barack Obama's Ambassador to Luxembourg
February 4, 2011 | A new report from the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of State slams the tenure of U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg Cynthia Stroum, one of the top fund-raisers for President Barack Obama and a prolific Democratic donor. Obama appointed her to the post in 2009.
Democratic National Convention Heading to Charlotte, a City that Showered Barack Obama with Donations in 2008
February 1, 2011 | The 2012 Democratic National Convention will convene in Charlotte, N.C., a city already bursting with political love for President Barack Obama: Its residents favored Obama with their campaign cash during his 2008 presidential bid and its voters helped the Democratic Obama edge out Republican John McCain to win the state's 15 Electoral College votes.
Jon Huntsman's Political Quest, Koch Industries' Donors Conference and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 1
February 1, 2011 | Former Republican governor Jon Huntsman of Utah is resigning from his post as U.S. ambassador to China, and rumor has it, he is considering running for the U.S. presidency instead. Huntsman has been the nation's top diplomat in China since the summer of 2009.
Trial Lawyer Charlie Crist, Kent Conrad to Retire and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 18
January 18, 2011 | After his failed U.S. Senate bid, Florida Republican-turned-independent Charlie Crist has joined the law firm Morgan and Morgan, his top campaign contributor. Morgan and Morgan employees gave Crist more than $98,000 during his run for Senate, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Improving Lobbying Disclosure, Netflix Hires Drobac and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 12
January 12, 2011 | Last week, a task force conducted by the Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice of the American Bar Association completed its recommendations for the enhancing federal lobbying disclosure rules...
Banker William Daley Takes Another Trip Through the Revolving Door, Lands at White House
January 6, 2011 | President Barack Obama joked today that his new chief of staff, William Daley, has a "smidgen of awareness of how our system of government and politics works" and praised Daley, saying, "few Americans can boast the breadth of experience that Bill brings to this job." Obama is right: few Americans have Daley's political and corporate clout. And you can find details of Daley's past and present in OpenSecrets.org's revolving door database.
Speaker Heath Shuler, Political Nonprofits and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 6
January 6, 2011 | Top Blue Dog Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) is not the new speaker of the House. But he did cast a protest vote for himself on Wednesday -- and so did 10 of his House colleagues, nine of whom are also Blue Dogs.
OpenSecrets.org's Top 10 Money-in-Politics Stories of 2010
December 31, 2010 | A review of the most notable money-in-politics events during 2010, as determined by the staff of OpenSecrets.org.
Casino Harry Reid, Freshmen Cash In and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 6
December 6, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in 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.
Capital Rivals: Nancy Pelosi vs. John Boehner
December 2, 2010 | Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and John Boehner (R-Ohio) lawmakers have been in Congress for at least two decades, and have plenty influence to show for it. Political watchers are prepared for the rivals -- their positions switched -- to resume their sparring in January. OpenSecrets Blog, meanwhile, details who may have the key political advantages as the curtain opens on the 112th Congress.
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.
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.
Who's Backing the New Top Blue Dogs' Bark, Bite?
November 22, 2010 | The Blue Dogs have elevated Reps. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), John Barrow (D-Ga.) and Mike Ross (D-Ark.) as their new leaders. Which donors and special interests have these men relied upon to fill their war chests?
FEC Clears Ensign, Dems Choose New DCCC Chair and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 22
November 22, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Smoking Out Tobacco Lobbying, Rangel's Day of Reckoning and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 15
November 15, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Mad Dash for Last-Minute Cash in Alaska, Obama's Biden Bailout and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 8
November 8, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Led by Karl Rove-Linked Groups, 'Super PACs' and Nonprofits Significantly Aid GOP in Election 2010
November 5, 2010 | The new conservative "super PAC" American Crossroads accounted for one-third of all spending by super PACs this election, the Center's research indicates. And American Crossroads itself nearly spent as much as all liberal-aligned super PACs combined.
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.
Bad News for Incumbents, Self-Financing Candidates in Most Expensive Midterm Election in U.S. History
November 4, 2010 | The priciest midterm election in U.S. history saw a Republican tide sweep numerous Democrats out of office, as voters anxious about the state of the economy ousted more House incumbents from office than any time since 1948. While several money-in-politics axioms held true, money was not a panacea for embattled politicians.
A Republican Wave, Some Surprising (and some Not-So-Surprising) Results in the 2010 Midterm Elections And More in Capital Eye Opener: November 3
November 3, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Embattled Blue Dog Representatives Face Voters, Financial Hurdles
November 2, 2010 | In districts currently represented by a Blue Dog, nearly one-in-five of the Democratic candidates have been out-raised, have been out-spent or ended the last reporting period with less cash on hand than their Republican opponents, a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance records shows.
Michele Bachmann's Massive War Chest, Top Leadership PACs and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 1
November 1, 2010 | In her re-election bid, sophomore Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), the chair of the House Tea Party Caucus, has spent more than any other House candidate running for office this year. As of Oct. 13, she had spent a staggering $8.7 million -- that's one-and-a-half times as much as she spent in 2008 and nearly two-and-a-half times as much as she spent in 2006.
Outside Groups Out-Spend Candidates in Some Competitive Races
October 30, 2010 | Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a moderate Democrat, and Republican Ken Buck, his Tea Party-fueled challenger, don't have much in common when it comes to public policy. But they share the common distinction of having more attacks ads run against them than they themselves have spent campaigning, the Center for Responsive Politics finds.
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.
Abortion Opponents Invest Fraction of What Abortion Rights Groups Do in 2010 Politicking
October 29, 2010 | Many federal candidates are receiving thousands of dollars from organizations on both sides of the abortion debate. And in this landscape, abortion rights groups are far out-spending groups opposed to abortion this election cycle.
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.
WWE Clothing Gets Smacked Down, A Weekend Flood of Independent Expenditures and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 25
October 25, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits form the world of money in politics.
For Bruce Springsteen, Democrat John Hall is Still the One
October 22, 2010 | The only former rock musician in Congress is getting some last-minute financial support from another star of the music world: Rock legend Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen has contributed $2,400 to Rep. John Hall (D-N.Y.), according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance records filed Friday.
Political Action Committees Boost Vulnerable Dems, But Some Candidates Distance Themselves From PAC Cash
October 20, 2010 | Political action committees have funneled $72.6 million into the campaign coffers of Democrats competing in the country's most competitive races -- more than four times the amount PACs have donated to Republicans in these races, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Led By George Soros' Son, Student Contributions Buoy Democrats in 2010 Midterms
October 20, 2010 | In the run up to the 2010 midterm elections, Soros joins a handful of young, emerging political heavyweights, many of whom are related to other prolific political donors. And they're helping tip the scales toward Democrats in the competition for students' campaign cash, the Center's analysis indicates.
In Tightest House Races, Democrats Maintain Financial Advantage Heading into Campaign's Final Weeks
October 18, 2010 | As enthusiasm among conservatives surges, embattled Democrats may be placing their faith in the old Washington maxim that money delivers success on Election Day. That's because heading into the final weeks of the campaign season, Democrats -- not Republicans -- maintained a financial edge in the most competitive House races across the country, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
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.
Female Lobbyists Get the Cold Shoulder, Tracking the DCCC's Investments and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 7
October 7, 2010 | Rep. John Boehner (R-Oh.) has reportedly been working behind the scenes with male Republicans, urging them to avoid appearances of impropriety by cutting down on after-hours partying -- and particularly any partying that involves female lobbyists. And it seems to be working: According to The Hill, female lobbyists are complaining that Boehner's warning has cut off their access to many male Republicans in the House.
Vulnerable Incumbents, Promising Upstart Candidates Reap Financial Benefits From Political Brethren
October 6, 2010 | The top beneficiaries of the generosity from party leaders and other politicians who donate with their leadership PACs and candidate committees are some of the party's most vulnerable incumbents and most promising challengers.
Self-Funded Candidates Experiencing Spotty Success in 2010
October 6, 2010 | Most political candidates raise their campaign cash in conventional ways: Calling voters, wooing donors, knocking on doors, and lately, collecting online donations. Or, a political hopeful can own a professional basketball team, make billions of dollars through credit default swaps or serve as chief executive of a wrestling entertainment empire.
Abandoned But Still Fighting, Party Nominees Press on Without Establishment Support
October 5, 2010 | Maybe these unlucky candidates face a well-funded incumbent, or run in a district that doesn't align with them ideologically. Or perhaps they are just too quirky for the ballot box. Whatever the reason, these candidates face a harsh political Darwinism -- they have been judged unelectable by their affiliated party, and are effectively left to fend for themselves, come November.
Sen. Jim DeMint, Adopting EMILY's List and ActBlue Tactics, Pumping Cash into GOP Pockets
October 5, 2010 | Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), a Tea Party-loving conservative who wants to shake up and remold the institution he currently calls home, stands above other lawmakers in the frontier of creative uses of leadership PACs to aide fellow candidates.
Candidates' Ties to Lobbyists Pose Obstacles in 2010 Campaigns
October 4, 2010 | Dollars spent on lobbying are set to increase over all other years if spending remains on its current course. And in context of 2010 congressional campaigns, the top lobbyist-funded House and Senate candidates have received more than $9 million to fuel their campaigns.
Many Incumbents Weave Political Safety Nets While Dominating Competition in Money Race
October 4, 2010 | Not all congressional districts are created equal when it comes to the amount of campaign contributions flowing to candidates. Sometimes, the discrepancy between an incumbent's war chest and that of a challenger is only thousands of dollars. Sometimes, it's millions. And in many congressional districts, incumbents are blowing their competition out of the water.
GOP Aims to Thwart Democrats in Races to Fill Open Senate Seats Controlled by Republicans
September 30, 2010 | The GOP needs to net 10 Senate seats this fall to regain majority status, and Democrats are defending seven open seats and are facing an uphill battle in their efforts to poach an open seat away from Republican control.
Republicans Generate Big Dollars in Quest to Seize Open Senate Seats Controlled By Democrats
September 30, 2010 | Republicans running for open Senate seats have, on average, raised more than twice as much as their Democratic counterparts, the Center for Responsive Politics has found. These Republicans have also spent more than twice as much on average as their Democratic opponents. These Republican candidates further reported about 82 percent more cash on hand on average than their Democratic opponents.
Republicans Have Money Edge in Open Seat House Races
September 30, 2010 | This fall, Republicans need a net gain of 39 seats to win control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Some of the seats most likely to flip from the Democratic column to Republican control stem from the retirements of sitting Democratic incumbents. And when it comes to competing for these open seats, Republicans own a financial advantage.
Congressional Candidates Regularly Stray Far From Home in Search for Campaign Cash
September 29, 2010 | In a congressional election cycle marked by continued economic strife and high unemployment, out-of-state campaign contributions are padding war chests for both incumbents and challengers across the country, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of campaign finance filings.
Tea Party Titan Fading, Earmarks Might Not Be So Bad After All and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 29
September 29, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics
Meager Cash Reserves Dog Several Congressional Incumbents
September 28, 2010 | Heading into the final stretch of the 2010 election, six House incumbents -- five Democrats and one Republican -- have less money left in their campaign coffers than their best-funded challengers, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of the campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.
Some Congressional Challengers Flex Bigger Fund-Raising Muscles Than Incumbents
September 28, 2010 | Incumbency is a monumental obstacle to overcome for any political challenger. But 11 congressional challengers -- nine Republicans and two Democrats -- have managed to raise more money than their incumbent rivals, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis found.
GM Revs Political Engine, AFL-CIO in Your Mailbox and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 28
September 28, 2010 | It's been about two years since the federal government came to the rescue of General Motors with a $8.1 billion congressionally-approved (and taxpayer-fronted) bailout fund. And now that the auto giant has returned to profitability, some members of Congress are seeing their vote pay political dividends....
Candidates in Hotly Contested Races Collect Big Money from Wall Street Interests
September 27, 2010 | Ahead of the November election, top 20 House beneficiaries of the people and political action committees associated with the finance, insurance and real estate sector have together collected more than $16.2 million from Wall Street interests since January 2009. Meanwhile, the Senate candidates and sitting senators to receive the most from Wall Street interests raked in more than $41.3 million since January 2005 -- the beginning of their six-year election cycle.
Look Out: Eye Doctors' Group Spends Big For GOP in Competitive New York Congressional Race
September 16, 2010 | The trade association for eye doctors has made a six-figure media buy to boost the fortunes of a New York Republican whose political fate may help determine whether the GOP seizes control of the U.S. House. The political action committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology on Wednesday reported a cable television advertisement buy to the tune of $141,300 -- the group's largest independent expenditure to date this election cycle.
Independent Expenditures By Tea Party Express Help Activists Earn Another Senate Primary Victory
September 15, 2010 | The Our Country Deserves Better political action committee of the Tea Party Express helped defeated yet another establishment-favored candidate in a Republican U.S. Senate primary Tuesday night. The Tea Party Express' PAC spent about $100,000 in the final week of the campaign to aid their favored candidate in Delaware, Christine O'Donnell
In Defeat, Lisa Murkowski Violates Most Every Money-in-Politics Convention
September 1, 2010 | For every diamond-clad money-in-politics rule, there's an exception. And this morning, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is a big, grizzly exception in the most remarkable of ways: She's conceding defeat to a hitherto all-but-unknown challenger, lawyer Joe Miller, in a partisan primary.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Politicos Get Caffeine and Fund-Raising Fixes
August 30, 2010 | Companies that are known for giving us our much-needed caffeine fix have also been known to spend big in politics. In this week's PolitiQuizz, OpenSecrets Blog wants you to investigate the pocketbooks of the political side of your beverage.
Rejected, Donated or Lost, Sometimes Politicians Never Pocket the Oil Money Directed at Them
August 27, 2010 | Despite a tight relationship between oil interests and politicians, some campaign contribution checks, though written, never end up in the pockets of the oil interests' intended politician or committee. There are several reasons why this may occur, both rare and relatively common.
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.
Congressmen Maintain Massive Portfolio of Oil and Gas Investments
August 27, 2010 | Own stocks in oil or gas companies? If you're a member of Congress, the odds are about one-in-five that the answer is yes. Oil and gas industry holdings are some of the most popular investments among lawmakers and their spouses, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Trial Lawyer Embraces Approach of Energy Tycoons to Influence Elections In New Orleans
August 25, 2010 | In the final hours before primary election day, a shadowy new political group is comparing Louisiana Democratic Congressional candidate Cedric Richmond to a comic book villain and accusing him of committing all seven deadly sins. Want to know who's funding the attack? Too bad.
A Primary Preview, Liberal Group Puts Target in Its Crosshairs and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 24
August 24, 2010 | It's judgment day for candidates in four states representing far-reaching corners of the U.S., as voters in Vermont, Alaska, Arizona and Florida hit the polls today and decide party nominations for races in the House and Senate. Two races in particular have caught our eye, for the sheer amount of cash being thrown around.
FEC Cites 12 Campaigns, Satanism in Nevada's Senate Race and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 23
August 23, 2010 | On Friday, the Federal Elections Committee cited 12 campaigns for failing to file their pre-primary financial reports.
Beyond Tom DeLay: J.D. Hayworth, Roy Blunt, Others Reaped Financial Rewards From Disgraced Lobbyist Jack Abramoff
August 17, 2010 | J.D. Hayworth and Roy Blunt are not the only active politicians to have accepted donations from tainted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In all, 37 current congressional candidates and sitting members of Congress received money from Abramoff and his wife.
Emmitt Smith the Contribution Champ, Politicians Who Return Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 16
August 16, 2010 | With the National Football League season upon us, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame having recently enshrined its class of 2010, it's worth noting that just one inductee has ever used his vast wealth to make a reportable federal campaign donation.
Insurgent Senate Candidates Fueled By Small Donors Test Establishment Picks, Upset One in Colorado
August 11, 2010 | Donors giving $200 or less helped propel anti-establishment challengers in both the Republican and Democratic U.S. Senate primaries in Colorado, where voters Tuesday backed a conservative Republican favored by many Tea Party activists and nearly ousted the third incumbent senator this year.
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.
Vulnerable House Dems – But Not Obama – Divest Campaign Cash While Pressuring Embattled Charlie Rangel
August 3, 2010 | In an interview with CBS News on Sunday, President Barack Obama called ethics charges brought against Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) "very troubling" and said he hopes Rangel will be able to "end his career with dignity." The president's comments came three days after the House Ethics Committee, on Thursday, concluded a nearly two-year investigation and charged Rangel with 13 ethics violations.
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.
Some Congressional Challengers Defy Odds by Out-Raising Rival Incumbents
July 23, 2010 | Incumbency is a monumental obstacle to overcome for any political challenger. But 10 congressional challengers have managed to raise more money -- an average of about $640,000 -- than their incumbent rivals, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis found.
Several House Incumbents Lag Behind Challengers in Money in the Bank
July 22, 2010 | Eight House incumbents -- six Democrats and two Republicans -- have less money left in their campaign coffers at the end of June than their best-funded challengers, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of the campaign finance data reported last week to the Federal Election Commission.
New Democratic Senator From West Virginia Has Scant Record of Federal Campaign Contributions
July 19, 2010 | Carte Goodwin, the 36-year-old attorney and former gubernatorial aide nominated by Democratic West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin to temporarily fill the seat of the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), may be a rising political star, but he hasn't left a long trail of federal-level campaign contributions in his wake.
Bachmann Forming Tea Party Caucus, DISCLOSE Act Gets No GOP Love and More In Capital Eye Opener: July 19
July 19, 2010 | Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) last week announced her intention to form a "Tea Party Caucus" in the House of Representatives, with herself as the chair. Bachmann's rising profile has bode well for her campaign coffers this year. Through June 30, she has raised more than $4 million -- including $1.7 million between April and June alone (the most among all House incumbents and challengers).
Drug Lobby's New Head, John Castellani, Has Long Favored GOP With Campaign Cash
July 14, 2010 | One of the most powerful lobbying groups, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), announced on Tuesday that Business Roundtable President John Castellani will become the group's new leader. According to a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance records, Castellani, along with his wife, has given $65,400 to federal candidates, parties and committees since 1994, with 84 percent of that sum benefiting Republicans.
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.
Members of Congress Seek K Street Cash
July 13, 2010 | Twenty-eight members of Congress and congressional candidates have received at least $100,000 from lobbyists during the first five quarters of the 2010 election cycle, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows.
Halliburton Continues to Flood Lawmakers With Contributions After Oil Spill
July 9, 2010 | Halliburton, the company once headed by former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, contributed $15,500 to federal candidates during June, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of their political action committee's most recent campaign finance filing. That amount represents the third largest month of donations by the PAC this election cycle.
Obama to Elevate Top Bush Lawyer, FEC Clears DCCC and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 9
July 9, 2010 | OBAMA TO APPOINT OLSON TO ADVISORY BOARD: On Thursday, President Barack Obama announced his intention to appoint several prominent people to the Administrative Conference of the United States. Among them: former Bush administration Solicitor General Ted Olson...
Two Lobbying Firms Join Forces, The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Plans Heavy Spending and More In Capital Eye Opener: July 2
July 2, 2010 | TWO LOBBYING FIREPOWERS JOIN FORCES: Patton Boggs, the biggest lobbying firm on K Street, acquired Breaux-Lott Leadership Group on Thursday. Breaux-Lott Leadership Group is a lobbying firm started by ex-Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and former Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) in 2008.
Watchdog Accuses White House of Violating Disclosure Laws, Byrd's Death Endangers Democratic Agenda and More in Capitol Eye Opener: June 29
June 29, 2010 | But Byrd's views on climate change altered late in life and he looked liked to be a potential ally of legislation capping carbon emissions. There are doubts whether a freshman Democratic senator from West Virginia could withstand pressure from the coal industry to vote against such legislation.
Linda McMahon Aims to Avoid 'Special Interest Money' in Senate Bid, Criticizes Proposal To Allow Others To Follow Suit
June 28, 2010 | On the campaign trail, Republican Linda McMahon has proclaimed her freedom from special interests as she spends millions of her own dollars on the race. At the same time, she is opposed to legislation that supporters say would help other candidates be equally as liberated.
Supreme Court Rules On High-Profile Disclosure Case Regarding Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Measure
June 24, 2010 | The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that people who sign petitions to get initiatives and referenda on the ballot do not have the right to have their names shielded from public disclosure on an across-the-board basis, although it left the door open for more narrow challenges to disclosure on a case-by-case status.
Unions Taking Advantage of 'Citizens United', Nudists Descend on Capitol Hill and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 8
June 8, 2010 | A new report by Mother Jones says labor unions, not corporations, are taking advantage of new spending opportunities in the wake of Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission...
Party-Switching Incumbent House Member Becomes Latest Casualty of Anti-Establishment Mood
June 2, 2010 | Freshman Rep. Parker Griffith, a member of the Blue Dog Coalition and one of the most conservative Democrats, jumped ship last year and joined the Republican caucus. The party switch earned him criticism on both the left and right. And yesterday, GOP primary voters rejected Griffith as one of their own.
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.
Insurgent Candidates See Electoral Success in Hot Senate Races
May 19, 2010 | Massive campaign war chests and establishment endorsements were not enough to be victorious in some of the country's most contested Senate primaries Tuesday night. One sitting Senator was defeated and another is heading to a run-off in three weeks, as candidates worked to distance themselves from Washington and position themselves as crusaders against special interests in charged anti-incumbent environments.
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.
Republican and Democratic Senate Challengers Take on Party Establishments in Kentucky
May 17, 2010 | Intra-party fights in both the Republican and Democratic parties in Kentucky will be settled tomorrow as voters head to the polls to select U.S. Senate candidates.
Republican Charles Djou Holds Cash Advantage Ahead of Special Election in Heavily Democratic Hawaii District
May 13, 2010 | Votes are already being cast in the free-for-all special election in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District, and a Republican candidate has emerged with the most cash on hand in the campaign's final stretch. Republican Charles Djou, a city council member in Honolulu, has nearly $170,000 more in the bank than the most well-financed Democratic candidate.
Incumbent Alan Mollohan Ousted, Lawmakers Push for Earmark Disclosure and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 12
May 12, 2010 | ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST: Fourteen-term Democratic Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-W.V.), who has been named one of the most corrupt members of Congress by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), was defeated in a primary challenge yesterday. Mollohan becomes the second congressional incumbent to be ousted in intra-party fights in four days.
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.
Democrat David Obey, Chair of Powerful House Appropriations Committee, To Retire at End of Term
May 5, 2010 | The loss of Obey, the powerful chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and a close ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is a blow to Democrats in a year when anti-incumbent sentiment seems to be on the rise. The Appropriations chairmanship is one of the most powerful positions in Congress, and Obey's retirement may kick off a fierce fight between potential successors.
Potentially Vulnerable Lawmakers Get Boosts from Party Programs
May 5, 2010 | Both the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee have programs to help fund and support vulnerable incumbents. The DCCC runs the "Frontline Program" and the NRCC the "Patriot Program," and the increased financial support facilitated by these programs may be a determining factor in these candidates' success at the polls. So far this cycle, the average House Democrat participating in such a program took in took in nearly $600,000 more than the average non-assisted House member, and the average NRCC-assisted Republican collected about $200,000 above the non-assisted House average.
The Politics of Oil, Joe the Plumber, and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 5
May 5, 2010 | "Drill baby, drill" or "dead on arrival"? As clean-up crews battle the sprawling effects of last week's oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, politicians and advocacy groups are already speculating how this oil rig accident and resulting environmental disaster will impact the politics of American offshore drilling.
John Murtha's Money Going to Charity, Voting Underway in Primary Elections and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 4
May 4, 2010 | MURTHA MONEY DONATED TO NAMESAKE FOUNDATION: Democratic candidates hoping to receive a share of the remaining campaign money of the late Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) will have to look elsewhere -- Murtha's wife has decided to donate it all to the John P. Murtha Foundation instead, reports Politico.
Sen. Mary Landrieu: 'No Plans' to Return BP Campaign Contributions
May 3, 2010 | Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), the top congressional recipient of BP-related campaign cash during the last election cycle, has no plans to return contributions from the company responsible for one of the worst environmental disasters to beset her state, her office tells OpenSecrets Blog.
Charlie Crist Stands to Lose Significant Money From Republican Party Defection
May 1, 2010 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis of Crist's campaign finances indicates he stands to lose a six-figure sum even when only his most overt Republican contributions are considered.
BP Enjoys Lobbying Strength, Close Ties to Lawmakers as Federal Investigation Looms
April 30, 2010 | In 2009, the company spent a massive $16 million to influence legislation. During the first quarter of 2010, it spent $3.53 million on federal lobbying efforts, ranking it second (behind ConocoPhillips) among all oil and gas industry interests.
Billionaire Jeff Greene, Donor to Kendrick Meek, Files Senate Primary Bid Against Him
April 30, 2010 | Billionaire Jeff Greene is seeking the Democratic nomination for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat, challenging presumed front-runner, Rep. Kendrick Meek, a man Greene whose campaign Greene supported with cash just five months ago. According to a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance reports submitted to the Federal Election Commission, Greene donated $500 to Meek on Nov. 21.
Supreme Court Justices Trade Barbs, Wit During Transparency and Disclosure Debate
April 28, 2010 | Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia leaned toward the microphone and looked down at lawyer James Bopp who stood beneath him. "You can't run a democracy this way, with everybody being afraid of having his political positions known," Scalia scolded. "Threats should be moved against vigorously, but just because there can be criminal activity doesn't mean that you have to eliminate a procedure that is otherwise perfectly reasonable."
Supreme Court Debates Case With Major Transparency, Free Speech Implications
April 28, 2010 | The U.S. Supreme Court peppered lawyers this morning with questions about the nature of signing ballot measure petitions, the public's right to know, the protection of individuals' First Amendment Rights and the state's interest in the integrity of the election process.
Supreme Court to Grapple With First Amendment, Disclosure and Transparency in Ballot Measure Case
April 28, 2010 | In a high-profile legal challenge, the U.S. Supreme Court tomorrow will tackle questions about First Amendment freedom of speech rights, the nature of signing petitions for ballot measures, the public's right to know and the government's interests in preserving the integrity of the election process.
Oil Lobby Presses Drilling, Sunshine State Showdowns and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 23
April 23, 2010 | Tuesday's oil rig explosion near the Louisiana coast does not seem to be slowing the pace of offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
Congressmen Become Lobbyists, Charlie Rangel Challenged and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 14
April 14, 2010 | More than 125 former congressional personnel, from aides on the banking committees to elected officials, are now working on behalf of financial companies, using their expertise and connections to influence legislation that is meant to regulate the financial industry
Politicians Contribute Big Money to Protect Their Partisan Brethren
April 13, 2010 | Particularly vulnerable or especially promising politicians often receive financial help from their fellow partisans who want success on election day. Toward this end, party leaders and others may transfer or contribute money from their candidate committees and leadership PACs to these targeted candidates.
Phil Mickelson a Champion of JD Hayworth, SCOTUS Hopefuls' Politicking and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 12
April 11, 2010 | About 16 years ago, Lefty swung right -- and the move didn't involve a 9-iron. Rather, Phil Mickelson donated $705 to the campaign of the deeply conservative JD Hayworth, who was then running for the U.S. House.
Young Adults, Teens Forming Political Action Committees to Achieve Civic Goals
April 8, 2010 | They aren't old enough to legally buy a beer. They can't vote or join the Army, and they can barely get a driver's license. But they are operating federally registered political action committees.
A Few Democratic Challengers Raised Big Money in 2009 Against GOP Incumbents
April 6, 2010 | Incumbents nearly always have the cash advantage on Election Day, but according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance records, challengers in at least six congressional districts are out-raising their incumbent opposition.
Massey Energy, Owner of Ill-Fated Coal Mine, Frequently Targets Politicians
April 6, 2010 | Massey Energy, owner of a West Virginia coal mine where an explosion Monday killed at least 25 miners, has long involved itself in federal-level politics through campaign contributions and lobbying efforts, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Duke Dominates Butler in Lobbying, McCain No Longer a Maverick and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 6
April 6, 2010 | Duke University edged out Butler 61-59 last night to take the national college basketball title, the team's first since 2001. The Bulldogs put up a tough fight, but would they have triumphed had the Big Dance been based on federal lobbying expenditures?
Sarah Palin Targets Democrats, Chamber Targets Chris Dodd's Regulations and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 26
March 26, 2010 | PAC-ING HEAT: Former vice presidential candidate and soon-to-be reality TV star Sarah Palin has set her sights on twenty vulnerable House Democrats in the 2010 election. A post on her Facebook page earlier this week featured a map of twenty Democratically held districts in gun sights -- the political targets of her high-caliber political action committee, SarahPAC.
Big Labor Gave Big Support to Health Reform Supporters, Health Interests Lent More Support to Opponents
March 22, 2010 | President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats achieved a major legislative victory last night as members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted to adopt the version of health insurance reform legislation passed in December by the U.S. Senate. Supporters of both measures received out-sized support from labor unions, the Center for Responsive Politics found, based on an examination of contributions to lawmakers' campaign committees and leadership PACs going back to 1989.
Tea Party Movement Growing More Formal as Activists Create Federal Political Action Committees
March 16, 2010 | The Tea Party movement, conceived last year from turbulent political ether, prides itself on decentralization. But since December, Tea Party backers have taken to decidedly more traditional channels of electioneering influence ahead of federal midterm elections.
Big Boats in the Nutmeg State, Twittering Senators Slow to Disclosure and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 16
March 16, 2010 | TUESDAY SUNSHINE: More than a score of senators like the freedom of communicating instantaneously with their constituents via Twitter but have been reticent about giving constituents the freedom to quickly learn about their campaign donors and fund-raising sources.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: A Question By Committee
March 15, 2010 | Think about it: Have you ever actually watched a congressional committee meeting on television? And if you have, was it not by accident?
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: It's a Group Thing
March 8, 2010 | Wolves have always hunted in packs. Fish have always swum in schools. But sometimes, groups don't continue to do what they've always done.
OpenSecrets.org Announces Winners of Money-in-Politics Oscars
March 4, 2010 | OpenSecrets.org is pleased to announce the first-ever money-in-politics Oscars!
GOP Gets Red on Democrats, John Kerry Could Lose a Tooth and more in Capital Eye Opener: March 4
March 4, 2010 | The Republican National Committee is planning to raise money during 2010 midterm elections by capitalizing on 'fear' of President Barack Obama and a promise to 'save the country from trending toward socialism.'
Blue Dog Democrats Display Stronger Than Average Fund-Raising in 2009
February 24, 2010 | Whether it was health care reform, cap and trade climate proposals or financial regulatory reform, Blue Dog Democrats were often at the center of Congress' top legislative fights. This caucus of 54 moderate and conservative House Democrats was also at the center of political fund-raising in 2009, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Who's Got the Most Political Horsepower?
February 22, 2010 | Toyota is primed for a collision with Congress, which wants answers as to why the company's cars are having trouble stopping when their drivers want them to. So this week's PolitiQuizz explores the automotive industry's campaign cash.
Lawmakers Bring In Big Money As They Close The Books on 2009
February 17, 2010 | A preliminary analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics shows that 433 sitting members of the U.S. House of Representatives raised $78 million during the fourth quarter of 2009, an increase of 5.4 percent above their third-quarter hauls.
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.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Presidential Love from the Same Sources?
February 15, 2010 | It's President's Day (technically Washington's Birthday), so it's only apropos that this week's PolitiQuizz focus on our nation's chief executive -- and those who would've loved to serve in the post.
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.).
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.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Where Do Congressmen Invest Their Money?
January 25, 2010 | Simple fact: Most members of Congress are rich. But how'd they get that way? We explore the question in this week's PolitiQuizz.
Supreme Court Gives Corporations, Unions Power to Spend Unlimited Sums on Political Messaging
January 21, 2010 | Corporations, trade associations, unions and nonprofit groups still aren't allowed to make direct contributions to federal politicians, but today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that such groups may now spend unlimited amounts of money advocating for or against politicians. In doing do, the Supreme Court, led by Justice Anthony Kennedy, tossed out the distinction between individuals and corporations and their ilk when it comes to independent expenditures.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Who's That Not-So-Blue Democrat?
January 18, 2010 | Conservative Democrats? There is such a thing? You betcha! And we're looking for one in particular for this week's Capital Eye PolitiQuizz.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Name that state!
January 11, 2010 | Get in a state state of mind, as this week's Capital Eye PolitiQuizz is looking for the name of one of the United States' nifty 50.
Some Congressional Challengers Already Eclipsing Incumbents in Fund-Raising
January 6, 2010 | It doesn't occur often. But sometimes, a person challenging a sitting member of Congress brings an early boatload of cash with them to the fight – enough to equal, or even eclipse the fund-raising totals of his or her political rival.
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: Tuesday, December 1
December 1, 2009 | Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) spoke yesterday with a local radio station about his affair with an aide's wife and his role in securing a new job for the aide. During the interview, Ensign called the affair a "huge mistake" and maintained that he "complied with all Senate ethics rules and applicable laws" in helping get the aide a new job in a lobbying firm.
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, November 23
November 23, 2009 | The Federal Election Commission last week gave an early Christmas gift to candidates for federal office, deciding to allow Senate and presidential candidates to pay discounted prices on private air travel.
Blue Dogs and New Democrats Find Friends on Wall Street
November 17, 2009 | Like the health care reform debate, financial regulation legislation has divided members of the same party, opening a rift between liberal and moderate Democrats. But unlike the health care reform debate, where the moderate Blue Dog Democrats have been rabid in their opposition to a public insurance option, a different group has emerged to voice moderates' concerns over financial regulation -- but both are magnets for cash from the financial sector.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, November 17
November 17, 2009 | On Monday night, the Obama administration announced its intent to nominate Beatrice Wilkinson Welters to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Welters and her husband, Anthony, an executive with UnitedHealth Group, co-founded the AnBryce Foundation in 1995, which provides academic and leadership programs for underserved youth. They also bundled at least $300,000 for President Barack Obama's committees and have been prolific campaign contributions to federal candidates and committees.
Crossing Wall Street
November 16, 2009 | As the United States continues digging itself out of a recession, the nation is poised to re-emerge in a dramatically altered financial climate. And after years of enjoying relatively little regulation, commercial banks, credit companies, hedge funds and securities and investment companies are facing the most extensive overhaul by the federal government since the Great Depression. Over the next seven days, Capital Eye will be following the special interest money in our "Crossing Wall Street" series as both the House and Senate tackle financial regulation.
House Democrats Backing Abortion Restrictions Received Significant Campaign Cash From Pro-Life Groups
November 10, 2009 | Democrats who supported an amendment that added restrictions to abortion-related health insurance benefits received considerably more campaign contributions from anti-abortion interests than Democrats who opposed the amendment, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Chuck Grassley Challenger Roxanne Conlin Gave Big to Democrats, Trial Lawyers
November 9, 2009 | Attorney Roxanne Conlin today announced her intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), providing the veteran lawmaker with some notable and potentially well-financed competition. With a strong pedigree in Iowa politics, she brings supporters with deep pockets, and the ability to draw on her own personal wealth. A CRP analysis shows that Conlin, and her husband, James, have contributed nearly $360,000 to federal candidates and committees over the past 20 years.
Supporters of Moderate Republican in NY-23 Special Election Weigh Where to Place Their Loyalties After Candidate Quits
November 2, 2009 | With Republican Diedre Scozzafava ending her bid in for Congress and endorsing her Democratic opponent Bill Owens, Owens and Conservative Party nominee Doug are now vying to win over Scozzafava's supporters, including those who lent financial support to her campaign.
'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.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, October 29
October 29, 2009 | BCRA IMPACTING PREZ FUND-RAISING BLITZ?: President Barack Obama has now clocked 26 fund-raisers since his inauguration. President George W. Bush, by comparison, at this point in his presidency, had logged only six fund-raising events. According to CBS' Mark Knoller, there's another dimension to the picture: In Bush's first six fundraisers, he was able to raise $48 million, while Obama has raised just $21 million over the course of the first 21 events.
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: Wednesday, October 21
October 21, 2009 | MCCAIN-FEINGOLD? ZZZZZZZ. We've been waiting for weeks for an outcome to Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which could very well change the nature of federal campaign finance laws as we know them. Nothing yet. But it's given us time to ponder why federal legislation always has such b-o-r-i-n-g names. (Shays-Meehan? Sounds like some sort of chronic thyroid condition.) Congress, let's get creative.
Third Quarter Campaign Finance Reports Show Money Race Is On
October 16, 2009 | An initial Center for Responsive Politics analysis has found that sitting members of the U.S. House of Representatives raised $48.2 million from July 1 through Sept. 30, 2009, based on the 336 reports we have in. The mean amount these lawmakers raised was $143,640, and the median amount was $126,680.
Support for Charles Rangel Wanes In Midst of Alleged Ethics Scandals
October 15, 2009 | Republican members of the House last week attempted to oust Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) from his powerful chairmanship of the House Ways & Means Committee for the duration of a House Ethics Committee investigation into alleged ethical misconduct surrounding his real estate investments and dubious personal financial disclosure reports. And although the effort failed and Rangel can sit tight for now, signs that he's sustained political damage are emerging.
Aides, Lobbyists and Contributors Among Those Left in Wake of Sen. John Ensign's Alleged Ethics Scandal
October 8, 2009 | Despite a lack of support from key leaders in his own political party, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) said resolutely this week that he has no plans to resign from Congress in the face of accusations that he's deeply embroiled in an ethics scandal. But it's not just his own party's support at risk -- campaign contributors, current and former staffers and even lobbyists may be re-considering their ties to a man who once served as the GOP's primary fund-raiser in the Senate.
Capital Eye Opener: 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: Tuesday, October 6
October 6, 2009 | CLUSTERS OF CONTRIBUTIONS DISCUSSED ON MSNBC: On Monday morning, CRP Executive Director Sheila Krumholz and Sunlight Foundation Engagement Director Jake Brewer appeared on MSNBC's Morning Meeting with Dylan Ratigan to discuss our recent collaborative investigation about the one-two punch of contributions from health industry clients and their lobbyists.
In Debt or Full of Hope, Politicos Maintain Presidential Fund-raising Committees
October 1, 2009 | The fact that the next presidential election isn't until 2012 hasn't deterred lesser-known candidates from planning vigorously, hoping valiantly and mulling over how to increase their name recognition when they have little name recognition in the first place to attract cash. They join a host of others who still technically have an active presidential fundraising committee.
Lawmakers Get One-Two Punch of Money From Health Industry Special Interests
October 1, 2009 | A new collaborative investigation between the Sunlight Foundation and Center for Responsive Politics shows that since January 2007, more than 500 individual lobbyists donated roughly $2.8 million to 61 members of Congress who took money from at least 10 lobbyists and also received money from their clients' PACs or employees. Among the recipients were 11 senators who sit on the Senate Finance Committee.
Politicians Score Significant Cash From NFL Owners, Coaches and Players
September 17, 2009 | As the 32-team NFL begins its 2009 season, the Chargers and Texans stand among 20 clubs to donate more than $100,000 to federal political interests since the 1990 election cycle, according to the Center's analysis. Executives and employees of the league itself have also teamed together to contribute more than $322,000 during that time frame.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, September 10
September 10, 2009 | DOLLARS FOR DISRUPTIONS?: The liberal fundraising group ActBlue is directing individuals to contribute campaign cash to Rob Miller, the Democrat challenging incumbent Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who shouted "you lie" during the president's address. So far, they've helped Miller raise more than $100,000 since last night.
Supreme Court Poised to Overhaul Parts of Campaign Finance System
September 9, 2009 | If the Supreme Court is currently the dam blocking the flow of unlimited corporate funds used for political expenditures, today's re-hearing of the campaign finance case Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission indicated that the justices may be poised to put at least a few holes in that barricade.
Debut of Sonia Sotomayor, Re-Hearing of Supreme Court's Citizens United Challenge Attracts Droves of Opinionated Citizens
September 9, 2009 | Scores of impassioned citizens flocked to the Supreme Court in the pre-dawn hours this morning to witness history -- the first appearance by Justice Sonia Sotomayor and also the re-argument of the high profile campaign finance case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
Donations from Citizens United Board Members Flow to Conservative Pols
September 8, 2009 | In the shadow of the potentially landmark campaign finance case Citizens United v. FEC, the Center for Responsive Politics examined the political giving history of Citizens United's board members. Our analysis indicates the board members behind Citizens United have frequently contributed to conservative politicians and committees, giving at least $63,000 since 1989.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, August 21
August 21, 2009 | O, SAY, CAN YOU TWEET: There's nary a member of Congress who isn't busy tweeting on Twitter and posting Facebook status messages. These two social networking tools are now an integral part of the campaign arsenal -- but the companies responsible for our daily dose of instant chit chat are also making some political moves of their own.
Health Insurers Continue to Woo Blue Dog Democrats in Congress
August 20, 2009 | The 52 fiscally conservative House Democrats known as the Blue Dogs and playing prominent roles in the nation's health care reform debate continue to collect campaign funds from health insurers at a greater rate than their non-Blue Dog counterparts, tCRP has found.
And They're Off: Congressional Fundraising Races Underway
August 17, 2009 | Nearly 1,400 candidates have filed campaign finance reports with the Federal Election Commission, indicating that they'll be vying for one of the 468 congressional seats that will open up next year. It won't feel like a quick sprint, however, especially for those candidates in particularly close races who've already raised millions of dollars. We know the final stretch is a ways off yet, but here are our early observations, including contributions reported between April and June.
Big Money Senate Race in Pennsylvania Heats Up With Joe Sestak Announcing Official Challenge to Arlen Specter
August 4, 2009 | One of the nation's hottest U.S. Senate contests is officially off to the races, as Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) today is officially challenging incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter, a long-time Republican who switched his party allegiance to become a Democrat earlier this year.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, July 29
July 29, 2009 | Today's installment of the Capital Eye Opener brings you news of President Barack Obama, health care reform, lobbying, the revolving door and the Federal Election Commission.
Barack Obama's Obscure Ambassadors Bring Experience, Campaign Cash
July 17, 2009 | President Barack Obama has tapped 19 ambassadors to represent the United States in international organizations or act as the top statesman in issue-based arenas. Seventeen of these have contributed about $323,900 to federal candidates and committees since 1989.
Committee Members Speak Out–Or Stay Mum–On Health Care
July 9, 2009 | Over the past three weeks, Capital Eye has contacted members of five Capitol Hill committees responsible for drafting health care reform legislation this summer. Here are their responses (and non-responses) and the money they're collecting from various industries.
Democrats Chuck Schumer and Chris Dodd Stand Strong for Public Option
July 9, 2009 | Despite raising millions of dollars from the insurance and financial services industry during their careers, Sens. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) rank among the Senate's most vocal champions of the public health insurance option.
Will $1.2 Million a Day Convince Congress to Buy Big Pharma's Rx for Change?
June 25, 2009 | In the first three months of 2009, the pharmaceutical and health products industry has spent more than $66.5 million on lobbying–an amount that translates into $1.2 million every day Congress has been in session. Just how much influence will that amount buy?
Entertainment Divisions Drive Network Giving to Obama
June 25, 2009 | ABC employees have favored Obama with their campaign cash. The big caveat? These sums are not just from the news division, and employees of the network's entertainment divisions fueled such giving.
Blue Dog Bark Backed by Insurers
June 25, 2009 | There's a particular breed of lawmaker on Capitol Hill that is pushing hard against a public health care plan, much to the delight of two seriously moneyed special interest groups-insurers and pharmaceuticals. They're the Blue Dogs: moderate, vocal and funded in part by the industries trying to protect their bottom line.
Tracking Your Representatives' Health Care Cash
June 25, 2009 | Here's a cool tool that brings together data from various parts of OpenSecrets.org to show how much money each current lawmaker has raised from various health-related industries and the health sector overall since 1989 (including President Obama's haul).
Dentist-Congressman Advocates Private-Sector Health Care
June 25, 2009 | The ranking member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, Linder is also a former dentist and businessman. A former member of the American Dental Association, the group is also his No. 2 campaign donor.
The Price Isn't Right: Doctor-Turned-Lawmaker Opposes Public Option
June 24, 2009 | A former doctor, Rep. Tom Price's top contributors reads like a roster of America's medical groups. Out of the Georgia Republican's 20 all-time leading donors, only five aren't related to the medical field. Follow along as Capital Eye profiles some of the lawmakers who were health professionals in their past lives.
Obama's New Ambassador Nominees Gave Big — and Bundled Bigger
June 18, 2009 | The latest batch of picks for U.S. ambassadorships–along with their spouses and children–have contributed at least $637,800 to federal candidates, parties and committees since 1989, including $32,775 to Obama himself. These people also brought in at least $1.1 million for Obama's presidential bid as bundlers.
Diagnosis: Reform
June 17, 2009 | For some individuals, how Congress aims to reform America's health care system is literally a matter of life and death. For some industries, it could mean the difference between weathering the economic storm or shuttering their businesses. Over the next month, Capital Eye will be following the money as the various special interest groups continue to play politics in response to Congress's health reform proposals. Follow the month-long series here.
Lawmakers Controlling Government's Budget File for Extensions on Personal Financial Disclosures
June 16, 2009 | Members of Congress that control government spending and oversee the beleaguered financial sector are having a hard time getting their own finances in order, CRP has found. Forty of the 63 lawmakers who still haven't filed their 2008 personal financial disclosure (PFD) reports, due May 15, sit on a congressional committee related to the federal budget, appropriations or financial sector oversight.
Winner Takes All, Including PAC Cash
May 21, 2009 | In looking at the PACs that gave money to losing congressional incumbents before the 2008 election, CRP has found that 171 groups went on to switch allegiance and give money to the winning challengers immediately after the election.
Senator Arlen Specter Leaves the GOP, Will His Contributors Follow Him?
April 28, 2009 | Embattled Sen. Arlen Specter became a Democrat today, a move that could attract new donors and turn others off.
Minnesota Senate Case Highlights Potential Conflicts for Judges
April 14, 2009 | Republican Norm Coleman has 10 days to appeal the decision of the recount trial to the Minnesota Supreme Court. If he does appeal, Coleman will come before several individuals who have made partisan contributions during their careers before joining the court.
Public Financing Advocates Await Bill for Congressional Contests
March 26, 2009 | House members raised an average of nearly $2,000 a day during the 2008 election cycle--and for their Senate counterparts, the amount was more than double--but legislation that is set to be proposed in both chambers of Congress might drastically reduce the cost of running for office and the pressure to chase dollars every day.
Empty Disclosure
March 19, 2009 | Some lobbyists appear to collect money for nothing--more than half a billion dollars from clients over the last decade, Center finds.
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.
Power Players: Environmental, Women's Groups Place Faith in Boxer
February 26, 2009 | Capital Eye's Power Player series continues this week with a look at Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Boxer's top donors include environmentalists, women's rights groups and the entertainment industry.
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.
Gillibrand Leaves Expensive House Seat and Heads to Senate
January 23, 2009 | New York Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand's appointment to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat will leave Gillibrand's House seat up for grabs-or, rather, up for sale-in a special election. And the price tag for those looking to fill her spot is likely to be high.
Struggling Companies and Industries Still Found Funds to Sponsor Political Conventions
December 10, 2008 | Weeks before they turned to the federal government for rescue, companies such as AIG, Ford, Citigroup and Freddie Mac were among the biggest sponsors of the summertime political conventions that nominated Barack Obama and John McCain for president, according to a new analysis by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, in collaboration with the Campaign Finance Institute.
Obama Selects Daschle to Head HHS
November 20, 2008 | By selecting former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) to head the Health and Human Services Department, Barack Obama is tapping the expertise of a man whose political campaigns in the public sector and salary in the private sector have been paid, in part, by the health care industry.
Money Wins Presidency and 9 of 10 Congressional Races in Priciest U.S. Election Ever
November 5, 2008 | The historic election of 2008 re-confirmed one truism about American democracy: Money wins elections. From the top of the ticket, where Barack Obama declined public financing for the first time since the system's creation and went on to amass a nearly two-to-one monetary advantage over John McCain, to congressional races throughout the nation, the candidate with the most money going into Election Day emerged victorious in nearly every contest.
Lobbying Their Way to Congress
November 3, 2008 | Unlike members of Congress who have to wait at least a year (two for senators) after retiring from public service to become registered lobbyists, the influence peddlers themselves don't face a cooling-off period if they want to run for Congress. With the help of the Center for Responsive Politics, USA Today has identified 15 current and former lobbyists who hope to be elected to Congress tomorrow, and only six of them are incumbents.
Perhaps Anticipating Reform Debate, Health Money Swings to Dems
October 30, 2008 | Widely perceived to be one of the nation's biggest challenges, health care reform will be at the top of the next administration's agenda, and a battle over proposed changes is certain. For the past 15 years, the health sector, which is already gearing up for next year's fight, has given more money to Republicans than Democrats. But with Democrats in control of Congress-and likely to pick up a few more seats next week-the tide is turning.
U.S. Election Will Cost $5.3 Billion, Center for Responsive Politics Predicts
October 22, 2008 | The 2008 election for president and Congress is not only one of the most closely watched U.S. elections in years; it's also the most expensive in history. The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics estimates that more than $5.3 billion will go toward financing the federal contests upcoming on Nov. 4.
Races to Watch IX: Wall Street's Favorite Candidates
October 9, 2008 | Not at all to the chagrin of oil and gas companies (and lawmakers who have received campaign donations from them), Wall Street is the new black for congressional candidates looking to link their opponents to an unpopular industry. As federal lawmakers have wrestled with an economic bailout plan worth $700 billion, candidates who have received contributions from the financial sector are on the defensive. Find out which candidates are filling their war chests with money from the finance sector in Capital Eye's final installment of Races to Watch.
Races to Watch VIII: Top Self-Funders
October 6, 2008 | On its own, fundraising is a serious challenge; add the obstacle of navigating complicated campaign finance laws and it's enough to deter many from the political arena. However, individuals with deep pockets can finance their own campaigns, and unlike contributions raised from other people, there is no limit to how much personal money candidates can give themselves. Capital Eye takes a look at the top self-funders seeking congressional office this election cycle.
Races to Watch VII: Where Cash Has No Competition
October 2, 2008 | Like reading tea leaves, one way to predict how a congressional race is going to go is by looking at the disparity in fundraising between the candidates. So far this election cycle, 280 House and Senate incumbents on November's ballot have collected at least 10 times more than the opponent they face in the general election. In this installment of Races to Watch, Capital Eye looks into why some of these incumbents have been such successful fundraisers.
Races to Watch VI: Candidates Backed by PACs
October 1, 2008 | More than a quarter of the money raised by congressional candidates on the November ballot has come from business and labor PACs, not from individual donors, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. Capital Eye has profiled some races where labor union and business PAC money is playing the largest role.
Races to Watch V: Lobbyists' Favorite Candidates
September 30, 2008 | Registered lobbyists aren't just getting the attention of lawmakers while on the job. Like any other member of the public, they, too, are able to contribute up to the maximum amount per election to candidates of their choice. The Center for Responsive Politics has identified the congressional races with candidates who are receiving the most money from registered lobbyists.
Races to Watch IV: Money Flowing from Oil and Gas
September 29, 2008 | The oil and gas industry, under the spotlight this fall with energy at the forefront of political discourse, isn't hesitating to put some of its record profits into the hands of candidates who support its cause (or those it's seeking to convert). So far this election cycle, the oil and gas industry has given $12.3 million total to congressional candidates. The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has identified the candidates who have received the most money from oil and gas interests in this election cycle, and Capital Eye selected a few races to more deeply examine the impact of well-digger dollars on politics.
Races to Watch III: Big Money, Small Money
September 29, 2008 | Barack Obama defended his decision not to accept public financing by arguing that running a campaign for the White House based on small contributions accomplishes what the public financing system aims to do but falls short of doing: curb the influence of outside interest groups. In many congressional races, the issue of who's backing the candidate--wealthy donors or everyone else--is finding its way into debates over the best way to fix the economy and whether campaign contributions and lobbying by the financial sector had anything to do with today's economic crisis. Capital Eye takes a closer look at some of these races.
Races to Watch II: Candidates Supported by Their Party
September 25, 2008 | Private interests and members of the public aren't the only ones betting their money on the congressional candidates they hope will win (or retain) congressional seats. Lawmakers in both parties have a vested interest in seeing their own candidates succeed this November, with Democrats wanting to strengthen their majority and Republicans hoping to minimize their losses. Here we look at some of the candidates getting the largest cash infusions from their own parties, indicating a close race.
Races to Watch I: Challengers Outraising Incumbents
September 24, 2008 | With few exceptions, incumbents will out-raise their challengers--so far this election cycle, incumbents for Congress have raised nine times more than their challengers, on average, and there is not a single Senate race where the challenger has raised more money than the sitting senator. Although challengers aren't winning the money race on the Senate side, the Center for Responsive Politics has identified 14 House races where the challenger surpassed the incumbent in fundraising after the most recent reporting period, through June.
Races to Watch
September 24, 2008 | It's the presidential eclipse: Every four years, media coverage about all angles of the race for the White House (significant or not) overshadows all but a handful of too-close-to-call congressional races. Yet, in the midst of an economic meltdown, record gas prices and a five-year war, there's no question that citizens care about who represents them in Congress, not just who moves into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. While other political analysts focus on the most competitive congressional races, Capital Eye will spend the next week profiling contests with an interesting fundraising angle--even those where the winner is pretty easy to predict.
Money and Votes Aligned in Congress's Last Debate Over Bank Regulation
September 23, 2008 | The last time Congress seriously debated how to regulate the financial industry, the result was legislation that allowed the nation's largest banks to get even larger and take risks that had been prohibited since the Great Depression. A look back at that debate, which was over the 1999 Financial Services Modernization Act, reveals that campaign contributions may have influenced the votes of politicians who, a decade later, are now grappling with the implosion of the giant banks they helped to foster.
Brothers Grim: Is Lehman Next?
September 12, 2008 | Uncle Sam bailed out Freddie Mac and the company's twin sister, Fannie Mae, this week, and the next in line in the Wall Street family to get a helping hand might just be Lehman Brothers. Executives at the struggling investment bank are looking to sell the company with assistance from the government--and fast--as its stock plunges. Although the government isn't expected to completely bail out Lehman Brothers, the fourth-largest U.S. investment bank, the company has built a strong financial relationship with politicians over the years and coincidentally ranks fourth in the largest contributors in the race for the White House.
Update: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Invest in Lawmakers
September 11, 2008 | When the federal government announced two months ago that it would be seizing mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, CRP looked at how much money members of Congress had collected since 1989 from the companies. On Sunday the government proceeded with the takeover and we've returned to our data to bring you the updates, this time providing a list of all 354 lawmakers who have gotten money from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (in July we posted the top 25).
So, Who's Up in Those Skyboxes?
August 25, 2008 | You could hold a presidential nominating convention with just the delegates, but you couldn't finance a presidential campaign without the bundlers. So, these uber-fundraisers are also in attendance at the conventions in Denver and St. Paul, and they are enjoying special perks for delivering hundreds of thousands of dollars to their candidate's coffers. Bundlers are now listed for both Obama and McCain in OpenSecrets.org's presidential section.
Illegal Contributions Cross the Border
August 20, 2008 | United States passports don't just get humans over the border--they're also the currency needed to move, well, currency into American politics. Although presidential candidates are prohibited from receiving contributions from individuals who aren't American citizens (or don't have green cards), the Associated Press has found that some foreign contributions have made their way into Barack Obama's coffers.
Power Struggle: Alternative Energy Looks to New Administration, Congress for Progress
July 31, 2008 | Long in the shadow of traditional energy sources, alternative energy has come into the spotlight as a potential energy crisis looms. For some producers of alternative energy sources, this is the perfect time to promote their legislative wish list--and spend more money than they ever have before to do it. Others are considering the new push as just hype in the on-again, off-again quest for renewable energy.
Power Struggle: Senators Shore Up Cash from Divided Tourism Industry
July 31, 2008 | While this year's own battle over offshore drilling for oil has largely been a skirmish between the deep-pocketed oil and gas industry and grassroots environmentalists, senators along the coast in particular have to pay attention to an additional industry that's a player on Capitol Hill: tourism.
Power Struggle: Division Within Biofuels Community Complicates the Energy Equation
July 24, 2008 | Producers of corn-based ethanol have had a strong relationship with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. But as the price of corn and other foods go up and the pitfalls of such ethanol become more pronounced, an array of next-generation biofuels have hit the scene, all grappling for government funding and feuding among themselves.
Power Struggle: Energizing the Presidential Race
July 17, 2008 | Like a gas tank hungry for cheap fuel, Americans are yearning for an energy policy from their next president. But various industries and interests, from oil companies to agriculture and environmental groups, also have a serious stake in the next president's energy policy, and are showing it with campaign contributions and lobbying efforts.
Power Struggle: Energy Industries Open Up the Pipeline to Democrats
July 17, 2008 | President Bush's decision this week to lift the federal moratorium on offshore drilling defied the Democratic Party's long-held opposition to oil exploration along the U.S. coastline. But recently more Democrats are indicating that they might change their minds, leaving environmentalists wondering whether the lawmakers will stick to their ideological guns or be swayed by high gas prices and campaign contributions from big industries.
McCain Discloses A Bundle of Information
July 15, 2008 | John McCain's campaign has updated, and improved, the online roster of hundreds of individuals who are helping the Republican nominee-to-be raise money -- the folks we refer to as "bundlers."
McCain Takes Pro-Transparency Steps at Watchdogs' Request
July 11, 2008 | This morning the Center for Responsive Politics and seven other watchdog groups received a response from John McCain's campaign to our June 25th letter asking for greater transparency of the campaign's donors. We still haven't heard from Barack Obama's campaign.
Power Struggle: Consumers Vent About Oil Industry's Influence
July 10, 2008 | If there's one dreaded stop on every traveler's roadmap these days, it's the gas station. With the cost of fuel topping $4 a gallon this summer for the first time ever, there are a lot of questions, but not many clear-cut answers. Capital Eye's reporters dropped in on service stations in the D.C. area to find out where consumers are placing the blame.
NYT Columnist: Obama's Donors Mirror Democrats'
July 1, 2008 | It appears that being the candidate of change doesn't necessarily mean appealing to a new set of donors. New York Times columnist David Brooks used extensive data from the Center for Responsive Politics today to argue that Barack Obama's fundraising base looks a whole lot like those of Democrats past and present.
John McCain's DINOs
June 23, 2008 | You've heard of RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) and now here come the DINOs-you guessed it, Democrats in Name Only. Trying to court independent voters and conservative Democrats, Republican John McCain last week put out a list of what he called "prominent Democratic and unaffiliated leaders and activists" who are supporting his bid for president.
Obama Privatizes
June 19, 2008 | Barack Obama told supporters this morning that he'll be forgoing more than $80 million in public funds for the general election, making him the first major party nominee to reject the taxpayers' grant since the program began in 1976.
Now Available: '07 Personal Finances for House & Senate
June 18, 2008 | If you're sick of counting your own pennies, now you can take a break and check out what your representatives are worth. The Center for Responsive Politics has updated our Personal Financial Disclosures database to include the 2007 annual reports for all members of Congress, at least those who filed their reports on time.
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.
More Lobbyist Links
May 29, 2008 | For the presidential candidates, lobbyists have become a bit like cockroaches--they try to rid their staffs of them, but more just keep popping up.
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.
Determining a Lawmaker's Worth
May 20, 2008 | Watchdogs and journalists are finding it difficult to determine just how much members of Congress are worth because they report their personal investments in wide ranges.
The Millionaire on the Ballot
April 24, 2008 | The U.S. Supreme Court had its hands full with money this week—more specifically, with campaign finance dollars. The justices considered Tuesday whether it's constitutional to "level the playing field" in congressional elections by increasing the dollar limit on individual contributions for candidates who face wealthy, self-funded opponents.
Q&A: The Cost of Compliance
April 10, 2008 | Capital Eye chatted this week with Paul Ryan, program director for the FEC watchdog group Campaign Legal Center, about how a compliance fund works, why a candidate who accepts public funding needs one and what this means for campaign contributors.
Clinton Cashes In on Elton John Concert
April 10, 2008 | Rock star Elton John raised $2.5 million for Democrat Hillary Clinton this week after playing a benefit concert for the presidential hopeful at Radio City Music Hall. "The cheapest tickets, $125 and $250, sold out quickly, campaign aides said," according to the Associated Press.
Washington Lets In More Sunshine, But Halls of Power Are Still Too Dark
March 20, 2008 | Since Sunshine Week 2007, a few rays of sunlight have lit up Congress and the Bush administration in the form of ethics legislation and other bills mandating fuller disclosure. As these changes are implemented, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics is examining their effects on the public's ability to know what's going on in campaign finance, lobbying and other areas related to money and politics.
Superdelegate Update
February 28, 2008 | In an update to Capital Eye's Feb. 14 report, campaign contributions from Obama and Clinton now total nearly $950,000 and have predicted endorsements about 80 percent of the time.
Retirement Funds
February 21, 2008 | For congressmen who have been in office for decades, fundraising is easy and campaigning is cheap. And when they decide to leave office, donors' contributions can finance an extended retirement party.
Shopping in (Partisan) Style
December 13, 2007 | Capital Eye's holiday guide to buying blue or red.
Small Donors Raised Their Voices in Presidential Campaign's 2nd Quarter
July 19, 2007 | While lawyers and Wall Street are still the biggest givers, the candidates raised 84 percent more—or more than a quarter of their money—from smaller donors in the last three months.
Spending Money to Make Money
June 6, 2007 | The presidential candidates are spending their campaign contributions mostly on staff and administration, but advertising will become their biggest expense.
The Money is the Message
April 26, 2007 | A pending Supreme Court case will determine what type of money advocacy groups must use to spread their messages during an election.
Heating Up
March 8, 2007 | Now that Democrats control Congress, the political dynamic of climate change has shifted. Many industries and interests have a stake. By Lindsay Renick Mayer March 08, 2007 | The earth is warming at an unnatural pace, but this isn't the only climate change that has multiple industries re-assessing their political strategy. As the debate over…
Debt Be Not Proud
December 14, 2006 | Not only did these candidates lose, they still have bills to pay. Winners will have an easier time squaring their debt.
Lobbyists May Lose Ability to Influence Bills by Picking Up Checks
December 14, 2006 | Ethics proposals that would ban lobbyists from paying for lawmakers' meals have Washington restaurants worried. By Miranda Blue December 14, 2006 | At Charlie Palmer's Steakhouse, a white-tableclothed Washington institution in the shadow of the Capitol, you can lunch on the Kansas City rib-eye chop with onion confit for $38. Two blocks away, at the…
To test the waters, White House hopefuls go to the well
December 5, 2006 | In 2008, presidential candidates will have to raise record sums, so talking now to donors—not just voters—is crucial. By Lindsay Renick Mayer December 05, 2006 | (Updated to incorporate 2004 inflation-adjusted grants and spending limits) As the 2006 midterm election moves from the headlines to the history books, the focus has already shifted to 2008…
2006 Election Analysis: Incumbents Linked to Corruption Lose, but Money Still Wins
November 8, 2006 | While voters in some states are still waiting to see who will represent them in Congress, one thing is certain: Money was a clear winner in the 2006 elections. Equally clear was voters' concern about corruption in Washington; officeholders tied to scandal lost in disproportionate numbers.
In the Money Race, 'Third' is Dead Last
October 23, 2006 | Without cash to spread their message, independent and third-party challengers once again struggle to compete against Democrats and Republicans. By Lindsay Renick Mayer October 23, 2006 | Three-term senator Joe Lieberman finds himself as a third-party candidate in Connecticut this year. He has raised at least $15 million. Todd Chretien is also an independent running…
Challengers Can Draw Hope from Aug. 8 Upsets, but Incumbents Still Have the Money Edge
August 9, 2006 | Historically, nearly all incumbents in Congress win re-election. Does loss by Lieberman and others suggest 2006 will be different? ____________________ Primaries in three states on Aug. 8 each produced a rare event—the incumbent lost. The non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics offers the following "big picture" observations about the upsets in Connecticut, Georgia and Michigan, and…
Supreme Court Strikes Down Vermont's Campaign Finance Law
June 26, 2006 | State's limits on contributions are too low, justices agree, and spending caps are unconstitutional. By Eric Warren June 26, 2006 | In a fractured decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down today a Vermont law that put the nation's tightest restrictions on campaign contributions and spending. The 6-3 decision in Randall v. Sorrell was 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…
Energy Industries Create Imbalance of Power
February 17, 2006 | The president's budget fuels up alternative energy, but compared to Big Oil's political activity, is the cleaner-power industry shouting into the wind?
The House Horse Race
February 3, 2006 | Mid-way through the '06 House campaign, new FEC filings provide snapshot of money's role By Center for Responsive Politics February 03, 2006 | Note: Figures provided in this story were those available days after the filing deadline of 1/31/06. At that time, the FEC had not yet completed their review of all committee filings. CRP…
Supreme Court Declines to Settle BCRA Bickering
January 23, 2006 | By remanding Wisconsin case to lower court, justices avoid re-examining Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act until O'Connor leaves bench By Courtney Mabeus January 23, 2006 | The U.S. Supreme Court today declined to resolve a dispute between an anti-abortion group and the federal government over the constitutionality of federal law dictating how political advertisements can be…
Center for Responsive Politics Welcomes New Communications Director
January 9, 2006 | Former journalist Massie Ritsch joins non-partisan group studying money in politics ____________________ A former reporter for the Los Angeles Times, Massie Ritsch, has joined the Center for Responsive Politics as the non-partisan organization's Communications Director. Through its award-winning, publicly accessible website, www.OpenSecrets.org, CRP examines the influence of money on elections and public policy, especially in…
2004 Election Outcome: Money Wins
November 3, 2004 | Almost as soon as Election Day concluded, one thing was certain: Money won big in the 2004 elections. In 95 percent of House races and 91 percent of Senate races that had been decided by mid-day today, the candidate who spent the most money won, according to a post-election analysis by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. The findings are based on figures reported Oct. 13 to the Federal Election Commission.
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