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Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets Blog
Montana race, now complicated, sets spending record for House contests in state
May 25, 2017 | The cost of the House special election race in Montana — where voters are going to the polls today — is officially record-breaking. It's unclear how Wednesday's misdemeanor assault charges against the Republican candidate, Greg Gianforte, will affect the outcome, particularly since a large number of voters cast their ballots before today. It's very clear, though,…
Next election still 18 months away, but it's never too early to collect cash from colleagues
May 25, 2017 | Even with the 2018 midterm elections still 18 months away, both Republicans and Democrats are making moves to strengthen their most vulnerable incumbents. One way they're doing it: By contributing through their candidate committees and leadership PACs. Already, more than $3 million changed hands this way in the first three months of 2017 — nearly…
Add another to the list of former Trump campaign staffers lobbying for foreign clients
May 24, 2017 | Former Trump campaign officials haven't exactly been bashful about cashing in on their ties to the president in the lobbying sphere. Take Corey Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager. Shortly after the election, he cofounded a lobbying and consulting firm, Avenue Strategies, boasting to domestic and foreign clients of his administration ties. He left the firm…
In Montana, strong fundraising by Quist, but more outside help for Gianforte. Also, guns.
May 18, 2017 | Shots have been fired in the campaign leading up to Montana's May 25 special election. Literally. Both Republican candidate Greg Gianforte and Democratic candidate Rob Quist have aired ads in which they load a rifle and obliterate a computer and a TV screen, respectively. In his ad, Gianforte accuses Quist of wanting to create a…
Trucking, railroad industries wrestle with each other as technology bears down on both
May 17, 2017 | Uber service for pallets of lumber, crates of fruit and boxes of bolts? Last week, the company's embattled CEO Travis Kalanick tweeted an image of an "Uber Freight" truck, a product of the company's still-gestating foray into the trucking industry. Amazon, reportedly, is also working on an app that will connect truckers and shippers —…
Super PACs gearing up for 2018
May 11, 2017 | Is it 2018 already? Hard to believe it's only been six months since the last election judging by the number of super PACs that have cropped up so far. Through May 10, more than 140 groups that can spend unlimited amounts of money in elections independently from candidates have appeared since Jan. 1 of 2017,…
Beyond the NEA budget: The political side of art
May 8, 2017 | The Recording Academy's high-wattage GRAMMYs on the Hill event in early April honored Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) for their commitment to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) — an agency that President Donald Trump's administration has proposed cutting. Still, stars like country singers Keith Urban and Wynonna Judd, both of…
Biggest share of inaugural funding came from Wall Street
May 4, 2017 | For someone who repeatedly berated Wall Street during his campaign, President Trump received a lot of inauguration help from its inhabitants. The securities and investment industry contributed the greatest chunk to Trump's inaugural festivities, $14.3 million, or about 13 percent of all donations. To compare, Obama received $4.6 million from Wall Street in 2009 and $3…
Two (at most) secret donors funded 93% of pro-Rubio nonprofit
May 3, 2017 | A politically active nonprofit that supported Sen. Marco Rubio's (R-Fla.) failed 2016 presidential bid raised nearly $22 million in two years, 93 percent of which came from either one or two anonymous donors, tax documents obtained by the Center for Responsive Politics show. Conservative Solutions Project, a 501(c)(4) "social welfare" organization with no employees or…
Where are they now? Lucrative lobbying gigs, other jobs landed by newly-former lawmakers
May 1, 2017 | "I think that American people should know that the members of Congress are underpaid," said Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) in April 2014, having recently announced his retirement from the House. To be fair, he was discussing the results of an annual House vote on adjusting lawmaker pay: Each year, Congress can give itself a raise to keep…
Little outside spending but lots of self-funding in South Carolina special
April 28, 2017 | While you're not seeing much in terms of cheesy outside group ads in South Carolina's special election, there's no shortage of unique messaging going on in the race. Turn on the TV and you can catch one of candidate Sheri Few's ads, in which she's holding an AR-15 and condemning lawmakers from removing Confederate flags and…
Surge in LLC contributions brings more mystery about true donors
April 27, 2017 | Donald Trump's inaugural committee did well by almost any standard: Doubling the previous record for cash raised to fund festivities around a new president's swearing-in, it took in contributions from every major sector of the economy, and from donors who had steered clear of his campaign prior to the election. The committee also received about…
250 donors shelled out $100k or more for Trump's inauguration, providing 91% of funds
April 19, 2017 | What does it take to stage a welcome-to-the-neighborhood blowout? President Trump raised $107 million for his inaugural festivities, shattering previous records. The former titleholder, Barack Obama, raised half that, $53.2 million, in 2009 — though Obama imposed far stricter limits on amounts and sources of donations. At least 47 people or organizations gave $1 million or…
In the service of social welfare, Democratic operatives get IRS seal of approval
April 19, 2017 | Rebecca Lambe, J.B. Poersch and Rodell Mollineau aren't names that anybody who's familiar with national Democratic politics would likely associate with nonpartisan social welfare activity. Especially not at the height of election season. Lambe, the chief political strategist and campaign manager for former Sen. Harry Reid, the wily Senate Democratic leader, was described by the…
Outside groups pour $8.2 million into Georgia 6th
April 13, 2017 | Democrats came surprisingly close to seizing a red seat earlier this week in a House special election in Kansas. But filling HHS Secretary Tom Price's seat in the Georgia 6th in another special next Tuesday is the battle where Team Blue may have a real shot. Frontrunner and first-time candidate Jon Ossoff raised a startling $8.2 million in the just over three months…
Election 2016: Trump's free media helped keep cost down, but fewer donors provided more of the cash
April 13, 2017 | Election Day, 2016? Now an ancient memory from a distant time. But the intervening months have allowed us to do some math and determine, finally, the price tag for the whole shebang. We can now report that the total cost of the election was nearly $6.5 billion, a 3 percent increase from 2012's figure of just under…
Flurry of spending in Kansas 4th
April 10, 2017 | When President Trump tapped the Koch brothers' darling, Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), as CIA director, there didn't seem to be much reason to believe the District 4 seat would be filled by anybody other than another member of the GOP. Still, though the southern Kansas district has been represented by a Republican since 1994, and…
FDA nominee Gottlieb's many industry entanglements will be a focus of Wednesday hearing
April 4, 2017 | This week, all the attention's on Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump's nominee to become an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. But there's another position in play: Tomorrow (April 5), the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will hold a confirmation hearing for Scott Gottlieb, who's in line to head the Food and…
Where's the beef? When meat's in trouble, lobbying expands
March 30, 2017 | Americans cut their beef consumption by 19 percent between 2005 and 2014, according to a new study by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). For a quick visualization, you — a person of average appetite somewhere in the U.S. — ate five whole cows in 2005; in 2014, you ate four, plus a few bites of…
In California jungle, Dems vie to avoid runoff; Georgia special draws outside spending
March 29, 2017 | You thought we wouldn't have to deal with another federal election for two years after Nov. 8, didn't you? Sorry. Lawmakers were scooped up shortly after to fill spots in the Trump administration or take high-level state positions, so voters in five states get another run at the polling places. Coming up fast on the…
Trump's "beachhead" teams host dozens of former lobbyists
March 24, 2017 | Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has been mired in questions about his investments in the healthcare industry. As it turns out, some of the people helping him get grounded at the department are also prompting questions about their ties with the industry. Lance Leggitt, a lobbyist at Baker Donelson since 2006, was named…
Wellspring's dark money crucial to judicial group, helps others in Trump orbit
March 24, 2017 | Moments after President Trump's January announcement that Neil Gorsuch was his pick to fill the late Justice Antonin Scalia's Supreme Court seat, a small nonprofit that most Americans have never heard of launched ConfirmGorsuch.com. Complete with a tender video telling how Gorsuch "ran a paper route, shoveled snow, worked the night shift" before becoming a judge, the site…
The revolving door always spins for Goldman Sachs — by design
March 23, 2017 | Each time President Donald Trump adds another Goldman Sachs alum to his administration, it's tempting to bring up his campaign-trail rhetoric about the investment bank. After all, it seems as though Trump is trying to drain the swamp by forcing it to overflow; last week, he nominated Goldman managing director James Donovan to the post of deputy Treasury…
Russia hired Edelman in 2016 to help deal with Yukos fallout
March 13, 2017 | A former national security adviser was paid more than $500,000 last fall by a group linked with the Turkish government to discredit exiled preacher Fethullah Gülen, an enemy of the Turkish president. An Egyptian intelligence agency hired public relations firms Weber Shandwick and Cassidy & Associates to improve its image. Iraq sent letters to top Trump officials such as Secretary…
Women (candidates) under attack (really!) by outside groups. (Men, not so much.)
March 9, 2017 | Happy Women's History Month! This year has already seen historic large-scale demonstrations celebrating women and demanding equal rights, starting with the day after President Trump's inauguration, when millions gathered on the National Mall and around the globe for Women's March events. Yesterday, on International Women's Day, participants wore red to raise awareness, while women were encouraged…
Van Hollen led Congress in contributions from lobbyists
March 8, 2017 | Sen. Chris Van Hollen's (D-Md.) star has been on the rise in the Democratic party: After seven terms in the House, he won a Senate seat last November, and now occupies a much-coveted spot on the Appropriations committee while also chairing the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the party's fundraising arm for its Senate candidates. A knack for…
Defense sector contributions locked in on committee members
March 2, 2017 | You couldn't blame defense contractors for being in a great mood this week. In his speech to Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump — who has repeatedly said he wants to build up American military dominance — announced that he's "sending Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the defense sequester and calls for…
Murray Energy bucks coal mining trend with record giving in 2016
February 28, 2017 | President Donald Trump wasted little time attending to one of his constituencies: Less than a month after taking office, and surrounded by applauding coal miners and a few friendly members of Congress, he put the knife in an Obama-era regulation barring coal mine waste from being dumped in waterways. And Trump is said to have more…
Outside groups spent more than candidates in 27 races, often by huge amounts
February 24, 2017 | On her way to winning a Nevada Senate seat in 2016, Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto spent almost $19 million; her Republican opponent, then-Rep. Joe Heck, paid out nearly $12 million. Their combined spending of over $30 million was among the highest in the nation. Still, it was eclipsed by investments in the race by outside…
Chairing the DNC: A multimillion-dollar election
February 22, 2017 | There's a packed field in the race to chair the Democratic National Committee, whose 447 members will elect their new leader on Saturday. Rep. Keith Ellison and former Secretary of Labor Tom Perez lead the nine candidates who remain in the contest — a relatively diverse bunch hailing from around the country and from various levels…
Puzder out, Acosta in. Here's who cares most about labor.
February 16, 2017 | President Donald Trump announced Alexander Acosta, the dean of Florida International University College of Law, as his new pick to head the Department of Labor on Thursday. Despite backing from top industry trade groups, Puzder withdrew his nomination Wednesday after it became clear he didn't have enough GOP support in the Senate. Republicans began breaking away…
Pro-Israel interests upped contributions, lobbying in 2016
February 15, 2017 | President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began establishing their face-to-face diplomatic relationship with a meeting on February 15th. But the broader ties between the U.S. and Israel date back decades, and have been bolstered by pro–Israel interests that are active political donors and haven't hesitated to press their views on issues affecting the…
For freshman lawmakers, debt is the cost of doing business
February 9, 2017 | President Donald Trump has said, often and with great pride, that he is "the king of debt." That's not a distinction any congressional campaign is gunning for, though, and most manage to avoid it. The median campaign debt for a member of the 115th House of Representatives as of Nov. 28: Zero. But a look…
Surprising political spending by sponsors of some Super Bowl ads
February 6, 2017 | Super Bowl LI left a few lasting impressions: That one-for-the-history-books come-from-behind victory by the New England Patriots; the Lady Gaga halftime show that was rich with hits and practically politics-free; and the ads, always the ads — many of which were not so politics-free. Just over two weeks into Donald Trump's presidency, companies had to…
Lobbying numbers down again — but poised to shoot up with new administration
February 1, 2017 | We started to spot the decline when Barack Obama took office: Fewer people registered to lobby, and less money was being spent to influence Washington. And that trend continued last year: By the end of 2016, companies spent $3.1 billion to persuade the government, the smallest amount since 2007. And 11,143 lobbyists were active, a 3.2 percent decrease…
Super Bowl LI: A guide to pigskin politics
February 1, 2017 | Tom Brady, the quarterback of the NFL's New England Patriots, is no stranger to the limelight. Sunday's Super Bowl LI (51) between his team and the Atlanta Falcons will mark his seventh appearance in football's championship face-off; it could be his fifth victory. Brady has been linked to more controversial activities, as well, like the Deflategate controversy…
Battle of the absurdly wealthy in Illinois gubernatorial race?
January 31, 2017 | Democratic multibillionaire J.B. Pritzker is rumored to be considering a run in 2018 to become the 43rd governor of Illinois — against the current occupant of that seat, Bruce Rauner (R-IL), who just seeded his re-election committee with $50 million of his own money. Pritzker is the cofounder and managing partner of Pritzker Group, a private investment…
Boycotts ramp up in wake of immigration order
January 31, 2017 | Thinking about ordering up an Uber to get downtown after grabbing your half-caff skinny hazlenut latte at Starbucks? In the wake of #DeleteUber and #BoycottStarbucks, you might want to consider the politically dissonant messages sent by those previously unremarkable actions. Media-marketing specialist Shannon Coulter created the hashtag #GrabYourWallet in October to encourage consumers to boycott businesses carrying presidential…
Lobbyists and donors get behind GOP, Democratic retreats
January 27, 2017 | Two-time Super Bowl champion. Likely future Hall-of-Famer. Speaker at the three-day 2017 Republican retreat in Philadelphia. Peyton Manning, one of American football's all-time greats, made his political debut Thursday night at the retreat, which was intended to solidify the Republican party's game plan and unite the moving pieces of the GOP-controlled White House, Senate and…
Energy sector and EPA nominee: Oklahoma Strong
January 24, 2017 | Scott Pruitt's confirmation hearing last week involved some pointed visual props. Making the case that Pruitt, the Oklahoma attorney general who is President Trump's nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is cozy with the energy sector, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) held up a chart full of boxes and arrows. All the organizations listed on…
DeploraBalls, inaugural parties you won't want to miss
January 19, 2017 | Inauguration Day means that it's political party time in its most festive sense. While the soon-to-be President Donald Trump is only expected to appear at three official inaugural balls, some two dozen others are also planned for the weekend he takes the oath of office. You may get a chance to drink bourbon, "Tip our hats…
HHS pick has one of worst campaign disclosure records in Congress
January 9, 2017 | Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, has come under fire for buying and selling shares companies in the health care industry whose fortunes he could affect through his perch in Congress, and for intervening with regulators on behalf of some of his donors in the…
Holiday reading list: OpenSecrets Blog's best of 2016
December 22, 2016 | Boy, has 2016 been a whirlwind adventure. If you're like us, you have tabs and tabs of unread stories that caught your eye during the workday, but haven't had time to dive into yet. Now that the holiday break is upon us, we'll finally have the time to sink into that comfy chair by the…
Zinke's nomination could bring questions about super PAC ties
December 14, 2016 | After much speculation about which oilman or pro-development donor would get the nod to run the Interior Department, multiple news sources have reported President-elect Donald Trump has picked Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke (R). Having been a U.S. Navy SEAL from 1986 to 2008 and a Montana state senator from 2009 to 2011, Zinke is a relative…
Rick Perry, with multiple ties to CEO of controversial pipeline project, tapped for Energy Dept.
December 13, 2016 | The Dakota Access Pipeline protesters just got a new reason to keep their Standing Rock encampment intact: former Texas governor and two-time presidential candidate Rick Perry, tapped today by President-elect Donald Trump to head his Energy Department. Never mind that Perry — who now becomes the second of Trump's competitors named to his Cabinet (Ben…
Challengers who bested incumbents reaped $70,000 in post-election funds
December 9, 2016 | The 2016 election is over. Ballots have been cast, and (most) federal candidates know the outcome of their hard-fought races. Yet company PACs and even individuals are still writing checks to candidates' campaign committees, even though the campaigns they're funding are done. "Giving after the election clearly shows the donation is not given to support…
Could campaign finance overhaul help solve congressional gridlock?
December 8, 2016 | Should we restrict political contributions? How have weakened political parties impacted this election? Can public financing work? President-elect Donald Trump pledged to "drain the swamp," yet has not proposed changes to the campaign finance system. So experts in the field with various viewpoints ran through scenarios at a forum organized by New York University and law firm Sidley Austin on…
Pipelines of funds support allies of Dakota Access project
December 8, 2016 | When the Army Corp of Engineers announced Sunday it would block construction of an essential part of the Dakota Access Pipeline Project and study alternative routes, thousands of protestors at the site — members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, environmentalists, veterans and others — joined hands in jubilation. Concern about potential damage to the…
Carson's cash: Highly conservative interests have fueled his campaign and kept food on the table
December 6, 2016 | No (public) experience required. Neurosurgeon Ben Carson has been tapped to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, despite never holding public office in his career. (Even Carson admitted he would be a "fish out of water" as a federal bureaucrat a few weeks back.) However, since the former director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins did run…
Betsy DeVos and her big-giving relatives: Family qualifies as GOP royalty
December 1, 2016 | It's no secret that Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Education Department, is a political fundraising juggernaut. Her contributions to candidates and school choice causes around the country have been all over the news since she was named the nominee. More consequential, though, are the depth and breadth of contributions by her family…
Stein's recount effort brings in twice as much as her campaign
November 30, 2016 | Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein is picking up the fundraising pace…a month after the actual election. Stein's team says it has brought in $6.4 million in less than a week to recount votes in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. That's $3 million more — or almost double — what she raised for her presidential campaign through Oct.…
Giving by Americans abroad tilts distinctly leftward
November 29, 2016 | Democratic House Speaker Tip O'Neill famously claimed that "all politics is local." True, but it's increasingly global as well — especially for the roughly 5.7 million U.S. citizens living outside the nation's borders. Whatever the reason for their travels, Americans abroad can and do participate in politics and give to campaigns. The Federal Voting Assistance…
Oilmen, pro-development financiers and Sarah Palin in the queue for Interior
November 28, 2016 | Update: In early December, Trump announced he would nominate Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke (R) to run Interior. Read more about Zinke here. While names were announced for a slew of appointments to President-elect Donald Trump's administration last week, there are still some significant posts left — like running the Interior Department, which is in charge…
Big-box stores, big political influence: Happy Black Friday!
November 23, 2016 | For Americans seeking a little retail therapy after a stressful election season, help is on the way. But it's not all about the stampede-inducing sales on Black Friday: Big-box stores and online marketplaces turn some of their profits into political clout through hefty campaign contributions and lobbying. The companies below use a variety of strategies to…
Donors who are anti-NAFTA in the running for Commerce
November 22, 2016 | Update Nov. 30: President-elect Donald Trump selected Wilbur Ross as his Treasury Secretary. Read on for more information or see summary data on his contribution history here. Trump chose Todd Ricketts as Deputy Secretary. The competition for slots in Donald Trump's future Cabinet has the feel of a reality show: Lots of media attention, "contestants" presenting…
Red state conservatives vie for Ag slot
November 21, 2016 | Agriculture Department chiefs tend to come from the Midwest, the conservative-leaning region where much of the nation's food is produced. Just two of the past eight secretaries have come from outside the area. Using the Census Bureau's regional designations, 75 percent of agriculture secretaries have come from the Midwest since the department joined the Cabinet…
HHS contenders: A crop of politicians with major funding from health sector
November 18, 2016 | Nov. 29 update: President-elect Donald Trump named Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) as his pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Unsuccessful GOP presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson declared Tuesday that he has no interest in a position in the Trump cabinet and instead wants to serve the administration as an outside advisor because he…
Did Clinton's state-by-state fundraising mirror the election results?
November 17, 2016 | The 2016 presidential election was decided in flyover country. Though Democrat Hillary Clinton currently leads the popular vote count by more than 900,000, Donald Trump's surprising strength in the swing states of the Midwest proved decisive in the electoral college. As pollsters puzzle out why they missed the Rust Belt's right turn, commentators have speculated that everything…
One Nation rising: Rove-linked group goes from no revenue to more than $10 million in 2015
November 17, 2016 | One of the most active groups in the 2016 cycle wasn't a super PAC — though those were plenty busy — but a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, One Nation. From mid-2015 through 2016, the group spent about $40 million in a largely successful push to protect the GOP's fragile majority in the Senate. And it did…
Pentagon pick could have deep influence on Trump
November 15, 2016 | Updated Nov. 16. Update Dec. 1. President-elect Donald Trump chose retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis as Secretary of Defense. President-elect Donald Trump has made inflammatory comments about some of the nation's current or possible defense policies. He has hinted at a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, supported use of nuclear weapons, called NATO…
Following the money of Trump's Treasury hopefuls
November 14, 2016 | Update Nov. 30: President-elect Donald Trump selected Steven Mnunchin as his Treasury Secretary. Read on for more information or see summary data on his contributions here. New administration, new Cabinet members. President-elect Donald Trump has already begun picking out his crew, but so far, his two concrete choices did not donate a penny to Trump's election…
Parties pull out the stops with "outside" spending
November 10, 2016 | While super PACs and other outside groups went on a jaw-dropping spending spree this year, traditional party organizations played key roles in boosting their candidates, often taking the lead in making independent expenditures in the cycle's barnburner races. Together, the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee raised a combined $1.7 billion through Oct. 19,…
In first post-McCutcheon presidential election, more big donors, giving more
November 10, 2016 | No individual has given to every single congressional and presidential candidate yet, or even every Democratic or Republican candidate. But 2016 marks the first presidential election since the Supreme Court's decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission removed caps on a donor's total campaign giving, and — as expected — a group of wealthy individuals…
The NRA Placed Big Bets on the 2016 Election, and Won Almost All of Them
November 9, 2016 | OpenSecrets Blog and The Trace partnered on this story; it was published by both outlets. In North Carolina, the NRA spent $6.2 million on the incumbent Republican Sen. Richard Burr, the most it has ever invested in a down-ballot race. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) The National Rifle Association took a historic gamble in 2016, and it paid…
The price of winning just got higher, especially in the Senate
November 9, 2016 | While the White House may not have gone to the biggest spender, an awful lot of House and Senate seats did — as usual. And it was pricier than ever to win them. This election cycle, an average winning Senate candidate had spent $10.4 million through Oct. 19 (reflecting the latest reports filed with the…
$1.4 billion and counting in spending by super PACs, dark money groups
November 9, 2016 | Setting a new record and driving much of the higher cost of this year's elections over 2012's, outside groups that weren't formally connected to either political party broke $1.4 billion in outlays in the 2016 cycle. That's up from the $1 billion these groups — mostly super PACs and 501(c) organizations — spent in 2012,…
Where the money came from, not how much, mattered in the presidential race
November 9, 2016 | Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the race to the White House despite raising half as much campaign cash as his Democratic opponent and benefiting from $162 million less in outside spending by groups devoted solely to helping him win. It's the first time since 1996 that the president-elect raised less money than his opponent, and the Dole v.…
Black Republicans are struggling to save their seats in House races
November 4, 2016 | GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump doesn't have the best track record with African American communities. He's made plenty of gaffes, calling a black man a "thug" and shouting "Get him out!" when he thought the man was disrupting a rally. He broke with tradition and declined to speak at the NAACP's annual convention. He implied in…
Feeling ad fatigue? You should. More than 3.3 million ads have run in the 2016 elections.
November 4, 2016 | Political ad spending across the country has surpassed $2.3 billion, with 3.3 million ads run in the 2016 elections, according to a new report released by the Wesleyan Media Project with the Center for Responsive Politics. Nearly 1 million ads have aired in the presidential election alone, at an estimated cost of over $750 million.…
Here's where World Series champ owners give their campaign cash
November 3, 2016 | It only took 108 years. The Chicago Cubs finally achieved what seemed to be the impossible, breaking the Curse of the Billy Goat in a remarkable comeback to beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series 4 games to 3. In honor of the end of the drought, OpenSecrets Blog thought it would be only fitting to profile the…
Outside groups spending furiously in Nevada 3rd
November 3, 2016 | Nevada is on fire, but it's not the desert heat. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's upcoming retirement has led to an inferno of outside spending — about $80 milliion so far — in the contest for the open seat. And the fire has spread to other races as well, driving Nevada's 3rd Congressional District to…
Trick-or-treating down K Street: Candy companies look for a little sugar in Washington
November 1, 2016 | We see you, sitting at your desk nibbling that "fun-size" candy bar, maybe leftover from the stash you gave away last night or even pilfered from your child's hard-won haul. America's confectioners and chocolatiers thank you. Halloween means big business for the candy industry. But beyond fueling costumed revelry every Oct. 31, candy makers and…
Hillary Clinton, senatorial candidates among politicians returning donations from Thornton Law
October 31, 2016 | OpenSecrets Blog and The Boston Globe's Spotlight team partnered on this story, which was published by both outlets. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh on Monday joined a growing number of politicians vowing to return thousands of dollars in donations from the controversial Thornton Law Firm. Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)…
Now, more and better data for tracking secret money
October 31, 2016 | Here's the thing about dark money groups: Whatever their activity in real time, they always have an eye on how they'll be describing it to the feds a year hence. What do we mean by that? Right now and in recent months, a number of politically active nonprofits have been trying to influence the outcome of elections…
Fundraising histories and lots of experience in speculative Clinton Cabinet
October 28, 2016 | Washington thrives on speculation and now, after months of guessing at things like primary contenders and vice presidential picks, it's time to draft potential cabinets. With no shortage of well-educated guesses on who might lead the various executive departments, certain names crop up more often than others, often officials and bureaucrats with substantial political and policy…
Total cost of 2016 election could reach $6.6 billion, CRP predicts
October 25, 2016 | Note: Please see our updated prediction of the cost of the 2016 election. Is 2016 the Year of the Billionaire when it comes to financing the election? There are plenty in the mix. And they've helped fuel what is turning out to be the most expensive election ever. The Center for Responsive Politics projects that candidates,…
Outpolled, outraised and outspent: Clinton leads Trump in September and overall, but numbers not as high as Obama's
October 21, 2016 | September's fundraising and spending by Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump outpaced the numbers the candidates posted in any month so far. No surprise there. But the candidates' activity was still pretty punk compared to the previous two presidential races. Clinton compounded her well-documented fundraising dominance as the race turned down the home stretch. In September,…
Lobbyists, campaign cash help drug industry stymie bid to restrain Medicare prescription costs
October 19, 2016 | When the Republican-controlled Congress approved a landmark program in 2003 to help seniors buy prescription drugs, it slapped on an unusual restriction: The federal government was barred from negotiating cheaper prices for those medicines. Instead, the job of holding down costs was outsourced to the insurance companies delivering the subsidized new coverage, known as Medicare…
Super PACs lifted by megadonors, unions in third quarter
October 18, 2016 | Three liberal labor-connected super PACs took in more than $44.4 million in the third quarter of 2016, according to reports filed last weekend, while two others that are backing GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump drew in $30.3 million. The five were among the largest super PACs to file reports for the three-month period ending Sept.…
Outside groups — mostly party establishment — playing big in GOP's vulnerable districts
October 13, 2016 | With scorching news about Donald Trump dominating the media, along with his equally blistering pushback, GOP members of Congress have had to make some tough decisions about where to position themselves vis-a-vis the top of the ticket. And situation's trickle-down volatility has done them no favors, helping to ensure that the latest Roll Call list…
Trump's tax losses, and the political power of real estate
October 7, 2016 | The possibility that Donald Trump avoided paying income tax for nearly two decades has stirred debate about how, exactly, he managed to report almost $1 billion in net operating losses on his 1995 tax return. It has also triggered buzz about the copious benefits available to the real estate industry in our tax code. The exact…
FEC challenged again to find coordination in current campaigns
October 6, 2016 | New allegations that a pro-Hillary Clinton outside spending group and two that are backing Donald Trump have illegally coordinated with the candidates' campaigns are refocusing attention on a concept that regulators have never quite nailed down. In a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission today, the Campaign Legal Center contends that the pro-Clinton group,…
Pence, Kaine share long histories in the fundraising trenches
October 4, 2016 | Though divided ideologically, Indiana's Republican Gov. Mike Pence and Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia have traced similar paths through state and federal politics on their way to being nominated for vice president. Both have served in Congress and as governors, and now hope to assume the government's second-from-the-top job. Though they may not discuss it…
Donald Trump's fractional fundraising
September 29, 2016 | Donald Trump and Mitt Romney may not have much in common, and the 2012 GOP presidential nominee has made no bones about his visceral dislike of the pugilistic businessman who is carrying his party's banner this time around. When it comes to campaign fundraising, though, there's a lot of overlap in their pools of donors.…
And the good times rolled: 17 donors gave three-quarters of Dems' convention money
September 28, 2016 | Talk about disproportional giving: The group organizing the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this year raised almost three-fourths of its donations from only 17 sources. The Dems' host committee raised $69.7 million, with $51.2 million of that coming in from contributions, grants, or in-kind donations worth $1 million or more each. That includes a $10…
Gaping holes, confusion mar FCC's data on political ad buys
September 27, 2016 | Four years after it began requiring TV stations to upload their records of political ad sales to a central government website, the Federal Communications Commission maintains a recordkeeping system that makes finding out who an ad's sponsor is feel like a treasure hunt. In 2012, the FCC approved a rule requiring broadcast stations in the largest…
With poll numbers stagnant, Stein and Johnson spend big in August
September 23, 2016 | Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are dominating campaign finance headlines, but documents filed with the FEC Tuesday show the election's most popular third-party candidates, Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein, have been spending significant shares of their campaign cash bidding for broader electoral support. The monthly reports also capture two campaigns…
Team Blue routing Team Red in presidential fundraising, unlike 2012
September 22, 2016 | Many polls suggest the presidential race has gotten closer in recent weeks, but the financial status of the two campaigns and their allies is far less competitive. Since Citizens United and other court decisions beginning in 2010 changed the landscape of federal campaign finance, it makes sense to look at presidential financing as a three-legged stool.…
RNC covered its convention costs, but some who gave in 2012 stayed away
September 20, 2016 | The last-minute pleas for donations seems to have paid off (literally): The committee organizing the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this year raised $65.7 million, more than was given for each of the previous two powwows: In 2012, the Tampa host committee raised $55.2 million, while 2008's St. Paul festivities attracted about $61.3 million. The…
FEC stalemates on how to deal with foreign-owned companies spending in elections
September 15, 2016 | Federal law states that foreign nationals cannot donate or spend money in U.S. elections. Period. But how should the law treat companies with foreign ties, such as U.S. subsidiaries wholly owned by foreign companies? Basically, companies owned by foreign firms can spend in U.S. elections as long as the funds are generated in the U.S.…
Bayer-Monsanto merger: Two Washington-savvy companies get their game on
September 15, 2016 | If you shuddered at the possibility of St. Louis-based crop titan Monsanto Co. taking over Swiss pesticides giant Syngenta AG last summer, you're probably having a bad week: Monsanto has agreed to be acquired by German chemical conglomerate Bayer AG for $56.5 billion. Monsanto and Bayer are already two of the biggest agrichemical corporations in…
Funds gush in deep blue Land of Lincoln as Kirk struggles to hold seat
September 14, 2016 | One-term Sen. Mark Kirk's success or failure in his heated struggle to retain his seat will help determine whether Republicans or Democrats control the Senate come January. No surprise, then, that the race's fundraising totals have soared. The most recent fundraising reports show that Kirk, a Republican, and his opponent, Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth, each had raised more than $10…
Ad data (beta): CRP unveils new tool for tracking FCC ad data
September 8, 2016 | Today, CRP is unveiling a new tool that allows users to track political ad buys daily, as they are reported to the Federal Communications Commission. CRP's new project is the latest of several worthy efforts that have sought to unlock this information — crucial as it is to understanding how candidates, super PACs and dark…
Dems in New Hampshire supported by the secret money they rail against nationally
September 8, 2016 | This story was cross-posted at The Daily Beast. If hypocrisy is the coin of the realm in politics, then spending by a Democratic dark money group in New Hampshire's Senate race could be Exhibit A. For years, Democrats have blasted Republicans' use of unlimited secret money in elections. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has very publicly tangled with…
Seat on Energy & Commerce panel helped determine donations to Whitfield
September 1, 2016 | It's official: Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) is resigning next Tuesday, Sept. 6, after being chastised by the House Ethics Committee. The panel didn't recommend punishment for Whitfield when it concluded its probe into whether he granted special access to his wife, a lobbyist with the Humane Society Legislative Fund. But its July report said the 11-term…
A climate of cash in votes on global warming
August 29, 2016 | For years now, the scientific consensus has been that climate change is occurring and is caused mainly by the actions of human beings. So why, during the first month of the current Congress, did nearly half the Senate – all Republicans – vote against an amendment stating that human activities contribute significantly to climate change? We don't know. But…
Outside groups dominating Senate contests this cycle, report finds
August 25, 2016 | Outside groups have aired almost half of all political ads for Senate races this election cycle, an all-time high at 49 percent. Entities not associated with campaigns – such as PACs, super PACs and political nonprofits – are especially dominating the competitive contests, sponsoring more than 80 percent of ads in Ohio, Pennsylvania…
STUDY: Outside groups, secret money far more prominent than ever before
August 24, 2016 | In the long debate over the changing nature of election advertising, one thing is now clearer than ever: Outside groups that can raise and spend unlimited money – sometimes without disclosing the sources of their funds – make up a larger portion of election spending than at any point in…
RNC pulls worst fundraising numbers in recent years
August 22, 2016 | Even as talk in political circles has focused on the Trump campaign's apparent reliance on the Republican National Committee for much of its basic voter mobilization effort in November, reports filed with the FEC over the weekend show the RNC having arguably the worst fundraising July in at least four presidential cycles. The RNC reported…
Harry Reid's retiring? Enter piles of dark money
August 19, 2016 | Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's looming retirement leaves quite the vacuum to fill in Nevada. The contest to replace one of the body's longest-serving Democrats is labeled a toss-up between former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto (D) and Republican Rep. Joe Heck. And with Heck running for a promotion, he leaves behind an open playing field for his District…
Trump pulls in historic low in cash from Congress
August 11, 2016 | As Donald Trump emerged as the GOP's presidential nominee, a growing number of federal lawmakers came out in support of their party's candidate. Words are one thing. We wanted to know how many put their money where their mouths are by sending him contributions from their campaign committees and leadership PACs. Turns out, the Republican nominee received a…
Number of registered lobbyists plunges as spending declines yet again
August 9, 2016 | The lobbying industry may start arguing for its own bailout bill, given the relentless decline in reported spending for its services. The first quarter of 2016 was sluggish, the second similarly so. And with it came a pronounced dive in the number of active registered lobbyists. With 325 fewer lobbyists registered in the second quarter of…
Corporate sponsorships of Olympics make political investments look like a very good deal
August 5, 2016 | If you thought there was a lot of corporate money in politics, you haven't seen the amount of cash that goes into sponsoring the U.S. Olympic games. Eleven multinational corporations each paid the International Olympic Committee an estimated $100 million for a four-year partnership that gives them coveted advertising rights during the global sporting competition. (International Olympics Committee…
Two Florida Dems walking away with the Bernie small donor award
August 4, 2016 | Two Florida Democrats who have been in the spotlight lately for very different reasons are the winners of the Bernie Sanders $200-and-under award, receiving the largest share of their congressional campaign funds from people giving modest amounts of any current candidates so far this cycle. Individuals who gave $200 or less flocked to Sanders' campaign…
Pharma cos. and celebrities flood DNC festivities
July 28, 2016 | The klieg lights were on full strength Wednesday at a star-studded lunch highlighting obesity treatment and, later, a Fergie concert, both put on by the Creative Coalition — with help from pharma giants like Novo Nordisk — on the third day of the Democratic National Convention. "I think you couple the artistry with celebrity to create…
Leaks show DNC asked White House to reward donors with slots on boards and commissions
July 26, 2016 | Email exchanges involving top officials at the Democratic National Committee released along with private documents by WikiLeaks show that DNC officials hoped to reward top donors and insiders with appointments to federal boards and commissions in coordination with the White House. The revelations give an inside look into how the Democratic Party attempted to leverage…
Concerts, maritime mingling and loads of sponsors: Welcome to Philly!
July 26, 2016 | If you thought Republicans partied hard in Cleveland, just wait till you hear what's going down on the other side of the aisle. While the RNC shindigs seemed to suffer a slow start, the Democratic National Convention hosted a successful first 24 hours of cushy events that promoted mingling between those on the public payroll…
For Roy Blunt, one staff salary makes up most of PAC spending
July 22, 2016 | Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt was nowhere to be found at his party's nominating convention in Cleveland this week, despite being vice chair of the Senate Republican conference. That has nothing to do with his feelings about the guy at the top of the ticket, he's said; he's in the middle of a tight re-election race…
Just three of 68 RNC primetime speakers donated to Trump (and Cruz wasn't one of them)
July 21, 2016 | Primetime speakers at the Republican National Convention might not support Republican nominee Donald Trump as much as they would like you to think. At least, not with their wallets. FEC records identify just 3 of the 68 primetime speakers (excluding Trump) as having made contributions to Donald Trump's campaign, joint fundraising committees, or major super…
They talk the talk, but don't write the checks: No Trump donors on Republican stage yet
July 19, 2016 | Republicans are denouncing Ohio Gov. John Kasich for ditching his own party's convention held in the state he governs. Of course, he's not the only nationally known GOP leader to skip the proceedings. It gets worse, though: None of Monday's or today's prime-time speakers at the Cleveland confab have donated more than $200 to Donald Trump's campaign or the super…
Where the (GOP) parties at?
July 16, 2016 | Numerous Republican elites are ditching their party's national convention in Cleveland this year. (And with some pretty lame excuses, too.) Boy, are they missing out. Sure, on what likely will be a fascinating main event, but mostly they're skipping out on some of the biggest soirées of the season. Special interests, lobbyists, politicians and the media…
GOP Veepstakes: The money behind the contenders
July 13, 2016 | The anticipation is killing us: What name will appear along with Donald Trump's on the Republican ticket? The presumptive nominee could announce his VP pick any day now, just in time for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next week. The Donald is reported to be appearing at a public event with his chosen running mate on Friday, according…
Pennsylvania Senate race draws highest outside money from the left
July 8, 2016 | Outside spending groups have poured more than $20.4 million so far into Pennsylvania's Senate race between Republican incumbent Pat Toomey and Democrat Katie McGinty, putting it close behind Ohio's Senate race, at $21.8 million, for the most outside spending in a congressional contest. But while Ohio's race is dominated by conservative groups backed by the Koch brothers, such as the political…
The Kochs versus their machine
July 6, 2016 | To anyone who follows politics, the Koch brothers are best known for spearheading a sprawling network of groups that invest millions in conservative, libertarian-leaning candidates and causes. It's assumed that Charles and David Koch and their wives have put a great deal of money into these organizations — but it's hard to know for sure,…
Jeb's magnificent super PAC: an autopsy
June 30, 2016 | Super PACs can churn through a lot of money. Exhibit A: Jeb Bush's Right to Rise USA. Led by veteran GOP operative Mike Murphy, Right to Rise was excoriated in the press for burning through $87 million in independent expenditures in support of Bush (and tens of millions more in operating expenses — $104 million total) without any discernible…
After tricking James Bond and being arrested for fraud, Cary Peterson is back with a new PAC
June 29, 2016 | Cary Peterson spent all of May behind bars in New Jersey, arrested for securities fraud and sending handwritten complaints to the district court about the difficulty of using prison phones. He spent June getting out on bail and creating a new super PAC. Peterson first made headlines last year as the "chairman" of a hybrid…
Parties — especially Dems — lag in convention funding
June 29, 2016 | With less than three weeks left until the Republicans open their convention on July 18, both parties may be thinking more fondly about the good old days of public financing. Each party would have received about $20 million for their nominating powwows this year if the public funding program had continued. Instead, Congress dispensed with…
Ohio Senate race attracts highest outside spending in Congress, big share of dark money
June 20, 2016 | Outside groups — including politically active nonprofits like the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity — have spent more money trying to influence the 2016 Ohio Senate race between Republican Sen. Rob Portman and his challenger, Democrat Ted Strickland, than any other congressional contest: $15.5 million so far. The RealClearPolitics polling average currently has the candidates in…
Hard money still matters, and here's who's giving it
June 9, 2016 | Yes, we live in a gilded age of campaign finance, with billionaire donors forking over tens of millions of dollars to super PACs. But hard money — which is contributed directly to candidates' campaigns, political parties or regular PACs and, unlike outside money, is subject to limits — still matters to those seeking office. Candidates…
A hedge fund house divided: Renaissance Technologies
June 7, 2016 | Renaissance Technologies, the hedge fund firm and one of the largest political contributors in American politics today, is a world made in the image of its leadership. The firm rejects many of Wall Street's routine practices. Rather than staffing up with whiz kids in finance, for instance, Renaissance looks for analysts with backgrounds in science and…
Clinton's California lead — in donations
June 6, 2016 | California citizens may not head to the polls for the state's primaries until tomorrow, but they've already made a statement with their dollars. There's no state more important for either of the Democratic presidential candidates, but former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has received more than three times as much from Californians as Sen. Bernie Sanders…
New tax forms show strong ties between pro-Rubio group and campaign
May 24, 2016 | With the 2016 election cycle bringing previously unmatched amounts of "dark money" spending by politically active nonprofits, one group stands out for blazing its own trail: Conservative Solutions Project, the 501(c)(4) social welfare organization supporting Sen. Marco Rubio's (R-Fla.) aborted presidential campaign. In an election cycle that saw an influx of single-candidate dark money groups, most…
Lucky sole vendors for some nonprofits do very well, thank you.
May 19, 2016 | For years, a handful of nonprofits — including the kind often used as "dark money" machines — have acted as veritable cash cows for one or two political or advertising vendors, new data shows. The data sheds light on who, ultimately, takes home the loads of cash deposited into dark money groups that are often…
Hedge fund megadonors capitalize on offshore opportunities
May 12, 2016 | On the list of the largest U.S. companies by market value, those in the $30 billion to $45 billion range are household names: Capital One Financial, DirecTV, Phillips 66, Yahoo. But far fewer people know much, if anything, about Citadel Multi-Strategy Equities Master Fund Ltd., with a gross asset value of $33 billion, or Elliott…
Financing the conventions — even more cash from some usual suspects
April 29, 2016 | The last time the Democratic and Republican parties had to stage the quadrennial spectacles that serve as their presidential nominating conventions, they got a big assist from the taxpayers: The Federal Election Commission cut checks to each of the two parties for $18.2 million to pay for construction and other basic services required for the…
Forget the presidential — top-spending House races stir (and revive) rivalries
April 21, 2016 | To find some of the best story lines this side of the presidential contest, look no further than the tubs of money sloshing around in congressional races. The cash being spent in the Beltway-straddling Maryland 8th District is in another stratosphere. David Trone, the founder of a major alcoholic beverage retailer and a Donald Trump-style…
Liberal megadonors outspending conservatives on joint fundraising committees
April 15, 2016 | With the Republican contest in disarray at the top of the ticket, party operatives are encouraging megadonors to look further down the ticket. But deep-pocketed conservatives are falling behind their liberal counterparts in the race to fund some of the vehicles that will help carry down-ballot candidates: joint fundraising committees, or JFCs. A Center for Responsive Politics analysis…
UBS, accused of helping tax evaders, leads the way in foreign-connected PAC giving
April 7, 2016 | As a huge documents leak turns a spotlight on the global tax evasion industry, a Swiss company in hot water for similar activity is responsible for the greatest amount of known foreign-connected money in U.S. elections so far this cycle. News outlets brought together by the Washington, D.C.-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists this week began…
Hey, big spender: Mainstay of Democratic Party financing supports Democracy Spring
April 1, 2016 | Though it's given $3.6 million to outside spending groups so far this cycle, the nation's largest labor group has joined advocates of overhauling the campaign finance system who are explicitly angling to be the subjects of mass arrests on Capitol Hill this month if their demands to Congress aren't met. The AFL-CIO is the only organization involved in the coalition, called…
Norman Braman and a bunch of LLCs try to win a Senate seat
March 29, 2016 | This piece was cross-posted with the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting. Florida billionaire Norman Braman's preferred presidential candidate is out of the running. Good thing there are Senate races, too. Braman could still get another favorite, Florida Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, nominated as the Republican candidate to fill the Senate seat left open by former presidential hopeful…
Notorious Washington consultant behind anti-Trump campaign
March 18, 2016 | Donald Trump, the prohibitive favorite for the Republican presidential nomination, just added a fistful of primaries to his string of victories and knocked the GOP establishment's favorite son, Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), out of the race. To beat Trump now, it seems, someone thinks it's time to get evil. Dr. Evil, to be exact. Washington consultant Rick…
The Hillary Clinton of the Maryland 8th?
March 11, 2016 | This story was cross-posted on TIME.com. Wrapped around D.C.'s northern tip and barely a precious stone's throw from the U.S. Capitol, Maryland's 8th Congressional District is one of the nation's wealthiest: Census Bureau figures show its residents have a median household income of more than $94,000. Plenty of cash there, then, to fund the numerous…
The battle for superdelegates — this time, it's not about the money
March 10, 2016 | Troy Jackson introduced Sen. Bernie Sanders to a crowd of over 8,000 people in Portland, Maine last July. It was the "summer of Sanders." As the candidate took the stage, he said solemnly to the exuberant crowd, "In case you didn't notice, this is a big turnout." "It was pretty clear where I stood then," Jackson told OpenSecrets Blog months…
Steyer second in megadonor rankings, giving more to his super PAC than at this point in 2014 cycle
March 3, 2016 | To little fanfare, the super PAC founded by liberal climate change activist Tom Steyer has amassed $13 million of the California billionaire's own money this election cycle — so far. That outpaces the $9.3 million Steyer gave his outside group, Next Gen Climate Action Committee, by this point in 2014. Very little of that money has gone toward directly…
Presidential hopefuls stretch the truth talking about campaign finance
March 1, 2016 | The financing of candidates' campaigns has become a central theme of the primaries, although — aside from Trump's truth-adjacent claims that he is self-financing his bid — Republicans mention the topic significantly less often than do Democrats. We offer this analysis of the veracity of statements by various candidates aiming for the White House. Sen.…
Ahead of Super Tuesday, outside spending — some of it dark — props up incumbents
February 29, 2016 | Super PACs and dark money groups have spent more than $1.9 million to boost the campaigns of congressional incumbents with primaries tomorrow — Super Tuesday, for folks just in from another planet. And even as voters prepare to go to the polls, the donors of some of that money remain undisclosed. Races in the Heart of Dixie and…
Nonprofits dominate airwaves in Senate races, with no donor disclosure
February 25, 2016 | When Democrats consider their odds for regaining the Senate this November, one of the first states that comes to mind is Pennsylvania, where first-term Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican, is locked in a rematch with former Democratic Sen. Joe Sestak, who lost to Toomey in 2010. But for a race with such high stakes, it seems, at…
Lawmaker who recited words of lobbyist also took payday lenders' donations
February 23, 2016 | Rep. David Scott of Georgia may have pulled back the curtain a bit last week on the impact of campaign contributions. During a House hearing entitled "Short-term, Small Dollar Lending: The CFPB's Assault on Access to Credit and Trampling of State and Tribal Sovereignty," Scott, a Democrat, joined with Republicans in criticizing the Consumer Financial…
Presidential super PACs — especially Priorities — pick up more million-dollar donors
February 21, 2016 | The $103 million raised by Right to Rise USA between January and July 2015 provided the shock. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush could just never bring the awe. The Bush super PAC had the resources. It had family loyalist donors who laid out as much as $10 million in contributions and did so as late as October, even after…
How the parties worked the law and got their mojo back
February 19, 2016 | Are the parties being starved to death? Loyalists on both sides of the aisle have said so, citing a series of legislative moves and court decisions in recent years that took away the parties' ability to raise unlimited "soft money" and allowed other groups to do so instead. The shrinking presence of the parties, which…
Possible Supreme Court picks gave only to Democrats, or not at all
February 17, 2016 | President Obama may pick his nominee to fill the late Justice Antonin Scalia's seat as early as next week. If the inside-the-Beltway speculation is any good, chances are he'll pick a Democratic donor. OpenSecrets Blog reviewed contributions by nine potential picks listed in reports by Politico and the Associated Press and found that, of those who have made contributions…
Coal money takes the long road to Alabama Senate race
February 10, 2016 | Before a $100,000 contribution from Murray Energy Corporation found its way into the Alabama Senate race last month, it took a detour to California. Outside money is streaming into Alabama to support Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) in the Republican primary despite Shelby's considerable cash reserves. The main repository for those funds — Citizen Super PAC — has collected…
The political money in Super Bowl 50
February 5, 2016 | With the veteran Denver Broncos matching up against the youthful North Carolina Panthers at Super Bowl 50 this weekend, one story line is about the quarterback matchup: newly minted MVP Cam Newton versus Peyton Manning, a five-time winner of that honor who is rumored to be retiring after Sunday. Of course, it's also all about…
$100 million floods into presidential super PACs in second half of 2015
February 1, 2016 | Well-known liberal and conservative political donors left the sidelines and injected tens of millions of dollars into the presidential race over the past six months. And once again, it was a tiny group of individuals and businesses who gave a great deal of the money now being deployed in the presidential nomination fights. Reports filed…
Apple's appetite for Washington influence keeps growing
January 28, 2016 | When you type "Tim Cook not" into Google, one of the first phrases to pop up is "Tim Cook is not a visionary." He may be no Steve Jobs, but with the company's growth slowing, Apple Inc.'s CEO clearly has a vision — one where Apple is a major player in federal lobbying. This week…
Republican megadonors line up behind Speaker Ryan
January 27, 2016 | Major Republican donors — some of whom saw their chosen presidential candidates crash and burn in the last six months — dropped serious money into House Speaker Paul D. Ryan's joint fundraising committee (JFC) in November and December, campaign finance records show. Marquee 2016 donors like Diane Hendricks and Marlene Ricketts, who both gave millions to the…
Scam PAC treasurer profited from Walker's presidential bid
January 21, 2016 | Scott Walker, wearing a politician's standard pale blue shirt, red tie, and dark slacks, casually paced the stage. In a midwestern accent that embraced the Tea Party activists gathered for the Iowa Freedom Summit, he gave an emotional speech about how their prayers protected his family when it came under siege by opponents in the Occupy…
Corker's top contributors are tenants in building he owns
January 20, 2016 | This post has been updated. The commercial building Sen. Bob Corker owns in Chattanooga, Tenn. has space for one restaurant, one retail store and at least three general offices. In one of the latter sits Corker's largest source of campaign contributions over his career, Center for Responsive Politics data show. Employees at the large southeastern law…
Football matters — for research
January 11, 2016 | After a season that brought just one defeat between them, the top two teams in college football will face off tonight in Phoenix for the national championship. Partisans of the University of Alabama and Clemson University (and we have one of each here at CRP) have placed their bets, put on their lucky underwear, prayed…
A "big ideas" State of the Union speech — but which ideas?
January 11, 2016 | He can't pass a substantive bill in an election year with a Republican Congress, the thinking goes. So President Obama wants to talk above politics in his final State of the Union address Tuesday night. Obama introduced the "big things" theme for his speech last week: "That's what I want to focus on in this…
OpenSecrets Blog's best in 2015: explanatory and accountability journalism
December 23, 2015 | Lists are easy, as any writer left behind on a skeletal holiday staff will tell you. The "Best of [year]" list in particular isn't art, it's #content — but done with care, it can be a revealing reminder of the highlights of the previous year. To that end, here's OpenSecrets Blog's list of our best…
Crude export issue saw a surge of lobbying ahead of omnibus
December 17, 2015 | The oil industry's victory in the battle to lift the crude export ban didn't come out of thin air. Opponents of the prohibition — long some of the biggest forces in the Washington influence game — began lobbying on the issue in earnest in early 2013, with the effort building until they accomplished their long-sought goal…
Super PACs rule the airwaves in GOP primaries: Wesleyan Media Project and CRP document the onslaught
December 15, 2015 | Super PACs have sponsored 81 percent of the TV ads in the GOP presidential primaries, up about 71 percent over 2011 and 12,000 percent over 2007 outside group activity. The findings are included in a new report from the Wesleyan Media Project, with which the Center for Responsive Politics partnered. The…
List of lawmakers losing fundraising race is dominated by the scandal-plagued
December 11, 2015 | Several incumbent lawmakers who are giving off the whiff of scandal have another worry on top of their legal woes: They aren't keeping up with their challengers, many from within their own parties, in the fundraising arena. Take Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.), who's facing a rematch against Ro Khanna, a former Obama administration official whom…
In climate debate, Obama faces a Congress heavily invested in the oil and gas industry
December 7, 2015 | Back in Washington after a trip last week to the global climate change conference in Paris, President Barack Obama will soon find two new bills on his desk, both aimed at sinking his administration's initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. The president isn't expected to sign them. But the message from the Republican-majority Congress is unmistakable: When…
Could criminal complaints be a new way to tackle dark money?
December 3, 2015 | As "dark money" groups continue to devise new strategies to maximize their role in electoral politics, watchdog organizations may likewise begin exploring new measures to challenge what they see as a pattern that amounts to "the political equivalent of a hit and run." Last week, the Washington-based, Democratic-leaning watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington…
Old campaign money flows to former intelligence chair's new group, and former staffers
November 24, 2015 | As they await January 2, 2016 — the day they can legally become lobbyists — former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and his former chief of staff, along with two more of Rogers' onetime staffers, have found a use for some of the lawmaker's $1.3 million leftover campaign funds. It doesn't involve many contributions to other candidates or the…
Opaque payment streams for two top consultants to Fiorina groups
November 19, 2015 | This story was cross-posted at Time.com. For two consultants working to help put Carly Fiorina in the White House, the legal firewall between campaign and super PAC must look more like a mirror. As one moves, so does the other; as one takes thousands of dollars in salaries and sets up a skeletal business entity to…
Tightened U.S. security likely means more funding for DHS contractors
November 16, 2015 | After terrorist attacks in Paris left 129 dead and hundreds injured this week, police departments across the United States upped their security, while the National Football League promised to do the same at its Sunday and Monday games. The NFL consulted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation following the…
In classic battle, minimum wage movement pits labor against business
November 12, 2015 | Fast food and other low-wage workers took to the streets of cities across the country this week to demand a minimum wage of $15, earning the support of liberal mayors, governors and even presidential candidates. In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo stood with the "Fight for $15" crusade, announcing he would take executive action…
Lobbying spending contracts by 10 percent in third quarter
October 27, 2015 | Someone must have called a three-month time out in Washington's influence game during the late summer and early fall. Spending on lobbying was already sluggish this year, but outlays dropped from nearly $822 million between April 1 and June 30 to $738.6 million in the most recent quarter. While the third quarter is typically the slowest of…
A stash of campaign cash in marijuana for Paul
October 23, 2015 | With weak polling and lackluster fundraising, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is struggling to stay in the 2016 presidential race. So far, some of his strongest financial supporters have come from a new, growing industry: legal marijuana. As of Sept. 30, one of Paul's biggest contributors is the National Cannabis Industry Association, a D.C.-based trade group that…
Top lobbying spenders pulled back in third quarter
October 21, 2015 | The top 10 lobbying spenders in the third quarter of 2015 reported paying lobbyists about $23 million less than the second quarter's top 10 spenders did, the latest records show. In the second quarter, the top 10 spenders reported nearly $89 million in outlays, compared to almost $66 million between July 1 and Sept. 30…
Prayer and poultry: Foundation picked up tab for lawmaker's travel — with support from chicken producer
October 15, 2015 | With just 156,000 citizens, the Balkan city of Podgorica is no Istanbul or Jerusalem — or even Baku. Members of Congress rarely travel to the capital of Montenegro, a former Yugoslav republic. And yet there was Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) — chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on agriculture — last May, at no charge…
Cruz' islands strategy meets rough waters
October 14, 2015 | Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has a strategy to take his campaign all the way to the convention, and it runs straight through the U.S. Virgin Islands. To make it work, though, his campaign will have to navigate a tricky intra-party rivalry on the islands brought to a boil in part by a…
Women charged in UN bribery case were donors to Rep. Calvert
October 7, 2015 | Two women arrested Tuesday morning and charged in federal court with laundering money from Chinese businessmen each tried to give a California GOP lawmaker the maximum contributions allowed by law last year, Federal Election Commission records show. Jason Gagnon, communications director for Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), whose campaign and leadership PAC received the checks, said…
McCarthy dominates Chaffetz and Webster in fundraising, party giving
October 6, 2015 | House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) may not be the least giving House speaker candidate, but favorite Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) still dwarfs him in fundraising by $22 million. On Thursday, Republicans will choose among Chaffetz, McCarthy and Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) to replace Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) as leader of the…
Pharmaceutical industry, under scrutiny for prices, has history of big political wins
October 2, 2015 | Since 1999, pharmaceuticals/health products has poured more money annually into lobbying than any other industry, including $229 million last year alone. PhRMA led the group, plowing $16.6 million into helping advance drugmakers' priorities in Washington.
State dinner guests gave more than $18.9 million to political campaigns, groups
September 30, 2015 | China's estimated 650 million Internet users don't have access to Facebook, Twitter or a number of media websites. They can, however, build profiles and contacts on LinkedIn, thanks to that company's willingness to comply with Chinese censorship rules. Communication with the Chinese government is crucial to keeping LinkedIn's path around the Great Firewall to that nation's…
Boehner raised nearly $100 million over career, gave much of it to party and candidates
September 25, 2015 | Whatever else is said about him, you can't say he didn't share. Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) raised $97 million for his House campaigns and leadership PAC from the time he received his first donations in 1989, Center for Responsive Politics data shows — far more than any other sitting House member. Only Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lamar…
Center stage in funding debate, Planned Parenthood is no political pushover
September 23, 2015 | Congressional leadership is rushing to avoid a government shutdown, with federal funding for Planned Parenthood at the center of the debate. Over the summer, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called Planned Parenthood a "scandal-plagued political lobbying giant," while pushing to defund the organization. A series of undercover videos of Planned Parenthood officials discussing how…
Five-fold upsurge: Super PACs, dark money groups spending far more than in '12 cycle at same point in campaign
September 21, 2015 | Political organizations working to influence the 2016 elections outside the party or official campaign structure had spent more than $25.1 million as of Sept. 21. That's an increase of more than 34 percent over their counterparts at this point in the 2014 midterm elections — and a five-fold leap over their outlays by this date in the…
The AP Top Ten in college football, re-ranked by hometown donations to political groups
September 18, 2015 | Thanks to the new college football playoff system, rankings this early in the season don't mean a thing. But with the season in full swing and conference games kicking off across the country tomorrow, let's do a meaningless ranking of our own: the AP Top 10, ranked by how much each team's hometown has given…
Scott Walker's labor plan aims at major Democratic fundraising source
September 17, 2015 | Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's labor reform plan, released this week, would do more than undermine unions on a nationwide scale: It would also hurt a multi-million-dollar source of campaign donations to Democrats.
It's oil over gas in possible merger between energy sector lobbying groups
September 9, 2015 | Against the backdrop of a global slump in oil prices and a boom in American natural gas production, two energy sector lobbying groups may be set to merge, according to Politico. As a lobbying force, a merged American Petroleum Institute and America's Natural Gas Alliance could jump to third-biggest spender in the oil and natural gas industry…
Bush campaign rearranges some contributions in response to FEC query
September 3, 2015 | The campaign of former Florida governor and 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush on Monday told the Federal Election Commission (FEC) how it would deal with excess contributions in response to a July query from the agency. The July letter from the FEC stated that one section of Bush's report covering the second quarter of 2015 disclosed…
Emails show how Clinton fundraiser-turned-lobbyist used connections for clients
September 3, 2015 | A year after New York-based real estate company Delos Living committed $250,000 to a signature initiative of Hillary Clinton's State Department, the Clinton Global Initiative partnered with Delos on a $5 million project to build a "world-class" soccer stadium in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, documents show. Working the players at both ends were two old Clinton hands — Virginia Gov.…
Huckabee super donor's Jesus Fund keeps recipients of $26 million secret
August 28, 2015 | The Arkansas man who dropped $3 million into the super PAC supporting Mike Huckabee's bid for the Republican presidential nomination for years handed out millions of dollars to a secret list of public charities through a pass-through private foundation called The Jesus Fund, tax forms filed by the foundation show. The Fund's activity may violate…
Hybrid PACs collectively beat fundraising records of past election cycles
August 17, 2015 | The 2012 election cycle saw the birth of little-known hybrid PACs, also known as Carey committees, which can maintain two separate accounts; one for contributions to federal candidates and parties, and the other for independent expenditures, to which unlimited contributions can be made. The committees, which emerged as a result of the case Carey v. FEC, collectively raised…
Donors living abroad gave big to super PAC supporting Bush
August 5, 2015 | At $102.5 million, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's (R) super PAC, Right to Rise USA, has raised enough cash to turn many other 2016 presidential candidates green with envy. In fact, even the amount the group has brought in just from donors with offshore addresses — $757,137 — might draw groans from some of his…
Indictment for Benton, two others in Paul political circle
August 5, 2015 | Federal prosecutors charged three members of Ron Paul's 2012 presidential campaign staff Tuesday, alleging the three filed false campaign documents in order to cover up an illegal $25,000 payment made to an Iowa state senator to buy political support for Paul in 2011, according to a six-count indictment handed down Wednesday. In the indictment, prosecutors allege that…
A few new faces — but not many — among megadonors to presidential super PACs
August 1, 2015 | The 2016 presidential race may be a whole new ball game in terms of fundraising, but most of the players' names are awfully familiar — even if their faces are a bit more lined. Very few of the top donors to the super PACs backing one of the many GOP White House hopefuls or handful…
Scam PACs keep money churning, but not to candidates
July 29, 2015 | The set of political groups using Scott B. Mackenzie as their treasurer certainly can't be accused of sitting on the money they raise: Consulting firms rake in cash, donor lists are sold from one group to another in the same network, hefty legal bills are paid. In fact, their spending outpaces their revenue — but there are…
For GOP senators running for White House, campaign cash correlates with Export-Import Bank position
July 23, 2015 | As the first 2016 GOP presidential debate draws near, candidates are staking out their policy positions. One area of debate: Whether or not to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, which Congress failed to do before its funding expired a few weeks ago. The agency, which helps finance American exports, has been accused by some of being an enabler…
Among top lobbying spenders, AMA nearly doubles outlays in second quarter
July 21, 2015 | Second quarter lobbying reports are in, showing some big jumps among the top spenders of the period from April 1 through June 30, including the American Medical Association and General Electric. No surprise that the largest spender was the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which laid out $23.1 million in the last three months, up from…
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…
John Oliver 1, Big Chicken 0?
July 13, 2015 | John Oliver, comedic anchorman of HBO show "Last Week Tonight," made feathers fly when he took on the poultry industry in a May 2015 episode. Last week, it became clear that his gripe with Big Chicken had echoed all the way to the Capitol. Oliver used his HBO show to attack the giant poultry processors —…
Dad Trumps kids in political giving, but they're a chip off the old block
July 10, 2015 | Throughout Donald Trump's young, and never dull, presidential campaign, his past donations to federal candidates — including many Democrats — have been frequently noted. "The Donald," however, is not the only member of the Trump clan to actively participate in donating to federal candidates, parties and other federal fundraising committees; his adult children have done…
Ted Cruz gets to keep $51,100 in excess contributions with one small accounting maneuver
July 7, 2015 | Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) will get to keep $51,100 in excess contributions to his presidential campaign from 19 donors by attributing the money to the donors' spouses, the campaign said in a letter to the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday. Cruz's campaign will move even more money to a separate general election account to be…
At the National Constitution Center, all money is created equal
July 2, 2015 | Independence Day is just around the corner, and families across America will be in search of fun (and maybe even educational) activities to participate in over the weekend. For anyone in Philadelphia — where both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were approved and signed, a good place to start would be the National…
Meet Bobby Jindal's money man
June 29, 2015 | Louisiana governor-turned-2016 GOP presidential contender Bobby Jindal may not rank high in the polls, but he does have one thing going for him: a super PAC headed by a former member of Congress and longtime lobbyist who knows firsthand a few things about money in politics. Bob Livingston, who chairs the pro-Jindal super PAC Believe Again…
Lobbyists for foreign interests paid close attention to several White House contenders
June 26, 2015 | The U.S. senators running for president who made the most of their connections on K Street for campaign fundraising have also received a number of contacts, and campaign funds, from influencers working for foreign governments, an OpenSecrets Blog analysis of foreign lobbying data shows. Records show that over six years, several of the 2016 presidential candidates and their leadership PACs…
Controversial PAC Conservative Strikeforce faces FEC questions
June 24, 2015 | The Federal Election Commission might not do much, but it does use the mail. On Sunday, FEC analysts sent letters inquiring about misreported 2014 expenses by the controversial political action committee Conservative Strikeforce. The FEC notes that the PAC failed to correctly report payments to Strategic Campaign Group, Inc. and Active Engagement LLC, two firms among the group's largest payees. Strategic Campaign…
Powerful health care entities side with Obama in Supreme Court case, present quandary for GOP if it "wins"
June 24, 2015 | The U.S. Supreme Court could rule as early as Thursday in the case of King v. Burwell, which deals with whether or not the Affordable Care Act allows tax credit subsidies to be given to individuals who buy health insurance in the dozens of states using the federal exchange. There's little question that some Republicans…
Green Party's Jill Stein Reprising 2012 Run
June 22, 2015 | The Green Party nominee in 2012, Jill Stein, is officially seeking another White House bid after asserting that the U.S. is ready to move away from a two-party system. Undaunted by receiving just .36 percent of the vote in the 2012 presidential election – which admittedly made her the most successful general election female presidential…
Three of five senators running for WH have big backing from lobbyists
June 19, 2015 | Three of the five U.S. senators running for president have made super-fans out of a few K Street lobbyists, an analysis of campaign finance data by OpenSecrets Blog shows. Republican Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have each raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from current or one-time federal lobbyists…
The dark money man behind the Donald
June 18, 2015 | Real estate mogul Donald Trump has toyed around with running for president many times before, only to decide later on that he wouldn't do so. Earlier this week, however, "The Donald" — a man who constantly flaunts his wealth and in recent years made a habit out of questioning the validity of President Barack Obama's…
PhRMA companies push hard on House bill to ease testing of new drugs
June 16, 2015 | Pharmaceutical interests are pushing hard in favor of a bill that could speed up Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of new drugs. But the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which was approved last month by the the House Energy and Commerce Committee (the members of which have all sponsored the bill) and could reach the House floor by…
Monsanto's latest bid could test its lobbying might
June 12, 2015 | The bid by the world's largest seller of crop seeds, Monsanto, to take over the world's largest seller of pesticides, Swiss giant Syngenta AG, may never come to fruition. At the moment, Sygenta is rejecting the overture, arguing that the $45 billion offer is inadequate — and worrying about the reputational risk of merging with…
McDonalds puts a smile on with Gibbs, whatever he may have said at White House podium
June 10, 2015 | In his new role as McDonald's global chief communications officer, former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs will "lead McDonald's in communicating clear, coordinated messages to internal and external constituencies, enhancing the brand and supporting corporate strategies," according to an announcement Tuesday by the fast food giant. That'll put Gibbs front-and-center conveying the company's perspective…
Outdoor clothing industry takes a hike to D.C.
June 8, 2015 | Many Americans living and working in our nation's capital will tell you that last week was not a great time to enjoy the great outdoors. It was, in fact, an excellent week to tote an umbrella around, or put on a rain jacket and boots. But the outdoor clothing industry is also trying to weather…
Harvard's billionaire benefactor also a GOP sugar daddy
June 4, 2015 | Founded in 1636, Harvard University is generally considered to be the oldest university in the United States. With a $36.4 billion endowment, it is generally considered to be the richest university in the United States as well. And Harvard just got richer, with some help from a big Republican donor. Yesterday, Harvard College President Drew…
Site of Clinton rally overseen by Democratic donors
June 2, 2015 | Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will hold her first big presidential campaign rally June 13 at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, located on the aptly named Roosevelt Island in New York City. The park's board members might be hard-pressed to have it any other way: Many have given money to Clinton and…
GOP donors use Cromnibus changes to stuff party committees' 2016 coffers; Dem donors MIA
May 27, 2015 | This story was cross-posted with the Guardian. A new loophole stuck into a budget bill last year allows donors to gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to political parties. However, only the Republican party is benefiting from it. A provision quietly inserted into the combination continuing resolution/omnibus spending bill – or Cromnibus – last year…
Mary Landrieu focuses her energy on a new K Street career
May 26, 2015 | Recently ousted Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) will be following in the path of numerous former colleagues from the 113th Congress to more lucrative careers at powerhouse lobbying firms, it was announced Tuesday. Landrieu, who is joining Van Ness Feldman LLP (along with her executive assistant, Marianna Knister) as a senior policy advisor, said in a press…
Rove's 'new' group isn't new, and that could be the point
May 26, 2015 | Karl Rove and his colleagues at the dark money behemoth Crossroads GPS have a "new" 501(c)(4), and according to reports, they're going to use it in much the same way they have used GPS itself — as a conduit for anonymous, political money in the 2016 elections. But the group, One Nation, isn't "new," and…
Ben Carson Charms Small Donors
May 8, 2015 | When retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson announced his bid for the GOP nomination earlier this week, everything about it was unconventional — including the gospel choir crooning an Eminem song and Carson's wife playing the violin. But breaking the mold is apparently paying off: Carson's presidential exploratory committee raised $2.1 million over just 29 days in…
Major Financial Players Lobby Around Obama's Investment Rules
May 1, 2015 | In the months since President Obama announced his support for new retirement investment rules that would stop advisers from pushing high-fee plans on small-fry American investors, several major financial organizations have lobbied hard on a bill that would undermine the commander in chief's agenda, according to recently released lobbying records for the first quarter of the year. The…
The Political One Percent of the One Percent in 2014: Mega Donors Fuel Rising Cost of Elections
April 30, 2015 | In the 2014 elections, 31,976 donors — equal to roughly one percent of one percent of the total population of the United States — accounted for an astounding $1.18 billion in disclosed political contributions at the federal level. Those big givers — what we have termed the Political One Percent of the One Percent…
Akin Gump Tops First Quarter, Squire Patton Boggs Still Feeling the Pinch
April 27, 2015 | While K-Street business was down in the first quarter of the year, the biggest firm in the influence industry posted its best first quarter going back several years. By far the majority of firms saw either no growth or declined compared to the previous quarter, though, and at least one is notable for its continued decline…
EU Antitrust Case: Google's Spending Helps Deflect Similar Charges Stateside
April 17, 2015 | Search engine giant Google could be facing major penalties in the European Union after it was charged this week with favoring its own products and services in search results over those of its competitors. The case is being called the most significant in the antitrust realm since the U.S. sued Microsoft in 1999. The charges…
Ted Cruz Out-Fundraises Romney Suggesting Big Money Race
April 16, 2015 | This story was cross-posted with the Guardian. Ted Cruz is raising money for his presidential campaign at a significantly faster rate than Mitt Romney did four years ago, eclipsing the early total raised by the former Massachusetts governor who went on to win the Republican nomination in 2012. The conservative Texas senator, who is seeking to unite…
Trans-Pacific Partnership Deal Has Mighty Lobbying Power on Its Side
April 9, 2015 | The proposal to fast track trade agreements made by the Obama administration and overseas partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership — said to be the biggest trade agreement in history, surpassing NAFTA — has created a dynamic that's contrary to the way things usually go in Washington these days: Republicans are pushing for the authorization alongside…
California, Arizona Team Up to Fight Drought
April 6, 2015 | California isn't the only state facing acute water scarcity. As years of record drought have parched its land and crops, California's efforts to get help from the federal government have been joined by Arizona, its nearly-as-thirsty neighbor to the east. The lobbying sandstorm the two have kicked up reflects their common interest in the Colorado…
Labor's Few GOP Friends Vote With Dems on NLRB Rules
April 3, 2015 | A Republican effort to squash a National Labor Relations Board rule that would streamline the union election process was rejected by President Obama this week — becoming his fourth veto while in office. Democrats have historic connections to unions and their political contributions. But so do a few Republicans, including those who dissented from their…
Company Awarded First Federal Offshore Wind Farm Spends Big in D.C.
March 30, 2015 | It has been nearly 15 years since a proposal to build wind turbines in federal waters was first floated by Cape Wind, but a Virginia power company with a much more substantial Washington money presence is poised to take the baton over the finish line. Dominion Resources, a company whose profits have charged up the…
'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…
A Hard Rain of Lobbying on Clean Water Act Rules
March 26, 2015 | Representatives of farmers unions, cattle interests and lumber companies, plus municipal representatives from across the country, filed into the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee's hearing room Tuesday as the panel met to hear stakeholder perspectives on proposed Clean Water Act regulations that have been a bone of contention for the last year. Major industries affected…
Cruz Jumps in the Pool — Will Dollars Follow?
March 23, 2015 | In announcing his official bid for the GOP's 2016 presidential nomination, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) declared that he will need the "the power of millions of courageous conservatives rising up to reignite the promise of America." He'll certainly need the power of the millions of dollars — at least $40 million — he believes he…
Big Guns Firing on Both Sides of Ammunition Ban
March 18, 2015 | The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms backed down last week from banning a popular type of ammunition, a big win for gun rights advocates. But both gun rights and gun control proponents are armed to the teeth for a lobbying battle that will continue, as the agency has promised "further study" of the issue and…
Seventh Annual K Street Classic: Longhorns Remain on Top
March 18, 2015 | According to the American Gaming Association, over 40 million Americans are filling out brackets in preparation for the March Madness tournament, which kicks off Thursday. Many will play it safe, listen to the analysts, and bet on Kentucky for the championship. But that's boring, and the NCAA tournament has a penchant for producing upsets. So…
Registered Lobbyists Gave $1.1 Million in Contributions Post Election
March 12, 2015 | While campaign workers (and increasingly television viewers) breathe a sigh of relief the morning after an election, for lobbyists it's time to get back to work to bolster relationships with incumbents or begin them with new members. That's often done in the form of contributions (surprise!). According to an OpenSecrets.org analysis, 948 lobbyists wrote more…
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…
Friends Helping Friends: Melgen's Contributions Came Early and Often for Menendez
March 9, 2015 | The Justice Department reportedly is on the brink of filing criminal corruption charges against Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) for allegedly pushing the interests of a Florida ophthalmologist in exchange for gifts and contributions. Menendez says he's done nothing wrong, and that Salomon Melgen's generosity over the years was spurred because the two are friends. Friends…
AIPAC Posts Biggest Lobbying Year in 2014 as Netanyahu Goes to Congress
March 2, 2015 | Close to three dozen Democrats will boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, angry that House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) invited the head-of-state without consulting President Obama. The rift is emblematic of the tension between the White House and hard-line supporters of Israel on how to deal…
Net Neutrality Supporters Fast Facts
February 27, 2015 | A profile of net neutrality's biggest opponents is available here. Yesterday we profiled the top four opponents of net neutrality who, though the FCC's decision to regulate the Internet as a public utility has been made, are likely to continue to play a role as the decision is contested in the courts and perhaps in…
Net Neutrality Fast Facts
February 26, 2015 | Update: A profile of the biggest supporters of net neutrality is available here. The Federal Communications Commission just approved new rules that allow it to regulate the Internet like a utility, establishing net neutrality. But only for now. The move has some very powerful opponents, starting with the cable and telecom companies — companies that control most…
Net Neutrality Fight Rife With Interests Connected to Commissioners
February 25, 2015 | The two Republican members of the Federal Communications Commission who have asked for a delay in the agency's vote tomorrow (Thursday) on net neutrality rules both have past connections to big money interests opposed to the rules. On the other hand, so does the FCC chairman, whose proposal is on the table. At stake is…
DCCC Leads NRCC on Strength of Member Dues
February 24, 2015 | House Democrats are still in the minority — even more so after November — but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee burst out of the gate in the 2016 cycle led by strong early donations from its own caucus. The National Republican Congressional Committee lagged in fundraising, relatively speaking — particularly from GOP House members.. Both House…
Murkowski, Backed by Oil Industry, is Getting the Fight She's Been Pining for on Tuesday
February 23, 2015 | When Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell testifies to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, we can expect to see some familiar friction between her and Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The hearing on Interior's 2016 budget is almost certain to raise the hackles of the Republicans in control of the committee, many of whom have been favored…
SpaceX Gains Altitude in D.C. Influence Game, Contracts
February 20, 2015 | Last week, after several weather delays, the Deep Space Climate Observatory launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla. The rocket carrying DSCOVR, the Falcon 9, was built by SpaceX, a private aerospace company that has quickly become one of the top companies lobbying NASA over the last 10 years. The observatory will monitor space weather — like solar…
Final Tally: 2014's Midterm Was Most Expensive, With Fewer Donors
February 18, 2015 | The final figures are in: The 2014 election was the most expensive midterm election in history, costing a grand total of $3.77 billion. But for the first time since 1990, fewer Americans donated money in this midterm election than the one before. Simply put, more money went into the system, but fewer people provided it.…
Internet Taxation Bill Brings Lots of Love from Telecoms
February 13, 2015 | Congress is once again considering whether (and how) to tax the ability of Americans to make late-night Amazon purchases in their underwear, and the companies most interested in the outcome have been generous to the lawmakers leading the charge. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) this week reintroduced the Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act. The bill,…
DOJ Announces First Prosecution for Illegal Coordination Between Candidate and Super PAC
February 12, 2015 | The U.S. Department of Justice announced this afternoon its first criminal prosecution for violation of campaign finance laws prohibiting coordination between candidates and outside groups working on their behalf. Tyler Harber, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of coordinated federal election contributions, and one count of making false statements to the FBI. According to federal court…
OpenSecrets.org Unveils New Section on Expenditures
February 11, 2015 | We have no idea how many jobs are generated by federal elections, but we do know that some individuals and firms make a very good living from modern political campaigns. In fact, we can tell you just how well certain media companies, consultants, pollsters and others in the "election-industrial complex" are doing. In the 2014…
Beer and Taxes Make for Bitter Brew
February 10, 2015 | Craft beer is everywhere, and while that may seem like a good thing for beer lovers, the giants of the industry aren't thrilled. This isn't just a bar fight, either — it's a tension that often plays out on Capitol Hill. With a new Congress, the debate over Sierra Nevada v. Bud is fermenting anew —…
Crowding In on Cromnibus, Most Heavily Lobbied Bill of '14
February 5, 2015 | December's cromnibus spending package was a bonanza for lobbyists, with the defense, banking, and health care industries especially flexing their influence muscle to make sure their priorities were on the agenda. The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 83), or Cromnibus, which combined a short-term continuing resolution on Department of Homeland Security funding with broader…
Keystone Senate Yea Votes: Seven Times More Oil & Gas Money
January 29, 2015 | Senators who voted to push through development of the Keystone XL pipeline today have received, on average, $570,034 in contributions to their campaigns and leadership PACs from the oil and gas industry over the course of their careers. The 35 senators who voted against bill have received, on average, just $78,641 from the industry. The Obama…
Five Realities Five Years After: The Post-Citizens United Landscape
January 21, 2015 | Happy anniversary! It has been five years since the Supreme Court's landmark decision that shook up the world of campaign finance. Not all the changes came at once, but they've evolved to create a much different terrain for candidates running for office and for people of means who take an interest in politics. We can't…
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…
Sounds Like CISPA? Get Ready for Lobbying Overdrive
January 15, 2015 | Last year was full of data breaches. From JPMorgan Chase to Sony to Apple nothing seemed safe. Not your credit cards. Not your iTunes account. And President Obama seemed intent on addressing concerns over the ruptures Tuesday when he indicated that he would send a package to Capitol Hill to tackle some key cybersecurity issues. Among…
The Championship Bowl Game, Money in Politics Edition
January 9, 2015 | The inaugural College Football Playoff series proved to be an exciting departure from the old BCS format with a pair of very different bowl games on New Year's Day. Oregon decisively routed Florida State in the Rose Bowl (59-20), giving quarterback Jameis Winston and the Seminoles their first loss since November 2012. In the Sugar Bowl,…
Huckabee Won't Be Starting From Scratch
January 8, 2015 | Mike Huckabee may be the folksiest of the Republicans known to be contemplating a 2016 White House bid, but he's not naive. Earlier this week, the former Arkansas governor and 2008 winner of the Iowa caucuses told the Washington Times that he'd like to raise $25 million in the next few weeks as a gauge of…
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…
All Cooled Off: As Congress Convenes, Former Colleagues Will Soon be Calling From K Street
January 6, 2015 | Seven years after President George W. Bush signed the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (HLOGA) into law and then-Sen. Barack Obama, (D-Ill.) declared it to be "the most sweeping ethics reform since Watergate," a joint analysis by the Sunlight Foundation and the Center for Responsive Politics suggests the effort may have misfired. A key…
Grimm's $2 Million Throwaway: Contributions Came In Despite Indictment
January 2, 2015 | Less than two months after spending $2 million to be re-elected to the House of Representatives, Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) announced he would resign his Staten Island seat. In April 2014, Grimm was indicted on 20 counts alleging various frauds; he pleaded guilty to a single felony charge on Dec. 23. Grimm first came under scrutiny when…
Big Nog: The Interests Behind the Holiday Spirit
December 24, 2014 | Eggnog imbibers will have to shell out a little extra this year amid new regulations in the Golden State, much to the chagrin of the agribusiness lobby. A California regulation passed in 2008, set to go into effect Jan. 1, mandates that eggs sold in the state must come from comfortably-cooped hens. Nice idea, but…
Highlights of 2014: Twelve Stories of Money and Politics
December 23, 2014 | It was the best of years or it was the worst of years, depending on your perspective. The Supreme Court's McCutcheon decision and Congress' green light allowing national party committees to set up additional accounts — and accept a lot more money — were the big legal developments of the year in terms of political…
Dems Won't Be Missing Cuban Money They Weren't Getting
December 19, 2014 | Wednesday's decision by President Barack Obama to normalize relations with Cuba left many Cuban-Americans and their political allies seething. Obama cited a number of reasons for his move, but one he didn't menton is likely that the group of wealthy Cuban-Americans who have played such an active role in supporting politicians who opposed normalizing relations simply aren't…
New Cuba Policy Strikes Blow to Anti-Castro Lobby
December 17, 2014 | The Obama Administration dealt a major blow to the anti-Castro Cuba lobby today, announcing the United States and Cuba would engage in a regular diplomatic relationship for the first time in more than 50 years. The announcement came following the release of Alan Gross, an American contractor for USAID incarcerated in Cuba since 2009 for…
Jeb Bush's Rivals Already Running
December 17, 2014 | Former Florida Governor and ex-First Brother Jeb Bush announced his plans to start a fundraising committee next month, and immediately some big names in GOP money — such as Florida developer Mel Sembler — got behind him. Bush has recently proven his ability to raise big bucks, but some of Bush's likely competitors for the…
Wall Street's Omnibus Triumph, and Others
December 12, 2014 | In the wake of the passage of the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill last night, it's no easy thing sorting out the winners and the losers. The wide variety of riders and add-ons means a slew of interest groups can claim victory, even if it's hard to pin down exactly who should claim credit for stuffing the…
More Cash in More Party Pots? Senate Language Could Help Parties — and the Very Rich
December 10, 2014 | The epitaph for the national political parties may have been written too soon. Yes, the 2002 McCain-Feingold law took away their unlimited soft money donations. And true, Citizens United and other court decisions left them feeling like 98-pound-weaklings as mighty super PACs and other outside groups sprung up around them and dominated the airwaves. But…
Cash on the Table
December 5, 2014 | The 2014 election might have been the most expensive midterm ever, and it might have seen some of the most extravagant spending on wall-to-wall advertising ever — but when Election Day had come and gone, there was a surprising amount of money still sitting on the table. The Service Employees International Union PAC reported yesterday…
Uncommon Allies Against the Common Core
December 3, 2014 | What do the bulk of Republican presidential hopefuls share with the two major teachers' unions in the United States, besides mutual dislike? Turns out there is something: Growing opposition to the Common Core education standards. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) became the latest high-profile Republican to change his stripes and oppose the Common Core on Monday.…
Thanksgiving Giving
November 25, 2014 | Thanksgiving is a holiday steeped in traditions: watching the Detroit Lions lose, blaming tryptophan for your food coma and making yourself scarce when it comes time to do the dishes.
Taking Care of Their Own? Not All New Party Committee Chiefs Were Big Givers
November 18, 2014 | With Monday's announcement that Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) will lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, all four House and Senate party committee chairmanships are now filled heading into the 2016 election cycle. While a mix of skills lead to success in these slots, contributions from leadership PACs are often thought to enhance candidates' chances…
In Early Show of Bipartisanship, Obama Will Pardon GOP Turkeys
November 13, 2014 | The Grand Old Party might prefer to see President Obama eat crow when it comes to health care or immigration reform, but they'll have to settle for watching him pardon Republican-raised turkeys this Thanksgiving. In what just might be an instance of the use of executive power with which House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) will not take issue, Obama will…
K Street: End of the Slide?
November 10, 2014 | It may be too early to call 2014 the year that K Street's long decline ended, but the most recent round of reports suggest at least a leveling off. Third quarter 2014 lobbying expenditures totaled $771.9 million, which is only a bit lower than outlays during the same period in previous years. And spending for the…
Mass Appeal: Who's on Top With Coveted Small Donors
November 4, 2014 | Complaining about about seven-figure donors to gargantuan outside spending groups has become almost as commonplace as griping about the weather. But that doesn't mean the little guy doesn't count. OpenSecrets Blog looked at the top 10 senators and House members who received the most money in small donations ($200 and less) as a share of the…
Greg Orman, Independent and Wealthy
November 1, 2014 | Greg Orman's detractors in the Kansas Senate race have sought to question his status as an Independent and depict him as a covert liberal. But one thing is certain: he's independently wealthy. The entrepreneur trying to unseat Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) poured $1 million into his own campaign in October, bringing his self-funding total to…
Cash for Challengers: Some Turn the Tables, Outraising Incumbents
November 1, 2014 | The incumbent advantage in fundraising is undisputed — so when a challenger brings in the larger haul, that often raises red flags for the sitting lawmaker's re-election prospects. This cycle, only 10 federal races feature an outraised incumbent. Chalk those up to a variety of scenarios: a scandal-ridden candidate; a wealthy self-funding challenger; shifting political…
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…
Overall Spending Inches Up in 2014: Megadonors Equip Outside Groups to Capture a Bigger Share of the Pie
October 29, 2014 | This Center for Responsive Politics report is part of #Money14, a series of independent reports exposing the role of money in American politics. Join us for an event around the fifth anniversary of Citizens United to hear more about the participating organizations' innovative research and work together for a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory democracy.…
State Parties Flooded With National Funds
October 27, 2014 | In the sprint to Nov. 4, both parties are heaping mounds of cash on their state affiliates. With this election cycle shaping up to be the most expensive in history in terms of spending on congressional races, some state parties are now raising unprecedented amounts of money. In fickle Alaska, both national parties are leaving no stone unturned and…
Election to Cost Nearly $4 Billion, CRP Projects, Topping Previous Midterms
October 22, 2014 | Update 10/29/14: For several reasons, including the fact that we double-counted certain party expenditures, CRP has lowered its projection of the cost of the 2014 elections to $3.67 billion. Please see our updated release. Almost $4 billion will be spent for this year's midterm election, the Center for Responsive Politics is projecting. That figure makes this year's…
"Grassroots" Groups Flooded with Big Donor Cash in Third Quarter
October 17, 2014 | Big-dollar donations to outside spending groups in the third quarter appeared to be falling like manna from heaven. Take, for instance, the largess of Bob McNair, owner of the Houston Texans. He doled out at least $3.5 million to seven different super PACs in the three-month period ending Sept. 30, pumping up their reserves weeks…
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…
Super JFC Donors Emerge in Third Quarter
October 15, 2014 | A handful of individuals in 2014's third quarter swept away any doubt that mega-donors writing massive checks would emerge following the Supreme Court's decision to jettison overall contribution limits this spring. This morning, joint fundraising committees composed of dozens of campaign committees and party organizations filed their first disclosure reports revealing that each had received numerous six-figure…
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.…
NEA Super PAC Targeting Tillis
October 14, 2014 | NEA Advocacy Fund, the super PAC affiliated with the country's largest union, is showing its spending clout in the North Carolina Senate race with less than a month to go before the midterm elections. The National Education Association boasts three million members working in education from the preschool to the postgraduate level. Its super PAC…
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…
A Well-Oiled Pipeline Brings Party Cash to Nebraska House Race
September 25, 2014 | In the Second District of Nebraska, a state that would be crossed by the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, an influx of cash from the national parties is adding fuel to the fire of a competitive House race. Eight-term incumbent Rep. Lee Terry (R) is facing one of the biggest challenges of his career in State Sen. Brad Ashford.…
Tempest in Hawaii: Groups Linked to Nick Ayers Went to Bat for Lingle in '12
September 24, 2014 | Fund for Freedom, a super PAC formed in the dead of winter in 2012, had a short life and a singular purpose. Barely more than a week before the election, it dropped $670,000 on TV ads praising Hawaii GOP Senate candidate Linda Lingle and attacking her opponent, the group's only election expenditure of the cycle.…
Washington Wakes Up to Ebola Threat
September 19, 2014 | President Obama declared on Tuesday that the United States would send troops, medical equipment and aid workers to Western African countries ravaged by Ebola, a virus that has killed more than 2,400 people. "We know that if we take the proper steps, we can save lives," he said. "But we have to act fast." And yet,…
Dems Getting Stingier With Campaign Cash to Colleagues
September 17, 2014 | In the run-up to the 2012 elections, Republican candidates spent more on political contributions than their Democratic counterparts for the first time in a decade, transferring $54 million from candidate committees to parties or other candidates. On the Democratic side, similar transfers peaked at $76.3 million in the 2008 cycle, after growing steadily since 2002. Though…
Legend of K Street Helped Industry Boom
September 15, 2014 | It's hard to overstate the significance to K Street of the death of Thomas Hale Boggs Jr. today. For almost as long as the Center for Responsive Politics has tracked data, Boggs was, literally, the biggest name in lobbying. Boggs joined a small law firm in 1966 and with two other partners built it into the…
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…
Cracking the Contribution Cap: One in a Million Americans
September 2, 2014 | Americans who have taken advantage of the Supreme Court's decision earlier this year to toss aside overall political contribution limits are one in a million. Actually, they're slightly fewer than one in a million. Of the 318 million people in the U.S., a whopping 310 donors have given more than the total $123,200 they were allowed to…
Republican Dues Crackdown Pays Off
August 22, 2014 | Facing a multimillion dollar shortfall when compared to their Democratic rivals, top House GOP leaders organized a crackdown on members last month, demanding they pay party "dues" — regular contributions to the National Republican Congressional Committee. And the whipping seems to have had an impact: In the days after media reports of the leadership's irritation…
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…
Primary Threat in Alaska has GOP Establishment Shuddering
August 18, 2014 | In Alaska's Senate primary race, the Republican establishment has downplayed threats to its top candidate, Dan Sullivan. Yet his challengers, Joe Miller and Mead Treadwell, have triggered a frenzy of last-minute spending to ensure Sullivan wins the Tuesday election. As of late July, Sullivan had about $4.1 million in the bank — over three times more…
Obama Campaign Alums Still In Demand In 2014
August 13, 2014 | Each election cycle, political vendors — advertising firms, direct mail companies, fundraising professionals, and the like — are paid billions of dollars to flood airwaves and mailboxes, but most voters never hear their names. Unless they succeed or fail spectacularly, vendors rarely receive much coverage even by the political press. With almost three-quarters of a…
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…
Money, Not Morals, Drives Marijuana Prohibition Movement
August 5, 2014 | The following is adapted from OpenSecrets.org's new marijuana issue profile. Read more about the marijuana industry's campaign donations and lobbying efforts as well as relevant marijuana focused legislation. In late November 2012, voters in Washington and Colorado passed ballot initiatives to fully legalize marijuana for recreational use. Coloradans were able to start purchasing recreational marijuana…
In Kansas Races, Outside Winds Shore Up Support For Challengers
August 4, 2014 | Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) will face Milton Wolf in Tuesday's primary. (Flickr/U.S. Department of Agriculture) In Kansas, two primary challengers are gaining more traction than expected as outside groups uproot the Sunflower State's playing field. In the Senate race, three-term Republican incumbent Pat Roberts saw a minor challenge from radiologist Milton Wolf turn into a real threat after…
Ayers' Firewall: Separating Perdue's Campaign From the Outside Groups
August 1, 2014 | Earlier this week, we detailed how a mysterious Ohio nonprofit suddenly materialized in two separate races to run attack ads. The only thing those two races had in common was that the candidate who benefited from the attack ads employed consulting firms run by a man named Nick Ayers. And, we discovered, that mysterious nonprofit…
In New York's 19th, Cash is Always Greener
August 1, 2014 | In New York's 19th district, a race between a former Army colonel, Republican Rep. Chris Gibson, and Sean Eldridge, the husband of Facebook co-founder and The New Republic publisher Chris Hughes, would seem to be a study in contrasts. And yet their fundraising style isn't so different: both have a donor base that is spread far and…
Immigration, Net Neutrality Help Trigger Big Spending Increases in 2nd Quarter Lobbying
July 30, 2014 | Lobbying filings for the second quarter show that the public debate often seeps into the advocacy efforts of companies. This year: immigration, net neutrality and the right to channel a broadcast program using a tiny antenna have caused several companies to spend big in order to influence legislators. Meanwhile, some topics, including gun rights and defense spending,…
Casinos Chip In On Bill to Ban Online Gaming
July 25, 2014 | Casinos are upping the ante over a ban on online gaming being considered in Congress, recent lobbying filings show. The Restoration of America's Wire Act, introduced in March by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), has caused an outpouring of spending from groups either supporting or opposing the bill. Meanwhile, loosened restrictions on political spending…
Ante Up for the Party
July 22, 2014 | Much like being in a fraternity, being a House Republican leader hinges partly on popularity — and also on paying one's dues. While the June 10 primary loss of Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) was a devastating first for a House majority leader, it soon ushered in a new round of winners and losers. The following week, several…
Self-Funding, Big Donors Dominate Pricey Georgia Runoff
July 21, 2014 | Tomorrow's GOP primary runoff for Georgia's Senate seat isn't quite as contentious as the recent Mississippi smackdown, but the battle between Rep. Jack Kingston and his opponent David Perdue is the third most expensive this year, costing more than $19.6 million through July 2. Each candidate has spent more than $5 million and outside groups have dropped million-dollar…
Politiquizz: Cooperating for Cash
July 21, 2014 | In 1998, five active joint fundraising committees (JFCs) raised a total of $1.7 million. So far this year, 371 joint fundraising committees have raised more than $93.1 million with more than three months to go before Election Day — surpassing the total of nearly $92.5 million that JFCs raised in the entire 2010 mid-term election…
Tillis' New JFC
July 16, 2014 | Thom Tillis, the Republican challenger to Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan in North Carolina, has been out-raised by more than $10 million, including $2 million in the second quarter of 2014. But he's hoping for at least a little help from a joint fundraising committee he's created, according to recent Federal Election Commission filings. The handful of donors who…
Politiquizz: Crack Open a Cold One
July 11, 2014 | The summer is heating up, with temperatures in the 90s this week from coast to coast. It's no wonder the beer, wine and liquor industry look forward to summer all year long. Sales soar during this season as Americans purchase alcoholic beverages, especially beer, to beat the heat and celebrate the holidays. Earlier this year, a…
The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act, or Hunting for Cover on Guns
July 8, 2014 | Despite objections from a handful of Democrats, the Senate voted on Monday to move forward with a pro-hunting bill that has delighted most gun rights groups, including the National Rifle Association. Introduced by embattled incumbent Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act (S. 2363) would unlock funding to build shooting ranges on public land while easing hunting restrictions. But…
RSLC Goes In With Developers to Turn Tide in NY State Senate
July 3, 2014 | A version of this story was co-posted on Urbanalia. In New York state, legislative politics are more than a little counterintuitive. Democrats have a majority in the state Senate, but since the 2012 elections, a group of breakaway members of that party have lined up with Republicans to keep the chamber under GOP control. The…
Dick Cheney Goes Dark: A Family Network of (c)(4) Groups
July 2, 2014 | In the years since he left office, former President George W. Bush has mostly stayed out of the public eye, happier to talk about what he'd do with a canvas than what the U.S. should do in Iraq or Afghanistan. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, on the other hand, has been more than willing to voice…
Sister of Fidel, Former Spy, and Loyal Hillary Supporter
June 30, 2014 | Hillary Clinton and Juanita Castro Ruz, sister of the former and current presidents of Cuba Fidel and Raúl, have both penned highly scrutinized memoirs about their intertwined personal and political lives. And the two women have something else in common. According to the latest filings of Ready For Hillary PAC, the committee set up to support Clinton's possible…
Welcome to 2016!
June 25, 2014 | Already finding the 2014 mid-term elections a little passe? Already pining for the next presidential election in 2016? Well, there's good news for you: The first 2016 presidential ads have been aired! And, not surprisingly, they were negative, and they both targeted Hillary Clinton. While presidential hopefuls have been angling for advantages in early primary states for…
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…
Mark Warner and BlackRock: It's Complicated
June 20, 2014 | The Campaign to Fix The Debt made its first splash in the fall of 2011 with a "chic" dinner party held in Sen. Mark Warner's (D-Va.) backyard. Among the billionaire CEOs in attendance was Laurence D. Fink, whose company BlackRock Inc. was in the process of selling equity investments to his host — and would soon be…
Scalise Victory Upends Conventional Wisdom on Leadership Cash
June 19, 2014 | Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) triumphantly took his spot as the No. 2 Republican in the House this afternoon, stepping up from No. 3. But Rep. Pete Roskam (R-Ill.), who was one rung lower on the ladder as deputy whip, did not manage to ride McCarthy's coattails. Instead, Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) became majority whip —…
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…
Organizing for Action: Who's Giving to Obama-Linked Nonprofit?
June 17, 2014 | Since the beginning of the 2014 campaign cycle last year, 14 donors — running the gamut from a hedge fund manager to a gay rights activist to a little-known Salt Lake City venture capitalist — have given $100,000 or more to President Barack Obama's avowedly un-campaign committee, Organizing for Action. Another 26 have ponied up…
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…
Politiquizz: International Cash
June 16, 2014 | According to campaign finance law, you must be an American citizen or green card holder to make a political contribution. That applies whether the donation is to a candidate or to a company's PAC. The U.S. divisions of foreign-owned companies often form PACs here, but they must rely on American employees or green card holders…
Is K Street Down the Road for Cantor?
June 13, 2014 | Though it has now come to a screeching finish, Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.)'s leadership position in the House has brought him enduring connections, political clout and insider knowledge — in other words, potent K Street cred. "He brings incredible contacts with the whole Republican caucus in both houses" of Congress, said Ivan H. Adler, a…
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…
With Cantor Gone, GOP — and Tea Party — Loses Major Fundraiser
June 11, 2014 | "I'm in shock," Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) said in response to the defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to David Brat, a small-town tea party activist, in Tuesday's Virginia primary. No kidding: McHenry has received at least $60,000 from Cantor's extensive fundraising network over the years — and he's not the only one who's…
Dave Versus Goliath, By the Numbers
June 11, 2014 | House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's campaign spent more money on food — $168,000 on steakhouses alone — than Dave Brat did on his entire campaign. But it wasn't just steak. On April 6, the Cantor campaign spent $790 at Proof, a downtown D.C. restaurant, where the cheapest entree on the menu is a "Napoleon of…
Tea Party Express Loses Steam for Candidates
June 10, 2014 | Last week, an urgent fundraising email from the Tea Party Express PAC raised a few eyebrows in the campaign finance community. "We just got off the phone with the McDaniel campaign and they need our help!" Sal Russo, the group's chief strategist, wrote in the opening line. The problem? The Tea Party Express raises major…
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.…
In Maine Race, A Tale of Two Democratic Parties
June 10, 2014 | A handful of outside groups can make a big difference in a sparsely populated state like Maine. The state's 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary today, pitting labor-backed Troy Jackson against University of Maine employee Emily Cain, has become an existential fight over two core constituencies of the Democratic Party: labor groups and social progressives. Jackson,…
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…
Joni Ernst: From Iowa Underdog to Favorite of Outside Spenders
May 29, 2014 | With the vote set for Tuesday, a former underdog is now benefiting from major national endorsements and much of the outside spending in Iowa's Republican Senate primary. In the weeks since State Sen. Joni Ernst cut through the clutter of the five-way race with a campaign ad touting her pork-cutting experience, she has gathered support from all corners of the…
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…
Koch, Goldman, Other Megadonors Already Blowing Through Pre-McCutcheon Caps
May 21, 2014 | The results are in: Big donors reacted quickly to the Supreme Court's McCutcheon decision last month, busting the previous caps on how much they could give overall to candidate campaigns, parties and PACs. A cursory review of new filings by several national party groups show that major donors blew past the previous limits, which until the April…
When Data Meets Context: Going Beyond the Numbers
May 21, 2014 | Journalists trying to evaluate prospective presidential candidates often survey their relative fundraising prowess: High campaign committee, leadership PAC and, increasingly, joint fundraising committee receipts are considered good early signals of seriousness and viability. This week, in comparing the money raised by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) — both frequently mentioned as…
McConnell May Coast on Tuesday, but the Money is Still Big
May 16, 2014 | Matt Bevin was considered, at one time, a possibly serious threat to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). No more: When Republican voters go to the polls on Tuesday to select their nominee, McConnell will likely win by a wide margin. Still, the early threat froom Bevin has helped push fundraising in the race sky-high. The two GOP…
Don't Bet the House: Online Gaming Ban Faces Uncertain Future
May 12, 2014 | Politics has always been partly a game of chance. And when it comes to the politics of gambling policy, where the industry's high-rolling campaign donors are anteing up for a clash over online gaming, it's anybody's guess who the big winners will be. The gaming industry has long had a big presence in Washington.…
Hot Races 2014: Trade Groups Drive Outside Spending in Idaho
May 8, 2014 | Outside money is pouring into the Republican primary race for Idaho's 2nd District congressional seat, but it's not coming just from the big-spending, ideologically-driven groups that have been prominent in some other GOP primaries. Instead, an unlikely source of campaign cash has played a significant role in the race: the PACs of industry and trade…
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…
With WIC Legislation Pending, Potato Lobby Wants Back on the Menu
May 6, 2014 | For a fairly pedestrian vegetable, the potato has serious political sway in Washington. The National Potato Council, the industry's advocate in Washington, has been making itself prominent across Washington in recent months, increasing its lobbying and campaign contributions to record numbers. It may be having an impact: With a Senate subcommittee markup coming later this month on…
Hot Races 2014: Plenty of GOP Fireworks in Nebraska Senate Primary
May 5, 2014 | Some cracks are showing in the conservative movement's money machine in Nebraska. The GOP primary race for Nebraska's open Senate seat has attracted nearly $2 million dollars in outside spending — a lot of scratch for a state with an inexpensive media market. Four outside spending groups dedicated solely to this race have emerged in the last…
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…
Chemical, Pharmaceutical Industries See Huge Lobbying Increases
May 2, 2014 | Overall spending on lobbying may have fallen again in the first quarter of 2014, but not everyone decided to pull back. In fact, some companies and industries pumped up their lobbying in the quarter, with the chemical and pharmaceutical industries leading the pack. Dow Chemical was the company with the biggest jump from the fourth quarter of 2013…
How 2014 Is Shaping Up to be the Darkest Money Election to Date
April 30, 2014 | This article is cross-posted to The Daily Beast. When it comes to voters' knowledge about the deep-pocketed donors who are trying to influence their vote, the 2014 election cycle is on track to be the darkest election in recent history. And that's saying a lot, as each of the last three elections has shattered dark money…
Rand Paul Raises Big Dollars From Small Donors
April 25, 2014 | For a man who isn't running for office, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) sure raised a lot of money over the last three months -- and sent a lot of mail.
Aereo Takes Its Case To Washington
April 23, 2014 | Though little Aereo argued before the Supreme Court this week about copyright law, it has learned from its much large opponents when it comes to making its case in Washington -- with lobbying and campaign cash.
Stand Back: NRA's PAC is Loaded on Eve of Convention
April 23, 2014 | With a fat $14.1 million in its bank account, the NRA Political Victory Fund prepares to bolster a large herd of Republicans.
Koch Company and Labor Unions: One Degree of Separation
April 22, 2014 | Strange brew cooked up on K Street: Charles, David and organized labor.
OpenSecrets.org Adds New Joint Fundraising Committee Section
April 17, 2014 | Today OpenSecrets.org added a new section for joint fundraising committees, the fundraising partnerships between candidates, committees or party committees that allow participants to pool their efforts and split the proceeds. While JFCs are not new, they've becoming increasingly prominent in recent years. With the McCutcheon v. FEC ruling, many campaign finance experts believe they will become even more prevalent.
The Politics of Drought: California Water Interests Prime the Pump in Washington
April 10, 2014 | When it comes to California's water supply, some have more at stake than others -- and they act accordingly in D.C.
Politiquizz: Under the Influence
April 7, 2014 | It's been a bit of a whirlwhind lately for marijuana activists across the United States. Which marijuana legalization bills are seeing the most lobbying activity?
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.
McCutcheon Decision: Add Some More Zeroes to That Check
April 2, 2014 | The Supreme Court wipes out overall limits on how much an individual can give to candidates, parties and PACs. Let the fun begin.
Many Lawmakers Investigating GM Have Long Been Helped by Auto Maker
March 31, 2014 | As General Motors CEO Mary Barra prepares for congressional hearings on the automaker's fatal ignition problems, she'll see many members whose campaigns were laced with contributions from her company.
Communications Link Strong in Rogers' Past and Future
March 30, 2014 | Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) should be comfortable in the communications sector, a major source of his campaign cash.
Head of Paul's 50-State Operation is Accused of Earlier Questionable Work
March 28, 2014 | Doug Stafford earlier was accused of running a massive off-the-books mailing operation to help state legislative candidates in Iowa.
The Sheldon Primary: No Welcome Mat for the Tea Party
March 27, 2014 | The RJC's conference kicks off tonight in the airplane hangar housing Sheldon Adelson's fleet of jets. Ted Cruz's invitation must have gotten lost.
Hobby Lobby's Lobbying Hobbies
March 26, 2014 | Hobby Lobby's appearance in the national political spotlight, via the Supreme Court contraception mandate debate, naturally made us wonder: How does the craft company spend money in Washington?
ERIC PAC: A Fondness for Food
March 12, 2014 | Rep. Eric Cantor's leadership PAC has spent more than $170,000 on restaurants in the 2014 election, nearly 12 percent of the PAC's total nonpolitical expenditures; that outstrips, both in dollars and as a percentage, what's being spent on eateries by other high-ranking House members.
Real Estate, Private Equity Industries Fighting Camp's Tax Plan
February 28, 2014 | Any plan to overhaul the tax code is bound to poke the bee's nest of special interests, as Dave Camp is finding out.
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.
Consultants Profiting From Polarization
February 21, 2014 | It's tough to figure out who's getting rich from the gusher of political spending -- even more so when the client writing the checks is a dark money nonprofit.
Defeat May Sting, But UAW Has Piles of Political Cash
February 20, 2014 | A surprise defeat at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga may be partly soothed by the potential to spend big in the 2014 mid-terms.
Outside Spending Dominates in Florida, to Jolly's Benefit
February 13, 2014 | In the special election race in Florida's 13th Congressional District, outside groups have spent $1.1 million in just the past nine days.
Eastman Part of Coalition that Quashed Stricter Bill on Chemicals
February 12, 2014 | An overhaul of the aging Toxic Substances Control Act would have tightened oversight of chemicals -- until it got deep-sixed by the industry.
The Olympic Committee's Washington Sway
February 5, 2014 | As the curtain rises on the winter games in Sochi, we look at the U.S. Olympic Committee's investments in the nation's capital.
Primary Schooling: Recent Battles Offer Hints About 2014's Face-Offs
February 3, 2014 | The primary season is almost upon us. A look back at how primaries have changed -- and not -- in the last few cycles, and what that teaches us about 2014.
Special Interests Heavily Involved in Farm Bill Maneuvering
January 30, 2014 | A five-year farm bill has finally -- after three years of congressional bickering -- passed the House, and could get final approval from the Senate as soon as today. Crop insurance came out the big winner in terms of increased funding.
H.R. 7: The Money Behind the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act"
January 29, 2014 | The antiabortion bill, H.R. 7, passed the House yesterday.
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.
Strong Evidence Emerges on Right to Work's Political Activity
January 24, 2014 | Newly released emails and recordings of conversations show top officials from the National Right to Work Committee were deeply involved with a huge off-the-books mass mailing operation benefiting state candidates in 2010, indicating the organization may have falsely told the IRS it didn't engage in politics.
Top Lobbiers Cut Back in 2013
January 23, 2014 | The group of 30 organizations that spent the most money lobbying in 2012 cut their spending in 2013, with some showing dramatic declines.
Politiquizz: When Lobbyists = Campaign Contributors
January 22, 2014 | Lobbyists don't just lobby. They make campaign donations, too!
And the Nominees for Biggest Donor Are…
January 17, 2014 | The glitterati of Hollywood spend big bucks to maintain lavish lifestyles. What's a little campaign contribution now and then?
New Report Shows Men Outdo Women as Mega-Donors
January 15, 2014 | A collaboration between the National Council for Research on Women, the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University and the Center for Responsive Politics shows men are most overrepresented as donors to groups that can receive unlimited sums -- though they ante up more than women at all levels of political giving.
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.
SeaWorld Comes to Washington
January 15, 2014 | The betting is that "Blackfish," which raises all kinds of questions about marine theme parks like SeaWorld, will turn up Thursday on the list of Oscar nominees for Best Documentary Feature. Here's how SeaWorld has tried to make its case in Washington since the killing of one of its trainers in 2010.
Should Auld PACs Be Forgot…
December 23, 2013 | As the year draws to an end, we mourn those we lost.
Visions of Sugar Plums No More: Baucus Will Be Missed
December 19, 2013 | Sen. Max Baucus' absence will be felt by This Town's lobbyists.
Did Fundraising Land Some in Obama's Meeting Today?
December 17, 2013 | Not everyone in Obama's gathering of Silicon Valley execs today to discuss the health care rollout was a top-tier CEO. But some of the lesser-known attendees did have something else in common.
Pro-Hillary PACs Gearing Up For 2016
December 16, 2013 | Fundraising and personnel activity at Ready for Hillary and Priorities USA Action are heating up for 2016 -- even though Hillary Clinton hasn't announced whether or not she'll run for office in 2016.
What Do PACs Care About?
December 12, 2013 | What motivates PACs? The ability to gain influence with a candidate almost certain to win? Or the possibility of swaying a close race to the contestant most likely to be friendly to their cause?
McConnell's Growing Ties to Rand Paul: Trouble Brewing?
December 10, 2013 | Mitch McConnell has been paying yet another consultant linked to Rand Paul. But some of McConnell's hires from the Paul orbit are facing accusations that they broke the law before joining the minority leader's campaign.
CRP Hosts Dark Money Panel
December 6, 2013 | Panelists agree there's no easy fix, but disagree about whether one is needed.
Herbalife Battle Weapons Include Lobbyists, Campaign Dollars
December 6, 2013 | A pair of billionaire investors battling over dietary supplement maker Herbalife are deploying an arsenal of weapons -- including lobbyists and campaign contributions.
Liberal Nonprofit's Funds Surged in 2012
December 4, 2013 | Patriot Majority posts record fundraising and spending.
At Least 1 in 4 Dark Money Dollars in 2012 Had Koch Links
December 3, 2013 | With most of the annual tax filings for nondisclosing nonprofits now in, it's clear that no liberal or conservative dark money network matched, in combined size and complexity, the constellation of Koch-linked groups that churned hundreds of millions of dollars into elections around the country last year. The Center to Protect Patient Rights provided a big chunk of it, giving out more than $112 million in grants.
Obama's Pick To Lead Air Force a Former Exec for Major Defense Contractor
December 2, 2013 | Deborah Lee James, President Obama's nominee for Air Force Secretary, worked for a major defense firm with financial ties to Capitol Hill.
McConnell Campaign Hired Key Figure In National Right To Work Complaint, Records Show
November 26, 2013 | A consultant who figures prominently in accusations about paying a legislator for his support in the 2012 Iowa caucuses, as well as providing illegal campaign assistance to Iowa legislative candidates, is on Mitch McConnell's payroll, too.
National, Iowa Right to Work Groups Subsidized State Candidates, Misled IRS, Former Employee Charges
November 25, 2013 | An ex-employee of National Right to Work and its Iowa affiliate claims that the groups provided free labor to conservative state legislative candidates as well as candidate mailers written, produced and mailed by the anti-union groups -- allegations that, if true, could to violate state law. Beyond that, they told the IRS they engaged in no political activity, a statement that appears to be false.
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.
Priorities USA Relied on Handful of Donors
November 20, 2013 | Priorities USA, the politically active nonprofit that backed President Barack Obama's re-election in 2012, raised $8.4 million in 2012, with most of it coming from just five individual donors. The group spent more than half its budget -- just under $5 million -- on grants to other nonprofits.
Twitter's Other Debut
November 8, 2013 | The initial public offering for Twitter went off without a hitch yesterday, but the company also recently made a much quieter debut in Washington. Last month the company filed its first ever lobbying report. It was modest, but that could change if the social network company follows the lead of its compadres in the computers and Internet industry.
Northrop Grumman's Drone Campaign
November 8, 2013 | Northrup's big lobbying push paid off when Congress brought the Global Hawk drone back to life. Still, demand is soft for military hardware, and it's unclear what approach the company will take.
Business Cash Rules in Alabama
November 6, 2013 | Business brought its money and muscle to bear, just as promised after the government shutdown, in the special primary election in Alabama. It worked.
Wellspring's Flow: Dark Money Outfit Helped Fuel Groups on Political Front Lines
November 5, 2013 | From 2008 to 2011, a mysterious dark money group called Wellspring distributed more than $17 million to front-line political groups across the country. An OpenSecrets.org and National Public Radio investigation into the group details who is organizing this group and how far and wide the group's money has been sent.
Farm and Pharmaceutical Lobbies Push Back Against Antibiotics Legislation
October 25, 2013 | Efforts by the pharmaceutical and agribusiness lobbies have helped stall efforts to cut the use of antibiotics in meat production, a practice that could have a negative long-term impact on humans, studies show.
Koch Industries Lobbied for Heritage Action Debt-Reduction Plan
October 24, 2013 | While the company said it had no position on linking government funding with Obamacare defunding, it went to bat for tying an increase in the debt ceiling to a 10-year debt reduction plan.
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.
Unhappy with Dissident Republicans, Honeywell Could Make Them Feel the Pain
October 10, 2013 | Like a growing number of business leaders, Honeywell CEO David Cote isn't happy with the GOP dissidents willing to entertain the notion of defaulting on the national debt. If Honeywell's PAC starts withholding campaign funds, that could be serious trouble for some lawmakers in the group.
Rep. C.W. Bill Young Bows Out for 2014
October 9, 2013 | The longest-serving GOP lawmaker, a favorite of the defense industry, announced he won't seek re-election in 2014.
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?
Americans for Job Security Gave Huge Grant to CPPR
October 7, 2013 | Americans for Job Security, one of the original dark money groups, gave far more to the Center to Protect Patient Rights -- a nonprofit tied to the Koch brothers that does little besides than make grants to other conservative groups -- than has been revealed in California litigation.
Who Does Fund the Dissidents?
October 4, 2013 | Yesterday we showed that the biggest thorns in the Republican leadership's side weren't getting leadership donations. So who is funding them? Don't look to Wall Street.
Dissidents Haven't Seen the $ Love from Boehner, Cantor
October 3, 2013 | If money builds loyalty on Capitol Hill, and if the House Republican leadership has been giving it out hand-over-fist, why can't House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor make the shutdown go away? There's a reason.
Marijuana Heating Up as Midterm Election Issue
October 2, 2013 | As burning topics go, marijuana's not up there with the government shutdown. Still, it's more likely than ever before to be a topic in the midterm election.
The Gun Money Behind Opponents to the Arms Trade Treaty
October 1, 2013 | On Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry signed the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty, igniting a wave of criticism from pro-gun members of Congress. A closer look shows most of those opponents depend on the gun lobby for campaign cash.
Rep. Spencer Bachus, Popular with the Finance Sector, to Leave Congress
September 30, 2013 | Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) announced today that he won't be seeking reelection in 2014. Here's a look at the money trail he left behind.
Ted Cruz's Corporate Contributors
September 26, 2013 | Sen. Ted Cruz's marathon speechifying seemed meant to please a certain subset of the Texan's supporters -- and it did. But what about his corporate contributors? They're big backers of the Republican establishment, which didn't much like his "filibuster."
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.
McCutcheon's Multiplying Effect: Why An Overall Limit Matters
September 17, 2013 | On Oct. 8, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in McCutcheon v. FEC, a case challenging the overall contribution limits for individual donors that were first enacted in the mid-1970's. Caps on donations to specific candidates, party committees and PACs -- put in place to prevent corruption or the appearance of it -- aren't directly affected by the case. Without an overall limit, though, those caps would lose much of their force.
Pork Producer Lobbied Hill to Ease Approval for Sale to Chinese Firm
September 13, 2013 | Smithfield lobbied Capitol Hill to quell concerns about its acquisition by a major Chinese company. It could be the largest Chinese purchase of an American company ever.
Bankers Challenge Credit Union's Fly-In
September 13, 2013 | The National Association of Federal Credit Unions hosted a "fly-in" this week, bringing members to Washington to visit Capitol Hill and directly lobby their representatives. The American Banker's Association was not amused. However concerned big banks might be that credit unions are growing elsewhere, when it comes to Washington -- it's not much of a competition.
Nunn's New Backer, EMILY's List, Boasts Solid Track Record
August 29, 2013 | EMILY's List, the heavy-hitting, liberal PAC, made its latest endorsement this week, vowing to help elect Democrat Michelle Nunn next year. That's a good thing for her: The three Senate candidates to whom it bundled money in the 2012 cycle all won their races, and the group's outside spending posted a success rate of more than 80 percent.
Back-to-College Special: Academic Contributions Aren't Just Cerebral
August 29, 2013 | President Obama might hope that his new education initiative doesn't rile too many in academia: By reputation, college professors and staff members are solid Democrats, and a deeper look at their campaign contributions by the Center for Responsive Politics mostly backs that up -- though certain types of schools tend to skew more left than others.
Cory Booker's Commanding Lead
August 9, 2013 | Newark mayor Cory Booker has every advantage in his New Jersey special election showdown this coming Tuesday: a well-known name, famous friends, and deep-pocketed donors. According to the latest campaign finance filings, Booker has raised more than $8.6 million for his bid to fill the New Jersey senate seat left vacant by Frank Lautenberg's death. Tuesday is the Democratic primary (the actual election is in October), and Booker's two most serious opponents, Reps. Frank Pallone and Rush Holt, have raised a combined $5.1 million.
Ron Paul Campaign Accused of Trying to Buy Iowa Endorsements
August 7, 2013 | The Ron Paul presidential campaign may have been involved with negotiations to offer financial compensation to an Iowa state senator in exchange for his endorsement and support in the 2012 Iowa caucuses, according to emails obtained by OpenSecrets.org.
Bezos Leaves Few Money In Politics Clues
August 6, 2013 | Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com, let his money do the talking yesterday when it was announced he was buying the Washington Post for $250 million in cash, but offered little comment on what his plans for the newspaper are. Although he just bought one of the most prominent chroniclers of Washington politics, Bezos is not a man known for using his money to make political points.
Kerry's Efforts Aside, Pro-Israel Groups More Concerned About Nuclear Iran Than Peace With Palestine
August 2, 2013 | OpenSecrets.org data shows many Pro-Israeli groups' recent lobbying and campaign contributions have gone towards bills addressing Israel's Middle East and Washington concern and their sponsors.
Bread and Water for Lobbyists? Top-Spending Clients Cut Back Yet Again
July 25, 2013 | Second quarter lobbying reports show more declines in spending. With a couple of exceptions -- the American Hospital Association and NCTA -- cutbacks were the rule from April through June.
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.
FISA, NSA Spying a New Focus of Tech Lobby
July 23, 2013 | Tech firms and others listed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the NSA's collection of Internet and phone data as issues they lobbied on in the second quarter of the year. Big tech companies backed off a bit from their explosive lobbying growth, though they hadn't previously mentioned these issues as concerns.
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.
Internet Sales Tax Fight Moves to House
July 22, 2013 | The battle over a proposed Internet sales tax has moved to the House, with interests on both sides pouring money into the campaign coffers of potential allies. Major retailers, including some online ones, have thrown their weight behind the initiative, and in the last few days of June a number of their PACs made big contributions to key House members.
In California 31st, Incumbent Miller Bested by Aguilar in Money Race
July 16, 2013 | New fundraising reports show incumbent Rep. Gary Miller losing the second-quarter money race to Pete Aguilar in a 2014 contest that's being billed as "one of the most complicated and competitive" in the nation.
Agribusiness and the Farm Bill: Wayward Dems Benefit from Contributions
July 16, 2013 | In the days leading up to the defeat of the original farm bill, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) proposed an amendment that would have reduced crop insurance funding to avoid cuts to the food stamps program. A largely party-line vote ensured the amendment's defeat. But it wasn't just the GOP that sank the measure: Eight Democrats joined the Republican majority and helped reject it. It turns out that many of these Dems have received significant political contributions from agricultural organizations that benefit from crop insurance subsidies, according to an OpenSecrets.org analysis.
House Launches Bill to Establish National Park on the Moon
July 12, 2013 | It was former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich who dreamed of establishing a colony on the moon. But -- in the wake of sequester-induced cuts to national parks located here on Earth -- a new bill to establish a national park on the moon rocketed into the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology this week courtesy of two Democrats, Reps. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tex.).
The Money in the Great Ape Debate
July 11, 2013 | Animal welfare groups recently won a major victory when the head of the National Institutes of Health announced the agency would significantly curtail its use of great apes in scientific research. NIH's action follows the failure of congressional legislation in a climate where animal rights groups could never keep up with groups -- including drugmakers -- that opposed the bill, particularly when it came to spending on lobbying and campaign contributions.
The Political Side of Fourth-of-July Weekend Classics
July 5, 2013 | Nothing says 'Fourth of July Weekend' like burgers and hot dogs, beer, and maybe a few belated fireworks. But the companies and industries that produce these classics are active in Washington year-round.
Top Recipients of Lobbyists' Cash, 2013: An OpenSecrets Analysis
July 2, 2013 | Fancy dinners with members of Congress are all but verboten for lobbyists these days. But they can still make an impression with campaign contributions. An OpenSecrets.org analysis has crunched the available numbers from the 2014 election cycle.
New Privacy Coalition Cashes in on Relationships
June 28, 2013 | Having been defeated in last year's election, former Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) has joined forces with Jon Leibowitz, a Democratic former FTC chairman and onetime lobbyist, to found the 21st Century Privacy Coalition. The group, whose founders include seven top telecom companies such as AT&T and Comcast, will focus on privacy and data security legislation at a time when the issues are hot. And according to data from OpenSecrets.org, these founders are no strangers to each other.
Coal Industry Fuels Opposition to Emissions Regulations
June 26, 2013 | In the wake of President Obama's climate change speech delivered Tuesday, some coal companies have already begun firing back. Power companies throughout the nation, along with a number of (mostly GOP) lawmakers supporting the coal industry's interests, criticized Obama's calls for increased regulations on carbon emissions. They're no strangers to attacking proposals coming from the president -- and they back up their statements with their political giving.
Liberal PACs Off to Mixed Start
June 26, 2013 | Some prominent liberal PACs are off to a good start for the 2014 cycle, but others are flat or lagging behind where they were two years ago. That's a contrast to a number of the high-profile conservative PACs that we wrote about Tuesday, many of which are flush with cash.
LGBT Interests, Celebrating Court Rulings, Also Increasingly Active as Donors
June 26, 2013 | LGBT groups and those affiliated with them, celebrating their Supreme Court victories today, have been active political donors, and Democrats are almost always the beneficiaries.
Conservative PACs Flush With Cash
June 25, 2013 | It's still early, but the PACs of several prominent conservative groups and politicians have already piled up or given away significant cash, and in some cases are much better armed going into this election cycle than they were two years ago in the run-up to 2012.
Last-Minute Outside Spending Mounts in Massachusetts Special
June 24, 2013 | The race may not be close, but you'd never know that from the outside spending in the Markey-Gomez faceoff.
Crop Insurance Figured as Key Issue in Farm Bill Debate
June 21, 2013 | The debate over the farm bill roiled the House this week, and crop insurance -- the new way to get money into farmers' pockets as direct payments are phased out -- figured as a key issue in the proceedings. Like the program or not, there's no denying that crop insurance firms have ramped up their political activity in recent years.
The Politics of Fire
June 17, 2013 | As firefighters in Western states continue to battle wildfires, lobbyists in Washington are fighting their own battle over how to handle fires like the Black Forest blaze in the future.
Natural Gas Producers Pushing, Against Chemical Cos., to End Export Restrictions
June 17, 2013 | Market prices for liquefied natural gas are typically higher abroad, and API's member companies could reap vast profits overseas. But the fight to drop export restrictions is pitting them against another strong presence in Washington with whom they are sometimes allied: domestic users of their products, including DOW Chemical.
Parties in Supreme Court DNA Dispute Have Met in Washington Before
June 14, 2013 | The Supreme Court found Thursday that human genes in their natural form cannot be patented, resolving the ongoing debate between medical research companies brought to national prominence in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics. This is not the first time these two groups have been involved in proceedings in the nation's capital.
Weather's Apolitical; NWS Employees, Maybe Not
June 13, 2013 | Washington D.C. is dreading the potential derecho, or cluster of thunderstorms moving forward in line formation, set to wreak havoc tonight in the Mid-Atlantic. In the U.S., one in five people are in the path of the storm. But while the storms may drench Republicans and Democrats alike, employees of the National Weather Service aren't entirely apolitical.
Cybersecurity, Privacy Issues Spurred Lobbying Even Before NSA Programs Revealed
June 11, 2013 | Last week's revelations that the U.S. government was collecting data on millions of phone calls made through Verizon and running an Internet surveillance program targeting foreign nationals via major online corporations, make it almost inevitable that the issue of electronic privacy -- already a hot topic in 2012 -- will vault to near the top of the lobbying charts in 2013. Even before the recent news of government snooping made headlines, a number of bills impacting privacy and cybersecurity had already been introduced this year.
Nominees to D.C. Appellate Court Are Solid Democrats, Contributions Show
June 5, 2013 | Obama's speech in the Rose Garden this week to announce three judicial nominees pressured lawmakers to put partisanship aside to fill the vacancies in the court. None of the three appear to have particularly controversial pasts, but all are solidly Democratic donors.
Lautenberg Dies After Three Decades in the Senate
June 3, 2013 | Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) died Monday morning due to complications resulting from viral pneumonia. A longtime member of Congress, Lautenberg served in the Senate for 30 years, from 1983-2001 and then from 2003 until his death. Lautenberg raised a total of $21.8 million for his campaigns since 1989.
Rove's Shadowy Defense
June 2, 2013 | Karl Rove complains that his Crossroads GPS 501(c)(4) gets more scrutiny than liberal groups. But it's in a league of its own when it comes to spending on politics.
Republican Controls Funding Race in Missouri Special Election
May 31, 2013 | Ever since Jo Ann Emerson announced in early December that she would be leaving the House of Representatives, the race for the empty Missouri 8th district seat has been on. And if money talks, it's saying that aspiring congressman Jason Smith, a Republican, has seized a decisive advantage over his Democratic counterpart Steve Hodges. With the special election set for next week, it appears that the fundraising battle has already been won.
Comey's Conservative Chops
May 31, 2013 | James Comey, who is said to be Obama's pick to be the next FBI director, is indeed a Republican. We're not kidding.
Ready for Hillary Super PAC Moves Forward With Big Funders
May 29, 2013 | Although Election Day 2016 is still more than three years away, powerful forces within the Democratic Party have signed up to support the potential campaign of Hillary Clinton for the presidency. The Ready for Hillary super PAC, which filed its statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission in January, established its National Finance Council on Tuesday. Its founding members include Steve and Amber Mostyn, two lawyers based in Houston, Texas, who have contributed significant funds to political groups in recent years, along with Susie Tompkins Buell, a clothing entrepreneur who assisted Clinton's fundraising efforts in 2008.
Michele Bachmann Retiring, Despite Fundraising Prowess
May 29, 2013 | Michele Bachmann's decision not to run again means her fundraising superskills will have to be put to other uses.
Owner Of Collapsed Indonesian Mine is Big Donor to Congress
May 21, 2013 | Last week's collapse of a massive precious metals mine in Indonesia, which killed at least 17 workers, brought unwanted attention to the American company that owns the facility, Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold. But the company is already well-known to many here in Washington: Its top executives, as well as the company PAC, contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars each election cycle to help fuel congressional campaigns.
Getting the Fix: Lawmakers' Targeted Favors for Top Donors
May 14, 2013 | A mash-up of data on bill sponsorships, campaign contributions and lobbying shows that in some cases, lawmakers have sponsored bills of interest to just one entity -- which happens to be a top contributor to the lawmaker's campaign fund.
More than 60 Lawmakers Relied Mostly on Out-of-State Money
May 7, 2013 | All members of Congress get checks from outside their districts or states. But in the 2012 election cycle, at least 66 senators and House members relied on out-of-state donors for more than half of their campaign funds.
Sanford and Colbert Busch Roughly Even On Cash, not on Outside Spending
May 3, 2013 | The candidates facing off in Tuesday's special election in South Carolina have roughly the same amount of money at their disposal. But the outside spending in the race -- fueled by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and House Majority PAC -- heavily favors Colbert Busch.
No-Compromise Gun Group Drives Lobbying
May 2, 2013 | It was the National Association for Gun Rights -- not the NRA -- that drove the spike in lobbying by gun rights groups in the first quarter of the year. The group had never lobbied at the federal level. Plus, OpenSecrets Blog finds more ties between the group and Ron and Rand Paul.
Koch Industries, Business Groups Lobby Against Donor Disclosure
April 25, 2013 | Plenty of companies and trade groups are weighing in against being required to disclose their contributions to secretive tax-exempt groups that are active in the political arena. Just such a proposal may be coming from the SEC, and a bill is pending in Congress that would address the issue too.
Shadow Money Magic: Five Easy Steps That Let You Play Big in Politics, Hide Your Donors and Game the IRS – Step 5
April 19, 2013 | In the final installment of our report, we talk about what happens when a group gets caught being too politically active, and prospects for change.
Shadow Money Magic: Five Easy Steps That Let You Play Big in Politics, Hide Your Donors and Game the IRS
April 15, 2013 | Happy Tax Day! We hope you'll celebrate by reading the first installment of our new report, which shows that it's not all that hard to be a big player in politics while keeping donors under wraps AND gaming the IRS, the agency that's supposed to be the cop on this particular beat.
Organizing for Action Releases "Founding Members" List
April 12, 2013 | OFA hauls in $4.8 million from nearly 110,000 donors in its first quarter of operation, 25 percent of which came from just 23 individuals and a labor union.
Leadership PAC Funds Often Give Little to Other Candidates
April 9, 2013 | Leadership PACs are an extension of a politician's brand. Set up as auxiliaries to traditional campaign committees, they're traditionally thought of as ways for politicians to earn goodwill by passing campaign cash on to other party members -- bestowing gifts on up-and-comers in exchange for loyalty down the road, or offering tribute to party higher-ups. But in an analysis of leadership PACs, OpenSecrets.org found that of the 25 leadership PACs that spent more than $1 million in the last election cycle, just five of them gave more than 50 percent of their money to other candidates.
Gun Rights Group Has Close Ties To Paul Family
April 4, 2013 | The National Association for Gun Rights -- a group to the right of the NRA -- has been stirring controversy with attacks on Republicans. As it happens, the group has strong ties to both Rand and Ron Paul, OpenSecrets Blog has found.
Republicans Court Silicon Valley for Campaign Cash
April 3, 2013 | Republicans hope to lure Silicon Valley money from Democrats and cash in on the growing technology pie.
Generics Score Victory in India, but Battle Over Patents Rages On
April 2, 2013 | Generic drugmakers win one over the brand pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Indian Supreme Court, but lobbying reports show that the battle over patent protection rages on in the U.S., too.
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.
Zuckerberg Creating a Shadow Money Nonprofit to Take On Immigration Reform
March 25, 2013 | Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is creating a shadow money group to push for immigration reform. The billionaire's new nonprofit will be backed by a number of other executives and a team of bipartisan consultants with powerful connections.
The 2012 Election: Our Price Tag (Finally) for the Whole Ball of Wax
March 13, 2013 | It's official: The 2012 election was the most expensive in history, coming in at $6.3 billion-plus.
Trans-Pacific Partnership Draws Attention From K Street
March 11, 2013 | Companies turn to lobbyists to weigh in on the terms of the 11-nation trading alliance. And it looks like a major lobbying firm, the Podesta Group, is poised to cash in with the launch of a new global arm that will influence the TPP discussion and other international projects.
Remembering CREEP, and the High Price of Easy Money
March 11, 2013 | There are similarities between some of the biggest campaign donors of the CREEP era decades ago and those of today.
Capital Eye Opener, March 5: DCCC Announces 2014 Vulnerable Dems, ex-Sen. Nelson Opens Lobbying Firm
March 5, 2013 | The DCCC issues its first list of House Dems it views as vulnerable in 2014; the 26 lawmakers will get funding and help with messaging and mobilization. Also, former Sen. Ben Nelson takes a third job in his post-congressional career.
Special Interests Battle Over Immigration Reform
March 4, 2013 | Skirmishing over proposals to overhaul the nation's immigration laws has begun in earnest, but lobbying on the issue picked up months ago. Last year more clients reported lobbying on immigration than in any year since 2008.
Capital Eye Opener, March 1: Lobbying on Horse Slaughter, and Ellison's Spat with Hannity
March 1, 2013 | With the possible opening of a new horse slaughterhouse, we look at lobbying on the issue. Also, Rep. Keith Ellison's in a throwdown with Sean Hannity, but it's probably a plus for the lawmaker.
Money to Senators Looms Over Assault Weapons Hearing
February 27, 2013 | The subject of the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing today -- a proposed assault weapons ban -- is controversial enough. But casting another shadow on the conversation is the fact that members of the panel, who may vote on the proposal as early as Thursday, have received far more in campaign contributions from gun rights groups and individuals who are committed to the issue than they have from the other side. Since 2000, committee members have collected over $350,000 from gun rights groups and individuals, but just $17,000 from pro-gun control interests.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 27: Lobbyists Worry About SCOTUS Case, Club for Growth Ranks Congress
February 27, 2013 | Who's really sweating the McCutcheon case before the Supreme Court? Ask around on K Street. Also, tis the season for scorecards, and the Club for Growth's is out.
Bloomberg's Anti-Gun Money Has Dominated Illinois Race
February 26, 2013 | Today's Illinois special primary election for the congressional seat recently vacated by former Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., isn't a fight to see who can best shake off any connection to Jackson. It's a contest that's more about guns and money: New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's money, and the guns he's crusading against.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 26: Staff Shuffling at Dem Groups, Adelson Sues for Libel and More
February 26, 2013 | EMILY's List, one of the biggest Democratic fundraising groups in the 2012 cycle, gets a new national press secretary from Priorities USA Action, the pro-Obama super PAC. Sheldon Adelson sues over being called "foul-mouthed." And CPAC warms up for its confab next month, but leaves Garden State Gov. Chris Christie off the invitation list.
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. 22: Ideological Campaign Cash, Young Guns and More
February 22, 2013 | National Journal's liberal-conservative ratings of Congress are out. Also, Eric Cantor's YG Network files its first Form 990.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 21: Obama Finance Director Rumored for Foreign Post, Seafood Mislabeling Concerns and More
February 21, 2013 | Obama finance director may head to Copenhagen. Also, Oceana may have made the New York Times' front page regarding seafood mislabeling, but it's been lobbying on this issue for some time.
Monsanto: Big Guy on the Block When it Comes to Friends in Washington
February 19, 2013 | Justice Clarence Thomas was on the bench today hearing a case involving seed patents held by his previous employer, Monsanto. Thomas aside, though, Monsanto has plenty of friends in Washington: It's the big guy on the agribusiness block when it comes to providing campaign cash and lobbying muscle.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 18: A Texas-Size Gusher of Cash, and Carnival's Washington Spending Soars
February 18, 2013 | Few states -- in fact only one -- beat Texas when it comes to providing political cash, but Democrats, with the help of demographics, will have to work hard to match Republicans in reeling it in. Also, Carnival Cruise Lines has taken its share of lumps lately, which may have some connection to its ramped up spending on Washington lobbying.
Jesse Jackson Jr.: Campaign Cash to Spare
February 15, 2013 | Jesse Jackson Jr. reportedly will plead guilty to conspiring to misappropriate $750,000 in campaign funds. If true, the charges may help explain why Jackson's campaigns spent nearly all the $7.8 million they've raised since 2000, despite having no serious opposition.
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.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 14: Iraq to Hire Lobbying Firm and a K Street Behemoth on the Horizon
February 14, 2013 | Iraq hires the Podesta Group, known for its ties to top Democrats, to boost its image on Capitol Hill, and American Airlines merger with US Airways will create a jumbo jet sized K Street game.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 13: Obama Donors Picked for Plum Slots, and GOP Tweets Bilingually
February 13, 2013 | A top bundler for Obama keeps the revolving door spinning at the Justice Department, while another donor goes on a board overseeing a natural preserve in New Mexico.
Issues and Interest Groups in State of the Union Spotlight
February 12, 2013 | The economy, immigration, gun control and climate change are among the issues President Obama is expected to highlight in his address tonight. But don't expect any of his proposals to sail through Congress -- there are too many interests at stake for that.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 12: SOTU Guest Was Dem Donor, Giffords' Super PAC to Run Ad Tonight, and More
February 12, 2013 | The owner of a Wisconsin brewery who will sit with Michelle Obama at tonight's speech has also contributed to several Democratic causes, including the president's campaigns. Also, Gabby Giffords' super PAC will run its first ad before and after the State of the Union in select markets, and public employee unions rally on Capitol Hill today to protect federal workers in sequestration negotiations.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 11: New Jersey's Governor is BFF with Zuckerberg, Seattle Wants a Refund on Drones, and More
February 11, 2013 | Chris Christie heads west on a fundraising swing that includes an event hosted by Mark Zuckerberg. Also, some parts of the U.S. have doubts about drones.
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.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 8: Pritzker Well-Fixed for Commerce, Steve King Fights Back, and More
February 8, 2013 | Democratic fundraising stalwart Penny Pritzker sits atop Obama's list of potential picks to run the Commerce Department. Also, is it odd that Rep. Steve King -- mentioned as a possible target of Karl Rove's new group that will pick favorites in GOP primaries -- actually benefited from money spent on his behalf in 2012 by Rove's old group?
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 7: Menendez Ties to Donor Deepen, Hutchison Joins Giuliani's Firm, and More
February 7, 2013 | Sen. Robert Menendez' ties to a donor who's under FBI investigation are deeper than initially reported: According to the Washington Post, he contacted top federal health officials twice over their finding that the donor overbilled Medicare. And research by OpenSecrets.org shows the donor and his wife each contributed to Menendez' legal defense fund
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 6: Duckworth "Buzziest" House Freshman in Media Hype and Fundraising, One Florida University Beefs Up Lobbying Staff, and More
February 6, 2013 | Rep. Tammy Duckworth was mentioned in the news more in her first month of office than any other House freshman, according to a University of Minnesota study. She also spent more in her campaign than her colleagues in the class of '12.
Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 4: Entergy's Embarrassment?, More Super PACs Target Primaries and More
February 4, 2013 | The house may have gone dark at the Super Bowl last night, but Entergy has kept the lights on in its lobbying shop. Also, super PACs take aim in Democratic and Republican primaries, and how much is that ambassadorship in the window?
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.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 31: FEC Increases Contribution Limits, Urban Outfitters Enlists K Street, and More
January 31, 2013 | The FEC's higher contribution limits may be better news for Republicans than Dems: far more contributors maxed out to Romney than Obama. Also, Urban Outfitters' new CEO leans right, a distinct change from the chain's last leader.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 30: Federal Unions Growing, Hillary's Biggest Fan, and Samsung Opens DC Lobbying Office
January 30, 2013 | Public employee unions continue growing, and so (for the most part) does the amount they spend to lobby Washington. Also, one university professor has started two pro-Hillary super PACs.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 29: K Street Talks Cybersecurity, Defense PACs Make Year-end Investments, and More
January 29, 2013 | Everyone from Wal-mart to Boeing wanted to be heard on cybersecurity in 2012's final quarter. Also, defense PACs made many post-election investments in Capitol Hill allies.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 25: Lobbying for Filibuster Changes, SEC Nominee's Reverse-Revolving, and More
January 25, 2013 | Good government types, labor unions and others have lobbied to change filibuster rules. Also, some of the clients of Mary Jo White's law firm will be watching her actions at the SEC, if she's confirmed as chief, with more than passing interest.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 23: Tech Companies' Lobbying Up — Though Not as Much as the Chamber's
January 23, 2013 | The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its subsidiaries were by far the fourth quarter's biggest spenders on lobbying. But don't forget Google -- or the American Dehydrated Onion and Garlic Association.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 22: Plum Perks for Obama Donors on Day 1, and Coming Battle Over Climate Change
January 22, 2013 | Many donors were among the V.I.P.'s to receive the royal treatment for President Obama's second invocation, earning what amounts to front row seats to watch the ceremony and performances at inaugural balls.
Latest Inaugural Donors: Lawmakers, Unions, Corporations — But Few Details
January 20, 2013 | Labor unions finally show up on the list of inaugural donors, along with more big-name corporations and a sprinkling of celebrities. But once again, the Friday-night release of contributors is devoid of info to help viewers figure out who they are -- details like hometown and employer. And the list doesn't reveal how much each donor kicked in.
Former House Appropriations Member Parlays Defense Experience Into Lucrative Post
January 17, 2013 | Former Rep. Steven Rothman, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and its defense subcommittee, is heading a new defense unit of a corporate law firm. He's not allowed to lobby for a eyar, but he'll help the firm's clients in their "dealings" with the federal government.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 17: Shadow Money Group Slammed in Montana Courts, the Latest in Waldron v. Bachmann, and More
January 17, 2013 | Shadow money groups take another hit at the state level as a Montana judge rules Western Tradition Partnership used "subterfuge" to avoid disclosing its donors and posting required disclaimers. And former Michele Bachmann presidential campaign staffer Peter Waldron sticks another needle in his voodoo doll with a complaint to the FEC about how Bachmann paid a consultant.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 15: Automakers Rev Up Political Spending, the Power of the Hospital Lobby and More
January 15, 2013 | The auto industry may be showing off at the big show in Detroit this week, but many candidates have already seen the industry's best side. Also, the hospital industry fends off important cuts in the fiscal cliff legislation.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 11: Rockefeller Retires, and a Michele Bachmann Dust-Up
January 11, 2013 | Senator Jay Rockefeller wasn't just a solid Democratic vote; he was a reliable fundraiser who gave generously to other Democrats.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 10: Obama's Treasury Pick, the Uphill Battle at the NRCC and More!
January 10, 2013 | Barack Obama's choice for Treasury Secretary has a revolving door past, the new executive director of the National Republican Congressional Committee has a bruising 2012 to overcome and the battle for Herbalife may go through Washington.
Retired Lawmaker Moves on to Lobbying, Running a PAC
January 10, 2013 | Now that Rep. Steve LaTourette has retired after 18 years in Congress, he's moving through the revolving door to open a government affairs branch for a business-oriented law firm. He'll also run a PAC that favors moderate Republicans, and plans to start a super PAC affiliate.
CRP Unveils Obama Inaugural Donors Page
January 9, 2013 | Like everything else this election cycle, the inauguration festivities for President Barack Obama's second term will likely cost a fortune. The Center for Responsive Politics' new inaugural donor tracker compiles everything we know about the individuals and companies helping Obama's Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) pick up the tab.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 9: Major Super PAC Donor Runs Into Trouble In Texas, New House Oversight Chair and More
January 9, 2013 | Texas billionaire Harold Simmons, who donated more than $20 million to American Crossroads, was fined by the Texas Ethics Commission for making illegal contributions to 18 Texas lawmakers in 2011.
Post-Sandy, a Campaign Cash Storm Warning
January 8, 2013 | Not many of those who voted against the Sandy relief package last week can afford to ignore New York and New Jersey as sources of campaign cash.
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 3: Campaign Cash is the Question for Brown, How the Cliff Bill Got Fat, and More
January 3, 2013 | Will Scott Brown jump back into the frying pan so soon after his bruising, and incredibly costly, 2012 race? A big factor is whether he thinks he can raise the money for a third race in four years. Also, how the fiscal cliff legislation came to include tax credits benefiting many large corporations, and why New Jersey and New York matter to lawmakers like John Boehner.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 26: Under-the-Influence Edition
December 26, 2012 | Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho is owning up to his DUI arrest over the weekend in Alexandria. He's also taken sizable contributions from PACs associated with the alcohol industry.
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. 20: Where Congress and the NRA Collide, Treasury Sells GM, and More
December 20, 2012 | Two members of Congress -- a Republican and a Democrat -- are on the NRA's board of directors. Also, members of Congress and GM stock, and Sen. Tom Harkin's relationship with a company pushing the dollar coin.
Soft Cash Changes Hands Between Crossroads GPS and the NRA
December 17, 2012 | In its shadow money investigation, the Center for Responsive Politics came across a $600,000 donation from Crossroads GPS going into the pockets of the National Rifle Association's 501(c)(4) group.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 17: Manchin on Gun Control, S.C.'s New Senator and More
December 17, 2012 | West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin (D) is one of the few Democrats who receives campaign cash from the National Rifle Association, but this morning he said he was ready to talk about gun control.
Gun Rights Groups' Political Spending Crushes That of Gun Control Supporters
December 14, 2012 | When it comes to lobbying, campaign contributions and outside spending, pro-gun rights groups are light years ahead of those that support stronger gun control. The NRA accounts for most of the spending.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 14: Corker Ends Season With Most Leftovers, Koch Industries' Lobbying on Pace to Surpass Last Year's Level, and More,
December 14, 2012 | Sen. Bob Corker finishes his race with a tidy $6.3 million in the bank -- though that's still a far cry from Sen. Richard Shelby's 2010 record of $17 million.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 12: Crossroads and the DCCC on Cliff, Obama to Accept Corporate Funds for Inauguration, and More
December 12, 2012 | Crossroads and the DCCC target politicians on the cliff. Obama lifts inaugural donation restrictions.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 11: Banks in Potentially Crippling Lawsuits, A Cultural Misunderstanding Over Wal-Mart Lobbying, and the Death Star Petition
December 11, 2012 | Some of the nation's biggest banks are defendants in a whole new round of lawsuits over subprime mortgages, with potential liability in the hundreds of billions. WalMart is accused of illegal lobbying in India, though it all seems to be a misunderstanding.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec: 10: Fight Night in Vegas, Crist's Final Crossing, and More
December 10, 2012 | Mitt Romney went to Vegas to attend a fight, but Sheldon Adelson wasn't by his side. The MGM Grand, where the fight took place, is actually a big Democratic donor. Also, Charlie Crist makes it official at the White House.
Unions Gave Democratic Super PACs Last-Minute Burst of Cash
December 7, 2012 | Two super PACs devoted to electing Democrats to the House and Senate, as well as the one backing Obama's re-election, brought in close to $10 million from labor between Oct. 18 and Election Day, FEC reports indicate.
American Crossroads Brought in $37 Million in Last-Chance Cash
December 7, 2012 | Without the Adelsons, American Crossroads would have brought in just $14 million in the final few weeks before the election -- and thrown less money down the drain.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 7: Multimillions for Priorities, Adelsons Come Through for Crossroads, and More
December 7, 2012 | Priorities USA Action brought in $15 million in the weeks before the election, and after the vote still had $4 million in the bank. The Adelsons send $23 million to American Crossroads in the final days. A union-funded group spends $1 million against Scott Brown just before the vote. And FreedomWorks for America picks up another $5 million-plus from the mysterious Specialty Group.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 6: Healthcare Plan Architect Heads To Johnson & Johnson, Anti-Tea Party Super PAC Spent Big, and More
December 6, 2012 | A White House aide and major player in designing the health care law heads back to the private sector, anti-tea party super PAC CREDO spent big in the final days of the election and lobbying on soot gets messy.
Stanford Leads BCS Bowl-Bound Schools in Contributions, Lobbying
December 5, 2012 | The 10 universities headed to BCS bowls this season also have been politically active and have spent a combined $1.5 million lobbying and $2.7 million on campaign contributions. Stanford, by far, has spent the most with almost $300,000 on lobbying and $1.7 million in contributions.
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.
Defense Lobbying Continues Downward Flight Path
December 5, 2012 | The number of clients lobbying on defense issues has dropped steadily since 2008. It now ranks fifth, behind even transportation.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 5: Possible Uptick in Style at European Embassy, New DSCC Chair Named, and More
December 5, 2012 | A top Obama bundler and fashion icon could be the next ambassador to Britain or France. A Colorado senator takes over the chairmanship of the DSCC.
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.
Grimm's Fundraising Robust Despite Accusations of Campaign Fraud
November 30, 2012 | Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) has been operating under a shadow since shortly after his election in 2010, accused of participating in major campaign finance wrongdoing. But even as his legal troubles continue to mount, Grimm has seen his fundraising efforts thrive and won re-election in his Staten Island district earlier this month.
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.
Drones: Despite Problems, A Push to Expand Domestic Use
November 27, 2012 | Privacy and safety questions remain unresolved, but a law pushed by makers of unmanned aerial vehicles requires the Federal Aviation Administration to open up airspace to the devices. Police departments, universities, private corporations -- everyone wants one.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 23: The Politics of Big-Box Stores, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Demise, and More
November 23, 2012 | Just in case you were torn about which stores to hit first, here's some info to make your choice even more complicated!
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Special
November 22, 2012 | The Macy's parade, the turkey and trimmings -- there's a money-and-politics aspect to all of it. Happy Thanksgiving!
Capitol Eye Opener Nov. 20: Sequestration Puts Cloud Over Defense, Allen West Concedes, and More
November 20, 2012 | The defense sector braces for sequestration. Allen West (finally) concedes. Obama talks with business leaders.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 19: California Republicans Struggle, Digital Fundraising and Burma Lobbying
November 19, 2012 | California has a liberal reputation, and indeed the Golden State's Republicans are struggling -- at the polls and at campaign fundraising; President Barack Obama rides high on digital fundraising and the president's visit to Burma prompts a look at who's lobbying on the U.S. relationship with the former military dictatorship.
Fear of Sequestration Not Limited to Defense, Lobbying Records Show
November 16, 2012 | Sequestration is the subject of much lobbying activity, and it's not all coming from the defense industry.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 15: Rice Could Be in Hot Water, Lobbyist-Bundlers Helped New Lawmakers, and More
November 15, 2012 | Sen. John McCain says he'll oppose Susan Rice as Secretary of State, though not because she was an Obama bundler in 2008. Also, we know about presidential bundlers (well, not so much about Romney's), but what about those who bundled for incoming lawmakers?
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 13: Gay Rights Groups Back History, Prolific Paul Ryan and More
November 13, 2012 | The freshly declared victory of the woman who will be the first openly bisexual member of Congress shows the strength of gay rights and women's groups. Also, the evolution of Paul Ryan as a national figure, as seen through campaign finance data.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 9: Undecided Races, Iowa Rules Turnout and More
November 8, 2012 | Nine races are still officially undecided, though news outlets have begun calling some of them. Also, six-term incumbent Joe Baca may have fallen due to Mayor Bloomberg's super PAC. And could Ashley Judd beat Mitch McConnell?
Blue Team Aided by Small Donors, Big Bundlers; Huge Outside Spending Still Comes Up Short
November 7, 2012 | President Barack Obama clinched a second term last night relying on many of the same campaign finance tools he used in his pre-Citizens United victory in 2008: party support and an in-house campaign finance operation that turned to individual donors and a web of elite bundlers to expand its reach. He received comparatively little help from outside spending groups. But that's not to say super PACs and secretive nonprofit groups had no influence on the election -- although they heavily favored conservative candidates, many of whom lost, they created an arms race that helped drive the cost of election to record levels.
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.
Outside Groups Made Final Push in the Last Week
November 7, 2012 | Senate races in Arizona, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, Virginia and Wisconsin drew the most outside spending in the last week.
Mystery Firm is Election's Top Corporate Donor at $5.3 Million
November 5, 2012 | The biggest corporate contributor in the 2012 election so far doesn't appear to make anything–other than very large contributions to a conservative super PAC.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 5: Lobbying FEMA, Virginia Senate Race Cost Unprecedented, and More
November 5, 2012 | The debate over the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in post-disaster cleanups continues in Washington long after the crisis has passed. Also, the Virginia Senate race has cost more than $86 million, with outside spending making up the majority of that.
Hot Race for Nebraska Senate: Bob Kerrey vs. Deb Fischer
November 5, 2012 | Kerrey's creep to within 3 percentage points of Fischer in the polls has triggered last-minute spending by American Crossroads and other outside groups.
Hot Race for Nevada Senate Seat: Dean Heller vs. Shelley Berkley
November 2, 2012 | Democratic congresswoman Shelley Berkley tries her luck against Republican incumbent Dean Heller in Nevada's $45 million Senate race.
Hot Race for North Dakota Senate Seat: Rick Berg vs. Heidi Heitkamp
November 2, 2012 | North Dakota's senatorial candidates remain neck-and-neck just four days before the election.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 2: Mystery Super PAC Attacks Stabenow, Voter Fraud App Launched by Pro-Gingrich Group, and More
November 2, 2012 | Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat, is under attack by a pop-up super PAC that won't have to report its donors till after election Day. Meanwhile, a free new app from the pro-Gingrich super PAC encourages citizens to report what they think could be voter fraud, and new faces on our celebrity donor list -- including The Donald.
Capital Eye Opener, Nov. 1: Lobbyists Flood Insurance Legislation, Anti-Humane Society Group Gets Political, and More
November 1, 2012 | Flood insurance is a popular topic for lobbying; the group Protect the Harvest isn't what it seems; and Sam Zell, philanthropist and Republican donor (but you might not want to sell him your newspaper company).
Hot Race for Arizona Senate Seat: Jeff Flake vs. Richard Carmona
November 1, 2012 | It would appear that Jeff Flake holds all the cards in his campaign to win Arizona's open Senate seat. But despite having outraised his Democratic opponent, and having more outside spending going his way, Flake's move to the other side of the Capitol is far from certain.
Hot Race for Virginia Senate Seat: Tim Kaine vs. George Allen
November 1, 2012 | Virginia's Senate race has proved to be much more than a barometer for national sentiment about Democrats and Republicans. With the help of outside spending, its cost is approaching $70 million, making it the nation's most expensive so far.
Union-Backed Super PAC Supports Republicans
October 31, 2012 | The Lunch Pail Republicans super PAC gets its money primarily from the International Union of Operating Engineers, and -- unlike most union-funded groups -- backs Republicans.
Super PACs, Nonprofits Favored Romney Over Obama: Citizens United Decision Helped Romney Neutralize Obama's Fundraising Advantage
October 30, 2012 | Super PACs and nonprofits unleashed by the Citizens United Supreme Court decision have spent more than $840 million on the 2012 election, with the overwhelming majority favoring Republicans, particularly GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney. The spending helped close the gap on Obama's considerable fundraising advantage over his rival.
Outside Groups Outspend Candidates in 26 House Races
October 30, 2012 | In 26 House races, spending by outside groups -- super PACs, nonprofits and party committees -- outstripped that of the candidates themselves. Among them: the misshapen plot of land that has been dubbed the "rabbit on a skateboard," aka the Illinois 17th.
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.
Shadow Money's Top 10 Candidates
October 25, 2012 | Never before has so much outside money been dispensed in an election cycle. Likewise, never before has so much spending been done by outside groups that don't disclose the identities of their donors: Their outlays broke $200 million this week. Here, we give you the top 10 candidates attracting shadow money attention.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 25: Unions Worry Support Could Be in Vain, Giants Make Eponymous Contributions, and More
October 25, 2012 | True to tradition, labor unions are solidly behind President Obama and other Democrats, and their contributions show it. Nonetheless, they worry about the post-election season and whether the Dems will cut Social Security and Medicare.
Breaking Out the Triple Threat of Presidential Fundraising: Candidate, Party and Super PAC
October 22, 2012 | The candidates' committees have remained the focus of presidential fundraising, though less so in the case of the Republicans. The RNC and outside groups have helped keep Romney competitive.
Hot Race in Michigan's 1st: Dan Benishek vs. Gary McDowell
October 21, 2012 | A rematch between one-term incumbent Dan Benishek and his Democratic challenger, ary McDowell, looks to be a much tighter race than their encounter two years ago.
Hot Race in the Illinois 11th: Judy Biggert vs. Bill Foster
October 19, 2012 | The House race in Illinois' 11th District has it all; tight poll numbers, a fundraising deadlock and plenty of outside spending by prominent groups.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 18: Binders Full of Money, Bloomberg's New Super PAC, and More
October 18, 2012 | Don't laugh, binders are big business and helped make Romney the wealthy man he is today, while another wealthy man, Mike Bloomberg dives into the world of super PACs head first, and the Ivy League education of two New York Senate candidates.
More Romney Bundlers Revealed
October 17, 2012 | Sixty-three registered lobbyists have raised $14.3 million for the Romney campaign, and despite the campaign's refusal to publicly disclose its list of bundlers -- elite fundraisers who tap their personal and professional networks to raise funds. In addition, we've identified 37 of Romney's other, non-lobbyist bundlers, whose names the campaign has refused to disclose.
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.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 17: NFL Owners as Donors, Wall Street Shifts, and More
October 17, 2012 | Most NFL owners support Republicans, despite a big contribution from the wife of the Pittsburgh Steelers' owner to an outside spending group that backs Obama. Also, Wall Street drops Obama like he was a live grenade.
Data Mining v. the Senate
October 16, 2012 | The Senate Commerce Committee hopes to shed light on database mining projects, but the companies that do the mining have a good bit of lobbying experience.
Debate Prep: Your Guide to the Issues and Who's Invested in Them
October 16, 2012 | Tonight's debate will be closely watched to see whether the president delivers a more energetic performance. But there are other reasons to tune in, including keeping an eye on whether the candidates' responses reflect the positions of their campaign contributors.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 16: Compound Lobbying, Obama's Box Office Success, and More
October 16, 2012 | Compounding pharmacies, like the one that made the steroid that's been linked to cases of deadly meningitis, aren't new to the ways of Washington. Also, celebrity supporters of Obama cut new ads for him.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 15: Specter's Powerful Fundraising, People's Majority Returns, and More
October 15, 2012 | Former Sen. Arlen Specter won't just be remembered for his complicated political history, he was also a powerful fundraiser. Plus, one of the original super PACs is back, and conservative outside spending groups form a towering virtual campaign.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 12: Romney's 360 on Abortion, Strange Bedfellows in the 501(c) World, and More
October 12, 2012 | Romney may have tried to tack to the center on abortion, but less than 48 hours later he was back to attacking Planned Parenthood -- which has shown its muscle as an outside spending group this cycle.
Play Ball! Orioles Circle the Bases for D's, But Other Playoff Teams Lean Right in Contributions
October 10, 2012 | Peter Angelos and the Baltimore Orioles outslug other playoff teams by a mile when it comes to campaign contributions. While the O's bat left-handed, most other teams are righties.
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.
Hot Race for Missouri Senate Seat: Claire McCaskill vs. Todd Akin
October 9, 2012 | Foot-in-mouth disease has plagued Todd Akin, and incumbent Claire McCaskill has all the fundraising advantages, but she hasn't yet been able to pull away.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 9: Rich Donors' Many Interests, Fracking Industry's Ongoing Pressure, and More
October 9, 2012 | The Center for Responsive Politics collaborates for an examination of wealthy donors' giving across the spectrum -- federal, state and local -- led by the Investigative News Network.
The Big Picture: CRP Collaboration With INN and Others Produces Rare Look at Wealthy Donors' Range of Giving
October 8, 2012 | CRP's collaboration with the Investigative News Network, the National Institute for Money in State Politics and news outlets in seven states yields a close look at wealthy donors' wide-ranging giving.
Hot Race in California's New 7th: Dan Lungren vs. Ami Bera
October 5, 2012 | In California's brand-new 7th District, two old competitors are going at it again. Once again, the challenger has been outraising the House veteran. But this time the district is being flooded with outside money.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 4: Debate Remarks Reflect Donors, Monsanto's D.C. Presence May Help Cushion Bad News, and More
October 4, 2012 | In a roundabout way, Mitt Romney spoke up for the interests of big banks -- which occupy slot Nos.1 through 8 on the list of his top contributors. Meanwhile, Monsanto's big investment in Washington could help soften the impact of the sort of bad news it has been receiving in recent weeks.
Hot Race in the Minnesota 8th: Chip Cravaack vs. Rick Nolan
October 4, 2012 | There are plenty of disparities in the contest between Rick Nolan and Chip Cravaack, including the fact that Cravaack has raised about $1 million more. But outside spending is the real story of this race.
Hot Race for Connecticut Senate Seat: Chris Murphy vs. Linda McMahon
October 3, 2012 | Former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon doesn't need the support of a super PAC, and she doesn't need to hold $500-a-head fundraisers. She has her very own deep pockets -- though she's dipped into them for far less cash than she did in 2010 and has spent the money more wisely, which has kept her Senate race with Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy very, very competitive.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 3: Super PACs Launch New Anti-Obama Ads, Don't Forget Our Webchat, and More
October 3, 2012 | With less than five weeks remaining until Election Day, conservative super PACs remain on a roll with their outside spending against President Barack Obama. And this week, he's come under attack again.
New Georgian Leader A Man With a Past — On K Street
October 2, 2012 | Billionaire Georgian businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili appears set to be the new prime minister of his country. That'll have repercussions on K Street, as well: Ivanishvili has spent some of his millions hiring lobbyists to represent him in the U.S.
Debate Commission's Own Hot Topic
October 2, 2012 | When tens of millions of viewers tune in Wednesday to the first of three debates between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, it's likely that the only fireworks will be on stage. But controversy rages about the Commission on Presidential Debates, which is hosting the event, and several sponsors have dropped out in recent days.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 2: Small State is VP Hub, Aurora Survivor in Ad, and More
October 2, 2012 | Joe Biden and Paul Ryan both visit Connecticut in search of cash, and Mayor Bloomberg's pro-gun control PAC runs ad featuring an Aurora survivor.
OpenSecrets Webchat Oct. 4: Ask the Experts — How Will Citizens United Affect 2012?
September 27, 2012 | Next Thursday, Oct. 4, the Center for Responsive Politics will sponsor a webchat on the fallout from Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. A roundtable of experts will be on hand to discuss, among other things, how the 2010 decision has led to a surge in independent expenditures by unions and corporations, and the impact of new money sources on candidates, parties and the groups themselves.
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. 24: Gassing Up at American Crossroads, Goode Money, and More
September 24, 2012 | If American Crossroads founder Karl Rove ever takes a road trip back home to Dallas, he'll have some friendly options for gas and grub along the way. Pilot Corp., the company that owns and operates the eponymous gas stations and highway travel centers, as well as the Flying J truck stop chain, helped fill up Crossroads' tank with cash in August.
Liberal Super PACs Outraise Conservative Groups; Obama Still Strong With Small Donors
September 21, 2012 | For the first time all year, super PACs with a liberal bent outraised conservative ones.
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. 20: A Poll on Campaign Finance, Anti-Obama Ads Flood Midwest, and More
September 20, 2012 | A new poll finds Democrats more concerned than Republicans about donations from corporations, unions and the wealthy; Restore Our Future pours money into Wisconsin and Michigan; and where Washington sports team owners put their political investments.
Politiquizz: Wrestle With This One
September 19, 2012 | The Murphy-McMahon smackdown prompts our question.
OpenSecrets.org Begins Tracking Celebrity Donations
September 19, 2012 | Like most Americans, most celebrities don't actually give very much money to candidates, and when they do, they're bound by the same campaign finance rules as everyone else. But there are a handful of celebrities who are very active in politics, and OpenSecrets.org is now tracking many of them with new pages showing contributions from celebrities.
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.
Van Hollen Decision Overturned
September 18, 2012 | A federal appeals court threw out a lower court's ruling that politically active nonprofits need to disclose the donors behind electioneering communications.
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 18: Citizens United's New Movie, Ways & Means' Closed-Door Meeting, and More
September 18, 2012 | Citizens United is back, four years later, with another hour-long documentary about another Democratic presidential candidate! We're trying not to get too nostalgic. But good luck finding it on your local cable lineup.
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. 14: Washington's Soda Tax Problem, Super PACs in Connecticut? And more
September 14, 2012 | Mayor Michael Bloomberg may well have spent last night with a cigar in one hand and a glass of not-a-soft-drink in the other. He could celebrate the New York City Board of Health's approval of his proposal to restrict the sale of sugary soda pop larger than 16 ounces. Dare anyone follow up at the national level? We offer some cold, hard numbers to consider.
Capital Eye Opener, Sept. 12: Teachers' Strike Could Affect Dems' Cashflow, Pandora's Box, and More
September 12, 2012 | The Chicago teachers' strike puts a hold on Rahm Emanuel's fundraising for Priorities USA. Will teachers' unions -- among the largest donors to liberal outside spending groups -- shut down their giving?
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, Sept. 7: Bankers Prep Secret Spending, Jewelry Heir Funds Anti-Gay Marriage Ads
September 7, 2012 | A few months back there was excitement over a new super PAC founded by bankers to target members of Congress -- it didn't really pan out. But a new organization created yesterday might do better -- it will collect money anonymously from big banks and target Senate races.
Trump Fails To Put His Money Where His Mouth Is
September 6, 2012 | Yesterday, one of Donald Trump's aides bragged to BusinessInsider that his boss has given "millions" of dollars to pro-Romney super PACs. We had to check out this claim from The Donald, who's occasionally shown a self-promotional streak over the years.
Capital Eye Opener Sept. 6th: Celebrities at the DNC, Rahm Joins Priorities
September 6, 2012 | Labor unions not the stars of this year's convention, celebrities, however, seem to be making quite the splash, and Rahm Emanuel seeks to make a bigger splash by moving to the super PAC world.
Romney Bundlers Enjoy Yacht Party At Convention
August 31, 2012 | Although the Romney campaign refuses to publicly release the list of its donors, a number of these elite fundraisers (those who have raised $1 million or more for the campaign) enjoyed a celebratory gathering on a yacht Tuesday. OpenSecrets Blog was at the marina to witness the comings and goings.
Capital Eye Opener, August 31: Marriott For Romney, Ryan's Ad-Friendly Zinger and More
August 31, 2012 | Mitt Romney didn't fly into Tampa until Thursday, but meanwhile more than 100 members of his family, close and far-flung, took over the local Marriott just across the street from the hall where Romney accepted the GOP presidential nomination last night.
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 28th: 'Turncoat' in Tampa, a $6000 Campaign, and Convention Spending Down
August 28, 2012 | Charlie Crist makes convention news, agreeing to speak at the Democratic event next week -- despite being the beneficiary of millions from Republicans during his career, a New Hampshire gubernatorial candidate shows how to run a campaign on the cheap, and convention sponsors are holding back this year.
Capital Eye Opener, August 27: Florida Welcomes GOP, and Hurricane Boehner
August 27, 2012 | Hold on to your wallet! Literally hundreds of fundraisers are crammed into every spare minute of the Republican convention. Also, Boehner's pre-convention storming for cash.
Liberal Group With Ties to Unions Ends Donor Disclosure
August 23, 2012 | Patriot Majority's latest series of attack ads targets the conservative billionaires pumping money into the secretive world of right-wing non-profits, but offers few clues about who is funding its own activities. In a striking example of how the most ambitious actors in the realm of political funding have begun taking advantage of a shift in the legal landscape since 2010, the trail connecting Patriot Majority to its well-known progressive funders has all but melted away. Almost all of Patriot Majority's activities are now being carried out through a nonprofit that, under section 501(c)(4) of the tax code, doesn't have to disclose its donors.
Presidential Candidates Pick Up $1.1 Million From Overseas Donors
August 23, 2012 | Through the end of July, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have combined to pick up $1.1 million in donations from overseas donors, according to an OpenSecrets.org analysis. The biggest source of funding is the United Kingdom, where the two candidates have relatively equal levels of support -- the rest of the world isn't so evenly split.
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 22nd: Tribal Lobbying, Yoder Makes Waves, and Retirees Take Spotlight
August 22, 2012 | Two new lobbying registrations this week have ties to Native American tribes, according to Politico. The National Indian Gaming Association and Chickasaw Nation Industries have officially hired Ben Nighthorse Consultants, Inc. and Sprit Rock Consulting, respectively, to represent their interests in the federal government.
Capital Eye Opener, August 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.
Capital Eye Opener, August 16: Obama Implements Immigration Policy, Romney Beating Obama in Swing State Fundraising and More
August 16, 2012 | Lobbying on the DREAM Act made strange allies on Capitol Hill. A new poll shows Mitt Romney ahead in some key battleground states. And the DCCC hits Rep. Dan Benishek (R-Mich.) on Medicare.
Capital Eye Opener, August 15: Iowa Again a Battleground, Virginia is for GOP Super PAC Lovers and More
August 15, 2012 | Both Presidential Campaigns made their desire to win Iowa clear this week. Meanwhile, Virginians heavily favor super PAC's that lean Republican, and Obama's 2012 reelection bid makes history.
Capital Eye Opener, August 14: Non-Profits Bigger Than Super PACs, Obama's Birthday Blowout
August 14, 2012 | Everyone talks about super PAC spending, but those groups are getting swamped by secretive politically active non-profits according to a new analysis; Barack Obama had a $4.1 million birthday party and Voter ID laws too much for Game of Thrones
Super PACs Utilize Secretive Nonprofits to Hide Funding in Pennsylvania, Utah
August 13, 2012 | Two super PACs focused on a handful of races and advised by the same lawyer-lobbyist have kept most of their donors' names secret by drawing all or nearly all of their funds from tax-exempt groups that don't have to disclose the source of their money.
Capital Eye Opener, Aug. 13: Ryan's Biggest Supporters and Detractors, Bob Kerrey's Friends In The Media and More
August 13, 2012 | The biggest supporter of Paul Ryan's leadership PAC the last several years has been a New York City hedgefund run by a billionaire known for his support of the GOP and gay marriage; Forget about the liberal media, Bob Kerrey finds friends in the rural media.
Washington's Influence Olympics: The United States Olympic Committee
August 10, 2012 | We've had some fun here at OpenSecrets Blog pitting K Street's top power players against each other in Washington's Influence Olympics. But in all seriousness, politics has always been very much a part of the Olympic Games. The United States Olympic Committee itself is no stranger to Washington, spending millions on lobbying over the years; and several members of its board of directors are active Democratic and Republican donors.
Washington's Influence Olympics: The 100 Meter Dash
August 8, 2012 | Usain Bolt's success got us thinking -- which company is the top "sprinter" this year in Washington? In other words, which groups have rushed out the door the quickest to spend the most money on lobbying through first half of 2012?
Tea Party Feud in Missouri Primary
August 6, 2012 | On paper, FreedomWorks for America and the Tea Party Express look like natural allies, supporting small government, spending cuts and so forth. But in Missouri, FreedomWorks, the Express and other influential conservative players find themselves on different sides of tomorrow's contested Senate primary.
Spending Reported by Nondisclosing Groups Well Ahead of 2010
August 6, 2012 | As of today, spending reported to the Federal Election Commission by groups that aren't required to disclose the sources of their funding has nearly tripled over where it stood at the same point in the 2010 election cycle, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics. And there's much more to come, if 2012 is anything like 2010, when 93 percent of the spending by nondisclosing groups came after Aug. 6.
Capital Eye Opener, Aug. 6: Americans for Job Security Back In Action, Watchdog Groups Take On American Future Fund and Will Ferrell Maxes Out
August 6, 2012 | Americans for Job Security targets Eric Hovde in its first ad of the cycle, the Campaign Legal Center and Democracy 21 oppose American Future Fund's efforts to raise funds with candidates and the 2012 'Campaign' goes Hollywood.
Capital Eye Opener, August 3: Polling about Super PACS, NYC Preps for Outside Spending and More
August 3, 2012 | "Super PAC" may be a household term to readers of this blog, but most Americans don't know what one is. NYC anticipates local super PAC activity and adopts stronger disclosure regs, and the DCCC says "sorry" to Sheldon Adelson.
Washington's Influence Olympics: Boxing
August 2, 2012 | To emerge victorious from this event, lobbying firms must prove they can knock out the competition by offering representation on a broad range of issues to an array of industries -- thus packing a heck of a bottom line punch.
Capital Eye Opener, Aug. 2: The Internet's Future K Street Shop, Mitt's VP App, and Ad Spending Data
August 2, 2012 | The Internet's K Street presence becomes more formidable with the launching of a trade group for the likes of Google and Facebook. And -- whoa -- a new smartphone app for a first look at who Romney picks to be his running mate?
Washington's Influence Olympics: The Shooting Competition
August 1, 2012 | To arms! The latest round of Washington's Influence Olympics pits weapons manufacturers against each other. We promise minimal bloodshed.
2012 Election Will Be Costliest Yet, With Outside Spending a Wild Card
August 1, 2012 | The 2012 presidential and congressional elections will be the most expensive on record, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics estimates, though they likely won't beat 2008's number by much. Outside spending, though, is a wild card that makes predictions tricky, and it's clear that it will account for a larger share of the total than ever before.
OpenSecrets PolitiQuizz: Lone Star State's Star Democrat
July 31, 2012 | This week's question has to do with San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who will deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.
Capital Eye Opener, July 31: An Olympic Ad Boosting Romney, the Teamsters Stay in the Game, and More
July 31, 2012 | Restore Our Future follows Priorities USA Action in using the Olympics to talk about Romney, this time in a positive light. But will Olympic officials come down on this super PAC as it did on Priorities? Also, how corporations embroiled in scandal deal with contributions to politicians, and the Teamsters stand strong in the realm of political giving.
Washington's Influence Olympics: The Opening Ceremony
July 27, 2012 | Millions of people all over the world today will tune in for the event that comes but once every four years: the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympics. This year, there are 53 official corporate sponsors of the Olympics, most of which have a multinational reach. And just about any major company that's doing business in the U.S. is likely to a have a stake in what's going on in Washington. Of the 53 Olympic sponsors, 29 have lobbied the federal government since the last Summer Games, even those that are not based in the U.S. Welcome to the Influence Olympics!
Priorities USA's New Billionaire
July 26, 2012 | Billionaire Irwin Jacobs completed a years-long retirement process when he stepped down from the board of directors of Qualcomm, where he was once the chairman and CEO. But while Jacobs may have left the business world, his political activities have not suffered for it: The former executive gave $2 million in June to pro-Obama super PAC Priorities USA Action.
Capital Eye Opener, July 26: Small Donors Big on Elizabeth Warren, Bundler Blues, and American Future Fund Wants More
July 26, 2012 | Elizabeth Warren's record-breaking fundraising includes huge amounts from small donors -- almost half of the $24.5 million she's raised in the 2012 cycle. Meanwhile some of Obama's 2008 bundlers are blocked from helping him this year because, as ambassadors, they're government employees, while Romney still won't make public who his bundlers are. And American Future Fund, a 501(c)(4), wants to set up joint fundraising committees with candidates and super PACs, breaking down more walls between different types of politically active organizations.
Capital Eye Opener, July 25: A Spike in Super PAC Money from Individuals, Signs of Life at the IRS on Political Nonprofits and More
July 24, 2012 | Individual donors are loving super PACs, posting a big spike in contributions in 2012's second quarter. The IRS shows signs of life when it comes to politically active 501(c) groups. And the YG Network runs ads calling for greater transparency in the budget sequestration process, though it's not disclosing who's funding the ads.
Capital Eye Opener, July 20: 'Dark Knight' Donations, Romney Nourished by Supplements, and Lunch Gets Political at CRP
July 20, 2012 | Actors and others tied to new blockbuster love Obama (well, mostly). Dietary supplement makers, not so much -- they bundle for Romney. But the Republican candidate would rather eat Jimmy John's.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Dark Horse Candidates
July 19, 2012 | The veepstakes is more art than science. Mindful of the fact that Mitt Romney could choose a running mate who's not prominent on anyone's radar screen, we bring you a list of sometimes-mentioned possibilities.
Capital Eye Opener, July 17: Romney's "Political Payoffs" Attacks, Senate Votes No on DISCLOSE, and Battle for House Majority attracts Big Bucks
July 17, 2012 | As expected, when the DISCLOSE Act came to a vote yesterday in the U.S. Senate, it was defeated along strict party lines.
Sunlight for Stealth PACS: Late-Disclosing Groups Report Donors
July 16, 2012 | Certain super PACs that spent money in primaries without disclosing where they got the funds have now had to report to the FEC. There are some familiar megadonors among them -- and in one case, a big gift from another super PAC that hasn't said where its money comes from. That just adds another layer of opaqueness to the puzzle.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Bobby Jindal
July 16, 2012 | Of all the potential GOP vice presidential candidates who might -- or might not -- be on Mitt Romney's short list, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal might present the biggest contrast with Romney himself.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Kelly Ayotte
July 12, 2012 | After being elected to the Senate just two years ago, Ayotte is in the running as a possible veep candidate. She's one of Sarah Palin's "mamma grizzlies," and has attracted lots of checks from other politicians' leadership PACs as well as from insurance and financial firms.
Capital Eye Opener, July 12: Pro-lesbian Super PAC Launches, Santorum's Nonprofit Alters Course and the NAB Keeps Up Ad Disclosure Fight
July 12, 2012 | LPAC will back candidates of both parties as long as they support gay rights and abortion rights; a new "mission" for Santorum nonprofit; and the NAB still doesn't want to disclose info on political ads.
Capital Eye Opener, July 11: Obama Talks Taxes, Unions Spend Big on Politics and More
July 10, 2012 | President Obama is picking a fight on the extension of the Bush tax cuts -- an issue which, when last debated on Capitol Hill, attracted hundreds of lobbying efforts. That story and more in today's Capital Eye Opener.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Tim Pawlenty
July 9, 2012 | Working-class roots and a solid fundraising record could help the former Minnesota governor get the nod.
Capital Eye Opener, July 9: The A.C. Lobby, ESPN Scores Political Ads and More
July 9, 2012 | We assume most Americans won't be sweating this return to more comfortable temperatures this week. Unless, of course, you work as a lobbyist for the air conditioning industry, in which case you may feel the need to turn up the heat on Congress, lest it forget how essential heating and cooling issues are to your average American.
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.
Lawmakers Who Took Sweetheart Loans Also Benefited From Countrywide Campaign Cash
July 5, 2012 | Six lawmakers that received special loan deals from troubled mortgage dealer Countrywide were also the beneficiaries of more than $105,000 in collective campaign contributions from the subprime giant.
Capital Eye Opener, July 4: Patriotic Ads, Patriotic PACs and Patriotic Brews
July 4, 2012 | Happy Independence Day! As America gears up for its July 4th festivities, here's a special edition of our money-in-politics roundup.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Paul Ryan
July 3, 2012 | Although many in the Republican Party initially wanted Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) to run for president in 2012, they still may get to see him on the ticket as Mitt Romney's running mate.
Capital Eye Opener, July 2: Crossroads hits ND and NM; Former IRS official targets ALEC; Shadow money in the spotlight;
July 2, 2012 | Political nonprofits face increased scrutiny. Crossroads spending network makes new media buys. And ALEC is accused of tax violations.
Capital Eye Opener, June 29: BCS Changes Playoffs but Keeps Lobbyists on Field, Donations-by-Text Falter, and Firefighters Still Fanning Flames in Campaigns
June 29, 2012 | The BCS finally changes how the best college team is determined, but its Washington playbook seems to be working well enough. The FEC said donating by text message was fine, but technical and other glitches remain. And despite its announcement to the contrary, the firefighters' union has given more than $1 million in PAC money to federal candidates this cycle.
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.
A Heartbeat Away? The Money-and-Politics Veepstakes: Rob Portman
June 27, 2012 | Portman's assets include the fact that he's from the battleground state of Ohio. But he also has a broad range of experience, and -- by the way -- is pretty good at fundraising.
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.
Rangel Faces the Voters, Madoff-Linked Financier Settles and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 25
June 25, 2012 | Voters are poised to go to the polls in Rangel race while Madoff ally J. Ezra Merkin, a big contributor to both Dems and Republicans, reaches a settlement agreement with New York's attorney general. And the Washington Post again relies on CRP data for investigation of how lawmakers rearranged their portfolios during the financial crisis.
AFSCME's New Boss, Lobbying Down on 2012 DISCLOSE Act And More in Capital Eye Opener: June 22
June 22, 2012 | One of Democrats' biggest-spending political allies elects a new leader, while the Sunshine State girds for electoral battle yet again.
Disclosure day, GOP vs. IRS and more in Capital Eye Opener: June 21
June 21, 2012 | Super PAC and presidential campaign finance reports, conservatives fighting IRS inquiries to 501(c)(4) groups and the latest on the FCC's new rule requiring online access to broadcasters' political files.
Experts talk "Shadow Money" at Center for Responsive Politics Conference
June 20, 2012 | Conference on nondisclosing outside groups prompts lively debate on the current landscape and what -- if anything -- should be done.
House Committee Considers Online Ad Disclosure, Tweeting Donations and More in Capital Eye-Opener: June 20
June 20, 2012 | Fighting back on online ad disclosure, chirpy campaign contributions, and happy 37th to Jaws!
Rich Rewards: One Man's Shadow Money Network
June 19, 2012 | Howard Rich was behind a slickly produced, anti-Earth Day video this year that's been watched more than 2 million times on YouTube. That's just one product to emerge from his tightly-knit network of tax-exempt groups that pass money back and forth and are active political players. The original donors, though, aren't known. Which is just the way he likes it.
Our Shadow Money Conference, Rajat Gupta's Democratic Dollars and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 19
June 19, 2012 | On Wednesday, the Center for Responsive Politics will host a conference at the National Press Club on the growing role of groups like these -- politically active non-profit organizations -- in elections.
Nonprofits Outspent Super PACs in 2010
June 18, 2012 | A joint investigation by the Center for Public Integrity and the Center for Responsive Politics has found that more than 100 nonprofits organized under section 501(c)(4) of the U.S. tax code spent roughly $95 million on political expenditures in the 2010 election compared with $65 million by super PACs.
DREAMing on K Street, Lady Liberty Day and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 18
June 18, 2012 | One hundred twenty-seven years ago yesterday, the Statute of Liberty arrived on American shores. In the decades that followed, more than 12 million immigrants passed by, looking to her as a symbol of hope and freedom -- including the freedom to write checks to politicians.
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.
Clash of Outside Groups, Party Committees in Battle for Giffords' Seat
June 11, 2012 | In the first congressional general election contest of 2012, outside groups and political parties alike have sought to build momentum heading by pouring a combined $2.5 million into the battle to replace Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The National Republican Congressional Committee has funneled over $878,000 into the race while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has spent only about half as much, $460,000. Karl Rove's American Crossroads super PAC has spent just under $200,000 on the race -- half of which was used to support Kelly, the other half going towards Barber attacks. Additionally, the now infamous Citizens United PAC has contributed $100,000 in independent expenditures while Dick Armey's Freedomworks for America super PAC has chipped in $30,000, all in support of Kelly.
Outside Spending: The Big Picture (So Far)
June 11, 2012 | Mitt Romney wrapped up the Republican presidential nomination with a good bit of help from Restore Our Future, the super PAC supporting him. But just how big a role has outside spending overall played in the election so far? In fact, the amount of spending by outside groups has grown dramatically since previous elections, and independent expenditures in particular -- messages that explicitly call for the election or defeat of a candidate -- are increasingly the preferred vehicle.
Romney Spending Big at Top Benefactors' Hotel Chain
June 7, 2012 | Like all presidential candidates, Mitt Romney is perpetually on the road. It's exhausting. So where does he lay his head when it's time for a precious few hours' sleep? Campaign expenditure reports show more money going to Marriott International than any other hotel chain, by far.
FCC Disclosure Rule Knocked Down by House Panel
June 6, 2012 | Voting along party lines, a House panel on Wednesday rejected a new Federal Communications Commission rule that would shed some light on political advertisements by candidates and others -- including secretive outside groups.
Outside Groups Flood California 26th to Aid Democrat
June 4, 2012 | Outside groups have funneled more than $1 million into California's highly contested 26th congressional district, where a vote is set to take place Tuesday -- making it one of the costliest House races in the country thus far. National Democrats have had their eye on this newly drawn district, where no incumbent is running. Four Democrats are on the ballot, but Assemblywoman Julia Brownley has risen above the fray, due in no small part to House Majority PAC.
OpenSecrets PolitiQuizz: Wal-Mart Taps Revolving Door
June 4, 2012 | Even if it has severed ties from ALEC, Wal-Mart has embraced a very political strategy in Washingotn, D.C., spending millions of dollars each year lobbying Congress and contributing to political campaigns.
SOPA Sponsor Smith Cleans Up: the Money Behind the Texas 21 GOP Primary
May 30, 2012 | The vote in Tuesday's GOP primary in Texas' District 21 was not close; the financial race was, if anything, more one-sided. Companies and industry groups that lobbied for SOPA -- including some that hired the lobbying firm run by Smith's former chief of staff -- contributed heavily to Smith's campaign.
OpenSecrets PolitiQuizz: Dead-Set on Supporting Rick Perry
May 29, 2012 | Not all contributing industries are made for marquees. Some businesses making an electoral impact are more down to earth, or -- as is the case with the subject of this week's Politiquizz -- underneath it.
Obama's Bain Backers
May 22, 2012 | If President Obama's attacks on Mitt Romney's long career at Bain Capital are a liability, as some Democrats now worry, they don't seem to bother many of Romney's old colleagues: Employees of Bain Capital and Bain & Company have given more than $152,000 to Obama's campaign and the joint fundraising operation he runs with the Democratic National Committee.
Bear Market For Wall Street's Contributions
May 21, 2012 | It was a bear market last month in terms of Wall Street's investment in the presidential race -- candidates and super PACs alike. OpenSecrets.org data shows that both the Mitt Romney campaign and Restore Our Future, the super PAC that is backing him, have seen significant drops in contributions from the securities and investment industry.
Super PAC Spending Teeters at $100 Million Mark
May 10, 2012 | Expenditures by super PACs are on the verge of hitting $100 million, further proof that outside spending will far outstrip anything seen in previous election cycles. For a little perspective, consider that one super PAC, Restore Our Future, has already spent more -- $44.5 million -- than all outside groups combined had spent at this point in 2008.
Chesapeake Energy CEO Invests Heavily in Politics
May 9, 2012 | Embattled Chesapeake Energy CEO Aubrey McClendon, embroiled in a corporate governance scandal, has invested heavily in Washington. As regulators probe his activities, he may be hoping those campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures bring a good return.
The NFL's Influence Game
May 3, 2012 | The nation's capital actually has quite a bit of say in what has become the extremely lucrative business of professional football. And in turn, the NFL has quite the presence in Washington.
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Digging into Federal Guidelines, Filing Deadlines and more
May 3, 2012 | Check out this week's Mailbag for information on "large" and "small" contributions and filing deadlines for campaigns.
Bentonville's Influence In Washington
May 2, 2012 | OpenSecrets.org data shows that Walmart employees plus the company's political action committee pour cash into the coffers of both parties. But a closer glance finds that Walmart's founding family heavily favors the GOP.
FCC Vote Could Bring Increased Transparency to Political Ads
April 26, 2012 | Will the nation's airwaves receive a needed dose of sunshine this week? That is entirely up to the Federal Communications Commission.
Center for Responsive Politics Teams Up With MTV For "Fantasy Election '12"
April 26, 2012 | MTV today announced that a world-class coalition of philanthropic, technology, and political accountability partners including Knight Foundation, Center for Responsive Politics, PolitiFact, RealClearPolitics, foursquare and more are teaming up with the network to launch "Fantasy Election '12."
Unions Finally Make a Showing On Super PAC Stage
April 22, 2012 | Labor unions injected themselves into the super PAC story line in March to a greater degree than at any time yet this election cycle, increasing by 50 percent the amount given by organized labor in the previous 14 months.
Obama Bundlers Pick Up The Super PAC Slack
April 20, 2012 | Despite weak fundraising by the super PAC supporting President Obama, his own fundraising continues full-steam with the help of an army of bundlers -- now up to 534. Together they've raised at least $106.4 million.
Facts on #CISPA
April 20, 2012 | SOPA is still warm in the grave, but here comes CISPA, a bill that would mean corporations could turn over info about their users to law enforcement without a court order. Privacy advocates are outraged and trying to stir up support before next week's House vote. Companies lobbying on the bill have given lots of money to its original sponsor, Republican Rep. Mike Rogers.
In a Familiar Refrain, Music Industry Heavily Supports Dems
April 19, 2012 | The music industry a whole has long been a solid supporter of the Democratic Party. See what musicians are giving money in this election cycle, and who has given the most among musicians.
For Friends, Crossroads Helps with the Tab
April 18, 2012 | How did an inherently political group get around the IRS requirement that most of its spending had to be for "social welfare" purposes if it was to maintain its tax-exempt status? By giving to a dozen like-minded, politically active tax-exempt organizations.
No Taxes, No Disclosure: Secret Donors Fund Norquist's Crusade
April 17, 2012 | It's Tax Day, and that means Grover Norquist is likely to be on the TV pundit circuit. But his own group, Americans for Tax Reform, needn't worry: it's a 501(c)(4) group, and thus tax-exempt. It's also exempt from reporting its donors, even though it can engage in a significant amount of political activity.
American Bridge: Spanning the Gender Gap, Coastally
April 16, 2012 | Conservatives love to mock liberals as snobby elites from a handful of progressive coastal bastions -- places like Boston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Sometimes stereotypes bear out: The fundraising haul for the most successful liberal super PAC in the first quarter of 2012, American Bridge 21st Century, came almost exclusively from big donors in, well, Boston, New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Many were women.
Wall Street's New Weapon or Main Street Strikes Back?
April 9, 2012 | One of the newest super PACs in town is devoted to banking interests. But a close look at the people associated with this new super PAC reveals a more nuanced picture. Rather than being another tentacle of Wall Street, the group could signal an intramural fight amongst bankers -- Wall Street versus Main Street.
Capital Rivals: Rumble in Silicon Valley
April 4, 2012 | Yahoo recently sued Facebook over allegations of patent infringement. In this edition of Capital Rivals, we're pitting internet companies Yahoo and Facebook against each other to see who wins the money-in-politics game. It's a closer match-up than you might expect.
Who's Talking To Mary Bono Mack About Internet Privacy?
March 30, 2012 | At a hearing yesterday on a proposed new law that would limit on how easily advertisers could track Internet users, Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) said she'd received no letters of support for the law from constituents. But she has received tens of thousands of dollars for her campaign from opponents of the law.
The (Michael) Huffington Network: Romney's Evolving Relationship With His Donors
March 29, 2012 | The Mitt Romney of 1994 spoke passionately about the influence of money in politics and decried big-money campaigns like those of his then-Senate opponent, Ted Kennedy, and California Rep. Michael Huffington. But many Huffington donors from that era are now among the most generous contributors to Romney's presidential bid.
Super PACs Cast Long Shadow Over 2012 Race
March 21, 2012 | New fundraising reports filed this week show a handful of super PACs continue to cast a long shadow over over a volatile 2012 presidential contest, raising and spending millions of dollars on behalf of preferred candidates, and in some cases, propping them up entirely.
Happy Women's Day!
March 8, 2012 | It's International Women's Day, a great time to ponder all the great and glorious attributes of almost 51 percent of the U.S. population (not that I have a bias). From our standpoint, it's also a good time to check in on some women-and-politics statistics. For instance, if recent history is a good predictor, women will turn out at the polls this November at a higher rate than men. In 2008, 66 percent of women eligible to vote did indeed cast a ballot, compared with 62 percent of men, Census Bureau figures show. In fact, women have voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980.
Koch-Connected Group Shows Holes in Disclosure Requirements
March 5, 2012 | Donors to Americans for Prosperity, a 501(c)(4) group founded by one of the Koch brothers and heavily involved in politics, include several conservative foundations, the American Petroleum Institute, and a conduit fund designed to give contributors an extra layer of anonymity. The sources of about 75 percent of its 2010 budget remain even more of a mystery.
OpenSecrets' Mailbag: The Less-Than-1 Percent, Ron Paul's Army and More
March 2, 2012 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets Blog's Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
VoteVets Reaped Heavy Backing from Environmental Groups
February 28, 2012 | An organization begun six years ago by Iraq war veterans received nearly $4 million from environmental groups in 2010, a year during which it spent $3.2 million running ads that targeted congressional candidates and urged passage of a climate bill.
Donors to GOP's Nondisclosing Nonprofits Travel in Familiar Networks
February 27, 2012 | Several politically active 501(c)(4) groups that don't disclose their donors have received multimillion-dollar contributions from groups that are familiar players in Republican circles, OpenSecrets Blog has learned.
All-Star Politics of the NBA
February 24, 2012 | An Obama fundraiser at the Orlando home of a Dallas Mavericks star last night wasn't the only evidence that NBA players and owners know how to play politics. They've contributed $2.6 million to federal candidates and political committees since 2009, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics, and have shown a strong preference for Democrats.
Meet the Bundlers (At Least Some of Them), Part II
February 15, 2012 | Our updated infographic reflects the latest bundler information disclosed by the presidential candidates: On the Democratic side, 444 bundlers have been collecting money for the re-election committee of President Obama and the Democratic National Committee, up from 357 at the end of September. On the Republican side...well, we really don't know.
NRCC Sees Big Spike in Cash Ahead of '12 Elections
February 13, 2012 | Super PACs and other groups doing outside spending in this election cycle have stolen most of the spotlight in campaign finance, but several "inside" organizations, such as the NRCC, are more than holding their own financially, as well.
OpenSecrets Blog PolitiQuizz: The NFL's Influence in the Hoosier State
February 7, 2012 | Super Bowl XLVI might be in the record books for good, but the NFL's political contributions to Indiana politicians continue.
Giants and Patriots Toss Political Dollars To Democrats
February 3, 2012 | When the New England Patriots and New England Giants meet on the national stage in Super Bowl XLVI this Sunday, it's expected to be an event far removed from politics -- just two tough and proven football squads, squaring off in the biggest sporting event of the year. Off the field, however, is another matter entirely.
SOPA and PIPA Spur Lobbying Spike
January 26, 2012 | SOPA and PIPA appear to have been very, very good for K Street. Companies that lobbied on the two bills spent at least $104.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, more than double the $49.3 million they laid out in the previous quarter, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Looking Back at South Carolina Winner Newt Gingrich's Long Money-in-Politics Past
January 21, 2012 | Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has won the South Carolina GOP presidential primary, and despite claiming to be an outsider, he has been in Washington a long time.
What to Do While Waiting for Presidential Campaign Reports
January 19, 2012 | Kicking off his 1996 presidential campaign, Republican Phil Gramm told a crowd that he had "the most reliable friend you can have in politics -- ready money." We'll see how much friendship each of this year's White House hopefuls has collected on Jan. 31, when campaign finance disclosure reports from the presidential campaigns are due at the Federal Election Commission. While we're waiting, though, it's worth taking a look at the candidates' finances thus far in the race, and how this race compares to previous ones.
California Republican Elton Gallegly Becomes Latest House Member to Retire
January 9, 2012 | Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) has become the latest incumbent member of the U.S. House of Representatives to set his sights on the exit. This weekend, Gallegly announced his plans to retire at the end of his current term rather than seek reelection in a district that would pit him against House Armed Services Committee Chair Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.).
Mitt Romney's Bain Advantage
December 21, 2011 | As we head into the next stretch of the presidential campaign, it appears that Wall Street is betting on red. That's certainly the case with GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's former company, Bain Capital.
Buying the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus
December 14, 2011 | It's the steal of the century. For the price of buying a condo in Washington, D.C., you can support the political campaigns of members of Congress who support your trillion-dollar program. Talk about return on investment!
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.
As Herman Cain Suspends Campaign, His Money Stays Put
December 5, 2011 | While it remains to be seen what role former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain will play in the next stretch of the race for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, it's certainly true that his political war chest is alive and well for the time being.
How Wealthy are President Barack Obama and His Cabinet?
December 1, 2011 | President Barack Obama may be the leader of the free world, but he's far from the wealthiest person in his cabinet, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Which Political Party Committee Has Raised More This Year?
November 28, 2011 | In the contentious battle for control of the majority in Congress, one of the most important battlegrounds for this upcoming election is party fund-raising. The Democratic and Republican parties raise millions of dollars from individuals and political action committees through their affiliated groups, some of which are specifically designed to aid Senate and House candidates.
Where Will Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Charlie Gonzalez Land After Retirement Next Year?
November 28, 2011 | Is the lure of the private sector too much for Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D-Texas)? Over the weekend, Gonzalez, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and a seven-term congressman, announced that he would not seek re-election at the end of his term next year.
Some Lobbyists Say Gobble, Gobble
November 24, 2011 | The noble turkey has representation in Washington, D.C. Or at least the farmers and industry behind the plump North American birds do.
New Joint Analysis: 15 Tea Party Caucus Freshmen Rake in $3.5 Million in First Nine Months
November 18, 2011 | Despite their anti-Washington rhetoric, many freshmen members of the House Tea Party Caucus have been increasingly reliant on special interest political action committees, a joint analysis by iWatch News and the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Boeing's Influence Soars, Right-to-Carry Gun Bill Attracts Lobbyists and More in Capital Eye Opener: Nov. 18
November 18, 2011 | Boeing Co. is one of the most influential companies in airline manufacturing and has continually shown its influence in lobbying Congress.
Gary Johnson Files Complaints, Gabby Giffords Talks Re-Election and More in Capital Eye Opener: Nov. 17
November 17, 2011 | Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson filed complaints against the FEC and FCC Tuesday after he was excluded from Saturday's televised debate in South Carolina. Johnson's campaign alleges that CBS, which aired the debate, arbitrarily chose who would be in the debate and therefore advocated for their preferred candidates. That's for the courts to decide, but Viacom, which owns CBS, has directly contributed to several campaigns this year.
One-Time Obama Bundler Now Seeing Only Red
November 16, 2011 | Chicago hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who served as one of President Barack Obama's top fund-raisers four years ago, says he won't be backing Obama again this election. Instead, he'll be fueling an on-again, off-again love affair with the GOP and raising money to help elect Mitt Romney.
Norquist's 'Super' Influence, Lawmakers Use Insider Status on Stock Market and More in Capital Eye Opener: Nov. 15
November 15, 2011 | As the deadline approaches for the supercommittee to agree on $1.2 trillion in cuts to the federal budget, the influence of one unelected player may make the difference, the Wall Street Journal reported. Antitax advocate Grover Norquist could be a big reason for the supercommittee's stalemate, thanks in part to his nonprofit's deep pockets.
A Look Back at 2010: A New House GOP Fund-raising Paradigm?
November 9, 2011 | Getting under the hood of overall spending patterns for House campaigns reveals some dramatic differences in 2010. The search for explanations is challenging, but may be important for 2012 and future races.
Labor Unions' Big Win in Ohio, Google's DC Head Retires And More in Capital Eye Opener: November 9
November 9, 2011 | Voters in Ohio last night went to the polls and enacted a referendum to repeal a law that restricted the collective bargaining rights of many of the state's public sector employees. Many of the biggest public sector unions spent heavily in Ohio to influence turnout. And they also spend plenty of dollars on influence in Washington, D.C.
Medical Device Bill Gains Steam, Union President Retires and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 8
November 8, 2011 | The bill sponsored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) to repeal the tax on medical devices is gaining momentum and now has 218 co-sponsors, the minimum number of votes needed for it to pass, according to a Medical Technology caucus press release. The progress of the Protect Medical Innovation Act is partly a result of extensive lobbying efforts and political contributions of medical groups in favor of the bill.
K Street Targets E-Verify, Interest Groups Double Down on Internet Poker and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 4
November 4, 2011 | The contentious bill has not only gained attention during the GOP presidential debates, with shout-outs from former Massachusetts governor and current presidential candidate Mitt Romney, but also with some high profile organizations lobbying on the bill.
Third-Quarter Lobbying Reports Reveal Who's Up and Who's Down
November 2, 2011 | Lobbying expenditures fell during the third quarter of 2011 for many of the country's most prominent companies, especially those in the energy and natural resource sector, according to a preliminary analysis of about 90 percent of all third-quarter lobbying reports by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Boulder Voters Weigh Corporate Influence, Cain Supporters Keep the Faith And More in Capital Eye Opener: November 2
November 2, 2011 | On Tuesday, voters in Boulder, Colorado passed a referendum protesting the notion that corporations share equal First Amendment free speech rights as people, and can therefore spend unlimited sums on political advertising.
Vampire Presidential Candidates, Republican-Flavored Candy Corn and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 31
October 31, 2011 | Every time you take a bite of the sugary goodness known as candy corn, are you helping elect Republicans to Congress? If you are eating candy manufactured by Jelly Belly -- one the the nation's leading producers of candy corn -- the answer might be yes.
GOP-Leaning Donor Touts Dem Mayor as '2 Legit 2 Quit,' Internet Fight Ahead and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 28
October 28, 2011 | Ron Conway, the man behind the YouTube hit "Ed Lee is 2 Legit 2 Quit" has actually given more money to Republican candidates and groups -- about 70 percent of the $246,000 he's donated at the federal level over the years.
Lobbying Plus Public Relations, Super PAC Hopes to See Green and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 27
October 27, 2011 | One of the twenty biggest lobbying firms in Washington is expanding into public relations and merging with international public relations firm Grayling, The Hill reports.
Cain Ad Stars Paid Well, Senator Wants a Super PAC and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 26
October 26, 2011 | GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain released an unconventional campaign ad Monday featuring only his chief of staff Mark Block and the vocals of another aide's wife, all of whom have received generous payments from Cain's political operations.
Health Sector, Lawyers, Hollywood and Tech Industry Favor Obama With Campaign Cash
October 25, 2011 | Though President Barack Obama may no longer be Wall Street's preferred candidate, Obama continues to win the support of several smaller sectors and interest groups, including lawyers, health professionals, the technology industry and Hollywood.
Ex-Lobbyist Becomes Top Obama Surrogate, Who Are the 99.95 Percent? and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 25
October 25, 2011 | K Street and Capitol Hill veteran Broderick Johnson is joining the re-election campaign of President Barack Obama as a senior adviser. Johnson's clients over the years have included numerous political heavy weights, such as Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Bank of America, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, Comcast, Fannie Mae, FedEx, Ford, the GEO Group, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Shell Oil, Time Warner and Verizon.
Lobby Boom Dot-Com, Nevada GOP Sets Caucus Date and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 24
October 24, 2011 | Google. Facebook. Netflix. They are brands that are defining a generation. And as these tech companies see their customer bases grow and profits soar, they are also seeing surges in their lobbying expenditures in Washington.
LGBT Community Raising Big for Obama, Another Blue Dog Retires and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 21
October 21, 2011 | Among the legion of supporters who have bundled big money for President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign is a powerful contingent of openly gay and lesbian fund-raisers.
Where in the World are Obama's Bundlers, Pt. 2
October 20, 2011 | Nearly lost in the troves of campaign finance data recently released by presidential candidates was an updated list of bundlers for President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. These 359 well-connected supporters have raised at least $56 million for Obama and the Democratic National Committee so far this year, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Cain's Super PAC Woes, D.C.'s Wealthy Political Donors and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 20
October 20, 2011 | Former Godfather's Pizza chief executive officer Herman Cain became the latest presidential candidate to get a super PAC this week with the creation of Americans for Herman Cain, Politico reported. But the group may have run into a problem already: Federal Elections Commission rules state that such committees "shall not include the name of any candidate in its name," according to Democracy 21, a nonprofit that favors campaign finance reform.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Which Presidential Candidate is Seeing the Most Red?
October 17, 2011 | With the presidential field pretty much set, it's time to take a closer at how the 2012 presidential candidates' money stacks up, quite literally.
NBA Lobbies Despite Lockout, Bishops See Religious Freedom Under Attack and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 12
October 12, 2011 | Despite the lockout, the NBA's spending in Washington has remained to be a budget item. During the first half of 2011, the NBA spent $40,000 on federal lobbying, focused on "federal issues affecting professional sports leagues" and "cable television and copyright regulations," as well as seeking to "protect collectively bargained drug testing agreements."
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.
NFL Teams Play Political Football
October 7, 2011 | A new season means a fresh start for teams like the Houston Texans. Not only is the NFL's newest team the favorite to win its division for the first time, the team ranks as the most politically active since January 2009, according to a new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Eric Cantor Super PACs Up, Sarah Palin Drops Out and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 7
October 7, 2011 | Sarah Palin, the former GOP governor of Alaska and 2008 vice presidential nominee, told radio host Mark Levin Wednesday that she was content to influence the political scene as a non-candidate, "unshackled" and "able to say what I want to say."
Art Pope's National Political Influence
October 6, 2011 | Art Pope, a conservative multimillionaire profiled in this week's New Yorker, used his wealth and nonprofit empire to intervene in 22 state races in North Carolina last year, 18 of which resulted in Republican victories. The man the New Yorker alleges purchased North Carolina's state legislature in the 2010 elections has steered significant sums to national Republicans as well, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
FEC Data Guru Bob Biersack to Join Center for Responsive Politics as Senior Fellow
October 6, 2011 | The Center for Responsive Politics, the nation's leading nonpartisan, nonprofit research group tracking the influence of money in politics, is delighted to announce that longtime Federal Election Commissioner staffer Bob Biersack has joined the organization as a senior fellow.
Bank of America Draws Criticism, Guns Groups Assault DC and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 6
October 6, 2011 | Bank of America's decision to charge its debit card users $5 per month has drawn the ire first of customers, and now, politicians, including President Barack Obama, who collected about $395,000 from Bank of America employees during his 2008 presidential run -- although this year BofA employees have favored Republican Mitt Romney with their campaign cash.
Starbucks' Stimulus Plan, Cementing Regulatory Foes and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 5
October 5, 2011 | Starbuck's Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz has announced that the company will begin accepting donations online and in stores of $5 or more to promote job creation, starting Nov. 1. The move comes after Schultz pledged to "withhold any further campaign contributions to the president and all members of Congress until a fair, bipartisan deal is reached that sets our nation on stronger long-term fiscal footing."
Elite Donors Do Double Duty: Presidential Super PACs Attract Wealthy Donors Who Have Maxed Out to Candidates
October 4, 2011 | A new analysis by Democracy 21, the Campaign Legal Center and the Center for Responsive Politics shows that 55 of the 75 individuals that donated to Restore Our Future also contributed to Mitt Romney's presidential campaign committee. These double-dipping donors represent almost three-quarters of all of Restore Our Future's individual donors and account for more than half of the money it's raised.
Major GOP Presidential Candidates Mum on Plans to Disclose Campaign Bundlers
September 30, 2011 | As the third quarter draws to a close and candidates race to fill their campaign war chests, most presidential candidates remain mum on the topic of bundlers -- the well-connected fund-raisers who help bring in the big bucks and are often rewarded for their service.
Romney Courts Wall Street CEO, Young Money Super PAC Forms and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 30
September 30, 2011 | Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney met privately with Wall Street titan Jamie Dimon earlier this week. Dimon is the chief executive officer of the world's largest public company, JPMorgan Chase, and is a prolific political donor, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics. He is, in other words, a great person to have on your side in a presidential race.
Amazon's Lobbying Push, Ranking Corporate Transparency and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 29
September 29, 2011 | According to research by the Center for Responsive Politics, Amazon spent $2 million on lobbying last year, while Apple spent $1.6 million -- despite its higher revenues and larger size.
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.
Darrell Issa Turns Against Postal Unions That Once Backed His Campaign
September 27, 2011 | Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), chairman of the committee that oversees the Postal Service, was once a top beneficiary of money from postal union PACs. But now, after pushing his Postal Reform Act through a House subcommittee, postal unions consider Issa their greatest foe.
Facebook Forms a PAC, CBC PAC Marches On and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 27
September 27, 2011 | Facebook announced on Monday the creation of a corporate political action committee, called FB PAC, The Hill reports. The move comes just a week after it announced a major revamp to its platform.
OpenSecrets.org Wins Prestigious Online Journalism Award For Best Topical Reporting
September 26, 2011 | OpenSecrets.org, the website of the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, has earned top honors from the Online News Association, winning the 2011 Online Journalism Award for best topical reporting and blogging among all websites of similar size.opensecretsorglogo.jpg
Campaign Finance Advocates Urge Supporters to Brace For Long Fight Against Big-Spending Special Interests
September 23, 2011 | During a web seminar sponsored by the Business Ethics Network last week, campaign finance reform advocates were in agreement in offering a forecast of big money in the 2012 election cycle -- and called on supporters to brace for a long fight.
Moody Downgrades, BP Returns and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 23
September 23, 2011 | Moody's evaluation was meant to be apolitical. But Moody's itself doesn't stay above the fray. Last year, the company spent $1.5 million on federal lobbying, and during the first half of this year, it spent $610,000.
Donor to Lindsey Graham Indicted for Illegal Campaign Contributions, Fraud
September 21, 2011 | A South Carolina pharmaceutical executive and major contributor to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has been indicted for making at least $31,000 in illegal donations to the senator and embezzling at least $3.6 million of federal grant money, which Graham helped to earmark.
Rise of the Retirees, Postal Unions Seek to 'Save' USPS and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 21
September 21, 2011 | The future of Medicare is a hot political topic. And as President Barack Obama, his potential GOP rivals and members of Congress debate the future of the program, it's likely that campaign cash from retired Americans will also be on their minds.
The Politics of Netflix, Tyco Splits Again and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 20
September 20, 2011 | Netflix Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings announced Sunday that the company would separate its online streaming and DVD services, with the latter operating under the name Qwikster.
Alec Baldwin's Emmys Stand, Lobbying For Foreign Countries and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 19
September 19, 2011 | Actor Alec Baldwin made headlines over the weekend for a joke involving the News Corp. phone-hacking scandal, which was cut by network officials before it made it to the airwaves during the Emmys. Baldwin's political contributions indicate he leans Democratic, unlike Fox and News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch.
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.
Fashion Week's Political Players: From Vera Wang to Vogue
September 15, 2011 | As New York City's fashion week winds to a close, OpenSecrets Blog takes a look at the fashion industry's well-manicured footprint in Washington.
Big Money Flows in New York, Nevada Special Elections
September 14, 2011 | In special elections in Nevada and New York, the spending by outside groups was overwhelming negative. In New York, 62 percent of the expenditures were in opposition to one of the candidates in the race, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics. And in Nevada, 89 percent of the spending was expressly advocating against the Democrat in the race.
Obama vs. Lobbyists, Elizabeth Warren Enters Senate Race and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 14
September 14, 2011 | A report released last week by the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest, which uses data from the Center for Responsive Politics, argues that to President Barack Obama's attempts to reduce the influence of lobbyists in Washington have instead led to decreased transparency and harmed the public interest.
Men Linked to Corporate Donations to Pro-Romney Super PAC Have Long History of Donating to Romney
September 13, 2011 | Earlier this year, three donations of $1 million each were given to a super PAC supportive of the presidential campaign of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. The super PAC was called Restore Our Future. These large sums may not in and of themselves have raised eyebrows. But the identities of the donors certainly did.
Conceal and Carry Bill Targeted, Bachmann Slams Perry for Pharma Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 13
September 13, 2011 | This morning, the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on crime, terrorism and homeland security will hold a hearing on H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, legislation that has been targeted by both gun control groups and organizations supportive of gun rights.
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.
Haley Barbour Joins American Crossroads, Mega Fund-Raising Goals and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 12
September 12, 2011 | The conservative powerhouses of Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies and American Crossroads will add the Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour to its ranks, according to a press release on the groups' website.
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Lobbying or Bribery?, Big Pharma's Health Care Push and More
September 10, 2011 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets.org Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
The Politics of Ozone Regulation
September 9, 2011 | President Barack Obama recently instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to overturn written ozone regulations. According to The Hill, the president's decision came after his chief of staff, Bill Daley, met with representatives from business trade associations and environmental groups.
FEC Fines Maryland Donor, Facebook Likes Erskine Bowles and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 9
September 9, 2011 | Erskine Bowles, the former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton and political jack-of-all-trades, will join the board of directors of Facebook. Bowles brings a variety of experience to the social media giant, including co-chairing President Barack Obama's bipartisan deficit commission last year and serving as president of the University of North Carolina system.
Barack Obama To Replace Bundler-Turned-Ambassador in Sweden
September 7, 2011 | Late Tuesday night, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate attorney Mark Brzezinski to be the ambassador to Sweden. Brzezinksi would replace the current U.S. ambassador to Sweden, Matthew Barzun, who was one of Obama's biggest campaign bundlers during his 2008 presidential run.
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.
Labor Lobbying, Union PAC Contributions and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 5
September 5, 2011 | It's Labor Day, and to commemorate, OpenSecrets Blog is offering a look at how labor unions spend money to gets things done politically.
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 Politics of Tennis Greats, Rick Perry Bundles Up and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 1
September 1, 2011 | As the US Open begins in Flushing Meadows, Open Secrets Blog takes a look at the political contributions of some of the sport's biggest names.
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.
Lobbying Weather and Disaster Agencies, Giffords' New Primary Challenger and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 29
August 29, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics...
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Contribution Limits, Obama's Campaign Cash and More
August 26, 2011 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets.org Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
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.
Apple a Popular Asset in Congressional Portfolios, Powerful Lobbying Force
August 25, 2011 | Three dozen members of Congress held stock in Apple in 2009, the most recent year for which data is available. That makes it one of the most popular assets among all congressional investors.
Boehner Rakes in Donations, the Redistricting Battle Continues and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 25
August 25, 2011 | It might be the dog days of summer, but that hasn't stopped Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) from seizing the opportunity to fill up the coffers of his political committees.
Who's Who in the World of Super PACs?
August 24, 2011 | According to research by the Center for Responsive Politics, all liberal super PACs have raised a combined $7.61 million during the first half of 2011 -- with more than 80 percent of their money coming from 23 donors.
The Free Trade Lobby, John Edwards' New Lawyer and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 22
August 22, 2011 | Earlier this year, Republicans in both the House and Senate introduced resolutions urging approval of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. At since then, hundreds of companies, unions and trade associations have set their sites on the proposal.
Sectors With Much at Stake in Debt Talks Heavily Invested in Supercommittee Members
August 17, 2011 | The 12 members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction won't be legislating in a vacuum: They bring with them ties to particular industries and loyalties to particular issues.
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.
Michele Bachmann Wins Straw Poll, Rick Perry Jumps in Presidential Race and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 15
August 15, 2011 | House Tea Party Caucus founder Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) prevailed in Saturday's straw poll in Ames, Iowa. Bachmann has raised $3.6 million as of June 30. Her victory in the Ames Straw Poll will likely boost her future fund-raising hauls.
Obama's Top Funders, New Balance's Political Statement and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 11
August 11, 2011 | The top six industries donating to the Obama Victory Fund so far this year are exactly the same as the six industries that gave the most to the Obama Victory Fund during the entire 2008 election cycle, according to the Center's analysis.
Some Joint Fund-raising Committees Corner the Market to Help Candidates Raise Cash
August 10, 2011 | One-fifth of the 377 joint fund-raising committees active during the 2010 election cycle received at least half of their donations from one sector. Less than one percent of candidate committees, on the other hand, typically received 50 percent or more of their donations from one sector during the same time period.
President Obama Eyes Education Reform, Freshman Proposes Campaign Finance Bill and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 9
August 9, 2011 | President Barack Obama announced a Monday a process by which states may apply to seek relief from portions of the No Child Left Behind Act.
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Use Leadership PACs to Expand Clout
August 8, 2011 | Republican candidates in the crucial early primary and caucus states of Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire benefited significantly more than their counterparts in other states from the leadership PACs of the GOP presidential hopefuls.
Chief Information Officer's Donation History, FAA Deals and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 8
August 8, 2011 | President Barack Obama announced Thursday that Steven VanRoekel will be promoted to be the executive branch's chief information officer. VanRoekel comes to the post from Microsoft, by way of the Federal Communications Commission. VanRoekel and his wife Caroline, however, are no strangers to the political process.
Bush Bundlers Reluctant to Give, Super PAC Mystery Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 5
August 5, 2011 | Republican presidential hopefuls' underwhelming second-quarter fund-raising totals can be attributed, in part, to a large network of elite GOP fund-raisers that remains untapped, the New York Times reported.
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.
Gabrielle Giffords Debates Re-election, Fund-raising with Taylor Swift and More in Capital Eye Opener: Aug. 3
August 3, 2011 | Country singer Taylor Swift, known to appeal to a broad base of admirers from 12 year olds to middle-aged professionals, now has fans even in Congress.
Pennsylvanians Love Santorum, K Street Power Couples and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 28
July 29, 2011 | At least 27 percent of the $582,100 Santorum raised through June 30 has come from residents of the Keystone State, according to a preliminary analysis of campaign finance filings by the Center for Responsive Politics.
First Presidential Campaign Finance Reports Show Clout of Wall Street, Retirees
July 28, 2011 | President Barack Obama has raised $48.7 million for his re-election campaign and his GOP challengers have raised a combined $36.7 million. But where is that money coming from?
Groups Seek to Limit Nonprofit Political Spending, Lobbying Against Google and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 28
July 28, 2011 | Fairsearch.org will not be giving Google a +1. To combat what they see as "the Google problem," Fairsearch.org hired lobbyists for the first time and spent 80,000 lobbying during the second quarter on behalf of "competition in the search market," according to a review of lobbying disclosure reports by the Center for Responsive Politics.
David Wu's War Chest, T-Paw's Lobbyist-Bundler and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 27
July 27, 2011 | James E. Hyland, currently a lobbyist with the Pennsylvania Avenue Group, bundled $17,610 for the presidential campaign of former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Hyland is a registered lobbyist dealing mainly with the financial sector.
David Wu's Woes, Sunshine State Bundling and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 25
July 25, 2011 | Two dozen Floridians have collectively bundled at least $3.55 million for President Barack Obama's re-election efforts, including 15 individuals who did not bundle money on Obama's behalf during his 2008 presidential campaign. Among some of the high-profile new names on the list? Democratic operative Ben Pollara, businessman Stephen Bittel and trial lawyer John Morgan.
Can You Hear Me Now? Lobbying Surges by AT&T, Other Communications Companies
July 22, 2011 | Many companies in the communications and electronics sector are spending an increasing amount of money to make their presence on Capitol Hill more influential.
Huntsman Campaign Manager Resigns, West Uses Insults to Solicit Donations and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 22
July 22, 2011 | Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) is playing the victim in attempt to raise more campaign cash. A fund-raising email with subject line "vile, despicable, and unprofessional," calls DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, an "attack dog for the 'vast left wing conspiracy,'" and says West is the subject of those attacks.
Murdoch's Cash Lines Pockets of Members of Congress
July 21, 2011 | Since the 1990 election cycle, media mogul Rupert Murdoch has contributed about $750,000 to federal candidates and political committees, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics. Of that sum, 80 percent -- or $600,200 -- has benefited Republicans.
Buddy Roemer Launches Presidential Run, DCCC and NRCC Monthly Fund-Raising and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 21
July 21, 2011 | Republican Buddy Roemer filed an exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission in early March. He has pledged not accept money from political action committees or any donation more than $100. Roemer is the only presidential candidate to self-impose the $100 donation cap.
Blue Dog Democrats Ramp Up Fund-Raising for 2012 Election
July 20, 2011 | After nearly half the coalition was wiped out in the 2010 elections, Blue Dog Democrats are becoming more and more of an endangered species. Just 25 Blue Dogs remain in office. But if money is any indication, those Blue Dogs that remain appear ready to put up a tough fight in 2012.
The Free Tibet Lobby, Moody Credit Rating Agencies and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 20
July 20, 2011 | Tibet has had a longstanding effort in Washington to lobby the U.S. government for support in the form of the International Campaign for Tibet. The group, which spent $160,000 on lobbying in 2009 and $145,000 in 2010, advocates for assistance to Tibet on a number of different issues.
Palin Spends Thousands on Holy Land Tour, Romney's Donors Max Out and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 19
July 19, 2011 | Excluding her airfare to Israel, Palin, a Republican, spent more than $12,000 from her political action committee, SarahPAC, to fund her journey. That total includes a $5,794 tour by Sar-El Tours & Travel, which promises customized "biblically oriented journeys through the Holy Land."
Where in the World are Barack Obama's Bundlers, A Union Ally to Retire and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 18
July 18, 2011 | Fifty-six of President Barack Obama's bundlers were from California. And they collectively raised at least $8.9 million, more than bundlers in any other state. Thirty-five New Yorkers, meanwhile, raised a minimum of $4.9 million. And 24 residents of the battle ground state of Florida bundled a minimum of $3.55 million.
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.
SarahPAC Raises Seven Figures, Baseball Plays Politics and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 15
July 15, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
God's Lobbyists: The Hidden Realm of Religious Influence
July 13, 2011 | When it comes to the government lobbying efforts of most religious institutions, their activities are notably shrouded in darkness, even as representatives of numerous faiths routinely pressure federal lawmakers on issues ranging from health care to international relations, poverty to abortion rights.
California's Special Election, Paul Ryan's Wine Pal and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 12
July 12, 2011 | Cliff Asness, the founding and managing partner of hedge fund AQR Capital, and Rutgers University professor Susan Feinberg may have irreconcilable differences about a $350 bottle of wine at Washington D.C.'s Bistro Bis, but they once found common ground in the campaign of President Barack Obama. Furthermore, during the 2010 election cycle, Cliff and his wife Laurel Asness also donated $7,666 to the leadership PAC of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), with whom he was spotted sharing an expensive meal by Feinberg.
Bachmann Hires Former Gingrich Staffers, NASA in Lobbying Crosshairs and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 11
July 11, 2011 | Two former campaign fund-raisers for Newt Gingrich are now working for the presidential campaign of Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), the New York Times reported.
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Joint Political Contributions, Stephen Colbert's Super PAC and More
July 8, 2011 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets.org Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
Koch Industries Solicited by Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for Campaign Cash
July 8, 2011 | Koch Industries has not taken kindly to a request from Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to contribute money to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which Murray chairs. Koch Industries, an oil and gas industry giant, primarily supports the Republican Party, but Murray was correct in noting past support from the company.
Defense Dollars to Democrats, the Odd Couple: McCotter and Unions and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 8
July 8, 2011 | Historically, Democrats in Congress have been perceived as the bigger proponents for cuts in defense spending. But recent campaign contributions from political action committees show party affiliation alone doesn't translate to support -- or lack thereof -- from defense interests.
Union Contributions Low in 2011, Rick Perry Gets a Super PAC and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 7
July 7, 2011 | Union donations to federal candidates for the first three months of 2011 are far lower than donations during the same period in 2009 and in 2007, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
NEA Endorses Obama, Freshman Senator Becoming Key Tea Party Player and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 5
July 5, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Former Romney Official Creates Three Super PACs in Key Presidential Primary States
June 30, 2011 | Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's former deputy finance director has created three super PACs late this month, a Center for Responsive Politics examination of federal records indicates.
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.
American Crossroads Raises $3.8 Million Since Year's Start
June 24, 2011 | American Crossroads, a conservative "super PAC," raised $3.82 million since the beginning of this year, according to a campaign finance report it submitted Thursday to the Federal Election Commission.
Legislation to End Marijuana Prohibition, Huntsman's Family Politics and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 23
June 23, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Solicits Cash for New Democratic Super PAC
June 22, 2011 | Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has given his blessing to a new big-money super PAC and authored a fund-raising missive on the group's behalf, OpenSecrets Blog has learned. Reid's direct appeal for his supporters to open their wallets for Majority PAC comes at a time of increased haziness about how explicitly lawmakers can raise money for big-money outside groups without running afoul of federal election laws.
FDA Introduces New Cigarette Warning Labels, NRCC Out-Raises DCCC and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 22
June 22, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Women Candidates Often Shorted By Wal-Mart PAC
June 21, 2011 | Retail giant Wal-Mart -- which won a sweeping victory from the U.S. Supreme Court Monday in a class-action lawsuit that alleged discrimination against its women employees -- has long preferred men when it comes to doling out its campaign cash.
Ethics Watchdogs Scowl at White House, Big Media Discovers Bi-partisanship and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 21
June 21, 2011 | Your latest news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Some Super PACs Reveal Barest of Details About Funders
June 17, 2011 | Super PACs, a new breed of political action committee that may raise unlimited sums of money to fuel political advertisements known as independent expenditures, are subject to one major condition: they must disclose their donors. Or are they?
Ethanol's New PAC Plan, IBM Turns 100 and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 17
June 17, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Checking the Hockey Lobby, Potato Growers Eye Political Support and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 15
June 15, 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.
Gingrich's Senior Staff Resigns, FEC to Vote on Disclaimers for Facebook Ads and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 10
June 10, 2011 | Republican Newt Gingrich's rocky campaign for the presidency fell even further apart Thursday when all of his senior staff resigned. Notably, two of the staff members that resigned, Rob Johnson, Gingrich's campaign manager, and Dave Carney, a senior strategist, are former staffers to Republican Texas Gov. Rick Perry, furthering speculation that Perry may also run for president.
Weiner Losing Democratic Support, For-Profit Schools Step Up Lobbying and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 9
June 9, 2011 | Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) had a number of setbacks Wednesday as top Democrats called on him to resign, others returned his donations and a fund-raiser was postponed after he admitted he sent sexual photos to women over the internet.
Some Anthony Weiner Campaign Donors May be Willing to See Past Congressman's Sex Scandal
June 7, 2011 | Keep the faith or bail out: such is the conundrum Weiner's roster of big-dollar donors faces as the embattled lawmaker fights to keep his political career righted. And in interviews Tuesday with OpenSecrets Blog, several of Weiner's more prominent backers offered varying degrees of support for the politician they had previously helped bankroll.
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.
John Edwards' Less-Frequent Filing, Golf's Political Drive and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 6
June 6, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Lobbying Push Targeting Federal Regulatory Agencies Continues in Wall Street Reform Fight
June 1, 2011 | It's been more than 10 months since President Barack Obama signed massive financial regulatory reform legislation into law, but the special interests it directly affects are sustaining a federal lobbying onslaught now aimed at shaping the law's implementation.
Gregg Goes to Wall Street, Fantasy Sports Tackle Lobbying and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 1
June 1, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Obama Names Donor Ambassador to Russia, Relationships Muddy Spending Rules and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 31
May 31, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Self-Financing Candidates Falter in New York 26th District Special Election
May 25, 2011 | Two self-financing candidates went down to defeat in Tuesday's special election in the New York 26th Congressional District, as Democrat Kathy Hochul scored an upset victory in a district that is one of the most Republican-leaning areas of the Empire State.
Mitch Daniels' Family Matters, Continued Cash Blast in NY-26 and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 23
May 23, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Attacks Ads Fly in New York Special Election, Lobbyists Love Coffee Shops and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 20
May 20, 2011 | Money continues to flow into the special election in New York's 26th Congressional District in the western part of the state. With the district's Election Day just four days away, political groups are making their last media buys to influence voters, sending out last-minute mailings and ramping up get-out-the-vote operations.
Politicians Rushing for Fraternity and Sorority PAC Money
May 19, 2011 | Of late, the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee has become a financial force for candidates who "champion Greek issues."
Outside Money Pours into Upstate New York, Nontheists Go To Washington and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 19
May 19, 2011 | On Tuesday and Wednesday alone, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics, outside groups reported spending about $680,000 on mailings, television ads, radio ads and other messages designed to aid their preferred candidates in the three-way race between Republican Jane Corwin, Democrat Kathy Hochul and Democrat-turned-Tea Party candidate Jack Davis.
Before Downfall, Convicted Fraud Kingpin Raj Rajaratnam a Frequent Donor to Prominent Democrats
May 18, 2011 | Since the mid-1990s, hedge fund titan Raj Rajaratnam, together with his wife Asha, contributed $119,000 to federal-level politicians and political committees, primarily Democratic, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Cindy Crawford's Split Political Loyalties, Off-Shore Drilling in Alaska and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 18
May 18, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Surge of Last-Minute Spending Hits New York Special Congressional Election
May 17, 2011 | During the past seven days, outside groups have shelled out more than $1.2 million on political messages in New York's 26th Congressional District, where a special election is being held on May 24, touting their preferred candidates and criticizing their opponents, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Top GOP Lawyer James Bopp Poised to Test Campaign Finance Rules with New Super PAC
May 17, 2011 | One of the rules of operating a super PAC is that the group must be independent: Its spending cannot be done in coordination with any candidate or political party. But a new super PAC, launched last week by GOP super lawyer James Bopp, appears to be pushing the envelope on that, and other, prohibitions.
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.
Will Ron Paul's Third Presidential Run Be a Charm for Texas Republican?
May 13, 2011 | Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), the granddaddy of the Tea Party movement, showed the world he could turn enthusiastic grassroots support into political gold during the 2008 election cycle. But as he again seeks the GOP presidential nomination this year, Paul hopes he won't be just playing second fiddle to the Romneys and Gingriches of the race.
Mr. Obama Goes to Texas (for Money), Outside Spending in Special Elections and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 12
May 12, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
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.
Citizens United Decision Profoundly Affects Political Landscape
May 5, 2011 | An analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics reveals that the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission Supreme Court ruling of January 2010 has profoundly affected the nation's political landscape.
Cinco de Mayo Political Cash, Ashcroft's Revolving Door Spin and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 5
May 5, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Pakistan's Lobbyists, Dennis Kucinich's Small-Donor Money Machine and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 4
May 4, 2011 | What do you do when you're a foreign government facing heat from U.S. lawmakers about whether you were officially hiding, aiding or abetting Osama bin Laden? Turn to federal lobbyists for assistance, of course.
Lobbying on Guns, Abortion, Labor Spikes During New Congressional Session
May 3, 2011 | Several of the year's hottest political topics have witnessed the greatest increase in lobbyists' attention during the first months of the 112th Congress, according to a preliminary analysis of lobbying reports by the Center for Responsive Politics.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Ron Paul's Campaign Contributors
May 2, 2011 | For this week's edition of PolitiQuizz, we want you to explore the people and political action committees that favored Ron Paul during his last run for president.
Big Companies, Special Interests Hire Private Congressional Delegations to Lobby Government
May 2, 2011 | In all, 43 different companies, organizations and special interest groups last year employed at least three former congressmen as registered federal lobbyists, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Bin Laden's Demise, Romney's FEC Surprise and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 2
May 2, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Corporate Donors Dole Out Hefty Sums to Democratic, GOP Governors Associations
April 29, 2011 | Unlike political committees or candidates for federal office, the Democratic Governors Association and Republican Governors Association both may receive unlimited amounts of money in their bids to support gubernatorial candidates across the nation. And raise cash they did.
Nonprofits Expand Politicking, the Fund-Raising of 60 Plus Association and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 29
April 29, 2011 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows that several groups that stated they would not accept corporate or union donations in 2008 did not adhere to such declarations during the 2010 election cycle.
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:
Donald Trump's Political Donations, Lobbying Law Firms Drop DOMA Defense and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 26
April 26, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Haley Barbour Nixes Presidential Run Despite Promising Fund-Raising, Frequent Campaigning
April 25, 2011 | After months spent on the campaign trail, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour today decided against entering the 2012 presidential race despite a strong history of political fund-raising.
Easter Politicking, Gambling on Ensign and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 25
April 25, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
On Earth Day, Environmental Lobby Sees Green in Bid to Promote Causes
April 22, 2011 | Many of last year's top groups in the pro-environment industry have filed first quarter federal lobbying reports suggesting they are still very much engaged with Congress, a preliminary Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows.
Pace of Federal Lobbying Slows in First Quarter
April 21, 2011 | Facing a newly divided Congress and a murky legislative outlook in the near future, many of the nation's most active government lobbying powerhouses are slowing the pace of their spending, preliminary analysis of first quarter federal lobbying reports show.
Obama Travels to Hollywood, First Quarter of Fund-Raising Highlights and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 20
April 20, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
BP Firing Up Political Machine One Year After Start of Oil Spill
April 19, 2011 | After a year of largely self-imposed campaign finance exile, embattled oil company BP is again making federal political contributions from the political action committee sponsored by its North American subsidy, a Center for Responsive Politics review of federal records indicates.
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.
OpenSecrets Blog PolitiQuizz: The Air Transport Industry's Hired Congressional Guns
April 18, 2011 | The air transport industry has experienced significant turbulence in recent weeks, thanks to a few serious safety flaps and subsequent increases in public and federal scrutiny.
Aviation Unions, Air Transport Industry Lobbying Cruising at High Altitude as Federal Legislation Looms
April 18, 2011 | Air transportation industry, unions spending serious cash to influence trajectory of federal aviation legislation.
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.
Citizens United's PAC Action, Rory Reid's Many PACs and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 15
April 15, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Congressional Freshmen Saddled With Debt Turn to PACs
April 14, 2011 | Many of the 87 House GOP freshmen who ran as Washington outsiders are now turning to K Street lobbyists and other special interest groups to help pay off their sizable campaign debts and prepare for their re-election campaigns.
Business Targets Campaigns of Key Committee Members
April 13, 2011 | It's no secret that corporations and special interest groups that dominate lobbying in the nation's capital routinely shower campaign cash on congressional committees directly affecting affect their business interests. But a study by the Center for Responsive Politics and The Fiscal Times found that special interests routinely target members of Congress who can do them the most good.
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.
The Credit Card Lobby, Wal-Mart's Politicking and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 13
April 13, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
Financial PACs 'Invest' in Influential Freshmen
April 13, 2011 | Five House Republican freshmen who received substantial campaign contribution from the financial industry after the Nov. 2 election are taking the lead in trying to repeal or replace parts of the sweeping Dodd-Frank financial services reform law.
Stupak Becomes Lobbyist, Tucson Victim Stumps for Magazine Ban and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 12
April 12, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Paul Ryan's Health Industry Ties, Barack Obama's Bundlers and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 8
April 8, 2011 | Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) released his budget proposal Tuesday calling to cut spending by $5.8 trillion over the next ten years. Ryan himself is actually one of the top Republican recipients of political action committee contributions from the health sector.
A New DNC Chair, a Super PAC for Obama and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 7
April 7, 2011 | Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) is the new chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. She succeeds former Virginia governor Tim Kaine who held the post since 2009.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Election's Big Money, Kaine's Senate Bid and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 6
April 6, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Political Equation for Physician Hospitals of America: 'Money = Access'
April 5, 2011 | "In politics money = access," a donation solicitation from the Physician Hospitals of America obtained by OpenSecrets Blog states as one of five reasons to financially support the organization's political action committee. "We need access to our politicians to educate them about who we are, what we provide, why we exist and how we benefit patients, physicians, communities and the healthcare industry."
Planned Parenthood Filibuster, Federal Unions Fight Shutdown and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 5
April 5, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Southwest Airlines Influence Team, Campaign Game-Changer Dies and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 4
April 4, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Some Campaign Donors Creatively Express Their Discontent With Disclosure Requirements
April 1, 2011 | More than 50 individuals -- who combined to donate more than $29,500 since 2002 -- echoed a refrain of "none of your business" when prompted to provide information about their employees and occupations, according to an analysis of campaign finance filings by the Center for Responsive Politics. Here's a run-down of some of the most creative descriptions from these disgruntled donors.
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.
Bernie Sanders' Tax Targets, Wisconsin Money Madness and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 30
March 30, 2011 | Earlier this week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) urged his colleagues to support new legislation to close "corporate tax loopholes." As part of his pitch, Sanders highlighted the 10 "worst corporate income tax avoiders" -- many of which are among the biggest spenders when in comes to lobbying in the nation's capital, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Libya Defense Spending, T-Paw's Fund-raising and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 29
March 29, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Influx of Corporate Political Cash Followed Pivotal Federal Court Decision
March 25, 2011 | Corporate treasury money accounted for about $15.5 million of the cash donated to so-called "super PACs" -- political committees created by the dozen in the wake of the SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission ruling one year ago, the Center for Responsive Politics finds. That represents more than 17 percent of these new groups' funds.
Gay Republican Declares Presidential Run, Crossroads GPS Launches Website and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 24
March 24, 2011 | Fred Karger, a California gay-rights activist and former political operative, submitted papers Wednesday to the Federal Elections Commission to become an official 2012 Republican presidential contender.
Politics on Tap: Alcohol Producers Pour Out Campaign Cash for Parties
March 23, 2011 | Whether you prefer your wine red or white, your spirits on the rocks or your beer frosty cold, chances are your bartender is pouring a drink infused with politics.
Nascent Political Movements Seek Cash, Legitimacy By Creating Federal Committees
March 22, 2011 | Federal political committees materialize every week, although the ones that typically attract notice are those backed by high-profile politicos or special interest groups. So, in the absence of national attention, why form a national-level political committee in the first place?
Finance Sector Loves Tim Pawlenty, Whirlpool Loves Tax Credits and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 22
March 22, 2011 | Republican Tim Pawlenty, who yesterday launched a presidential exploratory committee, built a massive war chest during the 2010 election cycle to aid fellow Republicans. Who was fueling this money machine?
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Tim Pawlenty's Road to the Republican Nomination
March 21, 2011 | After months of publicly flirting with the idea, former-Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty officially announced today his intention to explore a run for president of the United States -- a half-step, if there ever was one, to an official, full-blown, full-steam-ahead run for the nation's highest office.
Using Facebook, GOP Upstart Tim Pawlenty Announces Presidential Bid Exploration After Months of Preparation
March 21, 2011 | Republican Tim Pawlenty, the former two-term governor of Minnesota, has decided to explore a run for the U.S. presidency. "Join the team," he said in a message on Facebook, "and together, we'll restore America."
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.
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Gubernatorial Money, Lobbying Disclosure and Exploratory Committee Donations
March 18, 2011 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets.org Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
Irish Pubs and Politics, New Congressional Wealth Graphics and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 17
March 17, 2011 | Happy St. Patrick's Day! In the spirit of the holiday, OpenSecrets Blog sees it fit to celebrate by highlighting all "Irish" money and politics connections
Unions, Businesses Vie to Fill Democratic Pocketbook
March 16, 2011 | Even as many Democrats have stood in solidarity with workers whose collective bargaining rights have come under fire in Wisconsin and elsewhere across the country, at the federal level, Democratic candidates and groups have increasingly relied on the business community for support.
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.
Nuclear Power Industry Primed for Political Fight if Officials Sour on Plant Expansion Plans
March 14, 2011 | If a political fight over nuclear power materializes, advocates of nuclear energy in the United States are primed for it, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal lobbying and campaign finance data indicates.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Labor Unions On Offensive, Defensive
March 14, 2011 | For this week's PolitiQuizz, we want you to take a closer look at the lobbying efforts of three unions.
American Crossroads to Disclose Less Frequently, Chris Lee Returns Cash and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 14
March 14, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Blue Tide Rising: Democratic Fund-Raising Outfit ActBlue Experiences Biggest Election Cycle Ever
March 11, 2011 | Despite dismal electoral results for Democrats nationally in 2010, fund-raising powerhouse ActBlue had its most prolific period on record. The political committee, which serves as an online conduit of contributions for Democrats, funneled approximately $60 million to federal candidates and committees during the 2010 election cycle.
DeMint's $15 Million Goal, A Corporate Boycott in Wisconsin and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 11
March 11, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:
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.
Ensign Out, Scalia and Thomas Under Fire and More In Capital Eye Opener: March 8
March 8, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics
Study Examines Donation Patterns, Akaka Announces Retirement and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 4
March 4, 2011 | Which politicians do you decide to support with campaign cash? If you are part of the fraction of one percent of the country's population that donates money to politicians, researchers at Vanderbilt University suggest the answer is the "economically relevant" ones.
Barack Obama Turns to Deep-Pocketed Donors to Help Win the Future
March 3, 2011 | In late February, President Barack Obama announced 22 new members for his council on jobs and competitiveness, a group he established in January. The new appointees are also linked by a shared experience: donating to Democrats.
Republican Newt Gingrich Wants to Party Like It's 1995
March 3, 2011 | Former Republican Congressman Newt Gingrich of Georgia, who served as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 through 1998, is testing the waters of a presidential run.
New Study: More Than 130 Top Congressional Staffers Are Former Lobbyists
March 2, 2011 | At least 130 current congressional chiefs of staff and legislative directors are former lobbyists, new research by the Center for Responsive Politics and Remapping Debate indicates.
Union Muscle Eclipsed by High-Profile Conservative Groups During 2010 Election
March 2, 2011 | During 2009 and 2010, labor unions reported spending a combined $46.7 million on messaging designed to aide their preferred federal political candidates, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics. This figure represents 16 percent of all such spending by non-party committees -- the lowest amount in years.
Karl Rove's Comeback, 'Most Transparent' Congressman and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 1
March 1, 2011 | Karl Rove was once known by his boss, President George W. Bush, as Turd Blossom, but can his new nickname be the Comeback Kid? An article in New York Magazine explains that after numerous political setbacks, scandal and an ideologically divided party the former senior adviser to Bush "has a new lease on life" mainly in due to his political committees' fund-raising and electoral success.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Defense Industry Cuts Under Pressure
February 28, 2011 | For this week's PolitiQuizz, we want you to take a look at the finances of two defense industry members in relation to the House Armed Services Committee. Boeing and General Electric's political action committees are prolific contributors to numerous federal candidates. During the 2010 election cycle, which freshmen Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee received contributions from both Boeing and General Electric?
Looking Back at the Political Past of Former AIG Executive Joseph Cassano, Financial Crisis' 'Patient Zero'
February 28, 2011 | Investor Joseph Cassano, who was fired from insurance giant AIG three years ago this week, has been called "patient zero" of the financial crisis. Before his fall from grace, Cassano generously supported a few favored politicians, especially former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who served as the chairman of the powerful Senate Banking Committee.
Titan of Fund-Raising, Jeremy Bernard, Named Barack Obama's White House Social Secretary
February 25, 2011 | President Barack Obama today elevated Jeremy Bernard to the role of White House social secretary. In doing so, Obama named one of his top money men for the position. Bernard, along with his business partner and lover Rufus Gifford, helped raise tens of millions of dollars for Obama's 2008 presidential campaign through their consulting firm B&G Associates.
Ex-Countrywide Chairman Angelo Mozilo, Namesake of Controversial VIP Mortgage Program, Once Aided Pols
February 25, 2011 | Before the subprime mortgage meltdown, accusations of fraud and insider trading and congressional investigations into his VIP mortgage program, Countrywide Chairman Angelo Mozilo was a generous campaign donor. Between January 1989 and June 2008 -- when Mozilo left Countrywide -- he donated about $120,000 to federal candidates and committees, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance records.
Democrats Planning a 'Super' Group, American Petroleum Institute to Increase Cash Flow and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 25
February 25, 2011 | Conservative groups certainly flexed their muscles during the 2010 mid-term elections, outspending their liberal counterparts $190 million to $94 million in the realm of outside political messaging
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.
Republican National Committee's Haul, Target's Contributions and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 22
February 22, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money and politics.
Planned Parenthood Poised to Fight Funding Cuts with Powerful Political Machinery
February 18, 2011 | Health services and abortion provider Planned Parenthood today landed on the government's budgetary chopping block. But Planned Parenthood, more so than any other abortion rights organization, is positioned to fight back.
The Politics of Weather, Issa Investigates Countrywide and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 18
February 18, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Donald Trump's Donations to Democrats, Club for Growth's Busy Day and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 17
February 17, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Lance Armstrong's Political Spin, Russ Feingold's Campaign Mettle and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 16
February 16, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Valentine's Day Lobby and PAC Loving, Barbour's Baggage and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 15
February 15, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money and politics...
Political Powerhouses Tell House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa to Gut Regulations
February 10, 2011 | Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, this week released nearly 2,000 pages of documents from more than 100 companies and trade associations outlining federal regulations they'd like to axe. Most of these groups have also invested significant sums in lobbying and donations to lawmakers to make their political points, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
The Real Presidential Candidates, Political Football Continues and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 7
February 7, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
OpenSecrets.org Mailbag: Connection Tips, Corporate Giving and Sporty Politics
February 4, 2011 | Welcome to the latest installment of OpenSecrets.org Mailbag, where we answer your burning questions about the role of money in politics, political influence and the work we do here at OpenSecrets.org.
Federal Lobbying Expenditures Plateau After Years of Rapid Growth
February 4, 2011 | The nation's financial malaise is finally catching up to K Street, where federal lobbying activity plateaued for the first time in a decade, the Center for Responsive Politics' research indicates. After a record $3.49 billion in lobbying spending in 2009, lobbying expenditures in 2010 by corporations, unions, trade associations, universities and other organizations will, at most, eclipse that amount by the narrowest of margins.
Earmarks Banned, Parties In Debt and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 2
February 2, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Barack Obama's Moneyed State of the Union Guests
January 31, 2011 | Two of the guests invited by President Barack Obama to watch his 2011 State of the Union address with his wife were business executives who have also been heavily involved in the world of money in politics.
Financial Crisis Commissioners Donate to Appointers, the State PAC Advantage and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 28
January 28, 2011 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis finds that many of the commission's 10 members are prolific political donors with five of the 10 members donating to at least one of the two congressional leaders responsible their commission appointments
In Battle of the Olive Pits, Dennis Kucinich Again Aligns Himself With Trial Lawyers
January 27, 2011 | Liberal Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), who recently filed a $150,000 lawsuit after biting into an olive pit and sustaining dental damages, has found common cause with tort attorneys before. Since the 1996 election cycle -- when he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives -- Kucinich has collected $57,500 from the political action committee of the American Association for Justice.
Great Work for GOP Lobbyists, Gun Control Questions and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 27
January 27, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
OpenSecrets.org Provides 2011 Legislative Preview Ahead of Barack Obama's State of the Union Address
January 25, 2011 | OpenSecrets Blog offers a preview on the legislative priorities destined to shape political discourse throughout 2011.
Pittsburgh Steelers Political Champs, Cash-Flush Romney Romps and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 24
January 24, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Citizens United Anniversary, Possible End of Public Financing and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 21
January 21, 2011 | Overall, outside spending during the 2010 midterms was more than four times the amount recorded during the 2006 midterm election, the Center for Responsive Politics' research indicates
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.
Political Gifts From Beyond the Grave: Dead Woman Donates Thousands of Dollars to Tea Party Express
January 14, 2011 | For more than two years, the Tea Party Express' political war chest has been filled with thousands of dollars in donations from a dead woman. How exactly Joan Holmes, who died in 2007, made $7,500 worth of donations from beyond the grave is shrouded in mystery: Both Lee Holmes, her husband, and a Tea Party Express official deny that they're responsible.
Ideologically Confused Corporations, Gun Lobby's Influence Wanes and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 13
January 13, 2011 | Imagine asking a friend before the 2010 midterm elections, "What Senate candidates align with your beliefs?" and the response being "All of them." This is the case for many corporate political action committees
Capital Rivals: Apple vs. Microsoft
January 13, 2011 | Both Apple and Microsoft are bona fide giants in a booming communications and electronics sector. But which of these tech titans reigns supreme in political influence?
After Arizona Shooting, Gun Control Advocates Push For New Restrictions
January 11, 2011 | In the debate about 2nd Amendment rights and gun control, one side -- gun supporters -- typically has the upper hand. Now, gun control advocates are hoping momentum will build for new laws after the assassination attempt against Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) on Saturday in Tucson.
The Hammer Gets Nailed, Tea Party Express' Tucson Plea and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 11
January 11, 2011 | HARD KNOCK LIFE: Former Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) is headed to the slammer. A Texas court has ruled that DeLay -- nicknamed "The Hammer" during the peak of his power -- abused campaign finance rules.
NFL Plays Political Football, Shooting Curbs Congressional Business and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 10
January 10, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Major Influence Peddlers Fill Capitol Hill Newspapers With Advertisements on Congress' Inauguration Day
January 5, 2011 | In all, 13 corporations, unions or special interest groups that lobby the federal government purchased at least one full-page advertisement in today's print editions of Roll Call, The Hill or Politico, an OpenSecrets Blog review of the newspapers indicates.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Which Republican Politician Am I?
January 3, 2011 | I was first elected to Congress in 1986 and haven't lost a re-election bid since. Previously, I worked in the Office of Management and Budget under President Ronald Reagan. Over my congressional career, I've filled my campaign coffers with more than $10.5 million. During the 2010 election cycle, I was also the No. 1 beneficiary among House members of the waste management industry. Who am I?
Senators Supporting Ethanol Subsidies Reap Riches From Corn Interests
January 3, 2011 | In habitually partisan Washington, D.C., a bipartisan group of senators last week helped extend contentious federal tax provisions designed to aid domestic ethanol production. The senators mostly shared common ground on two fronts: geography and contributions from the political action committees of ethanol producers, high-profile ethanol promoters and the leading industry groups for corn, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
OpenSecrets.org's Top 10 Money-in-Politics Stories of 2010
December 31, 2010 | A review of the most notable money-in-politics events during 2010, as determined by the staff of OpenSecrets.org.
Capital Rivals: U.S. Chamber of Commerce vs. SEIU
December 28, 2010 | This edition of Capital Rivals takes an intimate look at two of the biggest big players in politics: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Service Employees International Union.
Congress' Cup Overfloweth, Political Quote of the Year and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 21
December 21, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Bon Jovi Tapped for White House Spot, A Lost Goldman Sachs Credit Card and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 15
December 15, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Business Leaders Bring Significant Lobbying Muscle To Meeting With President Barack Obama
December 15, 2010 | The 20 companies represented at today's summit spent $104.6 million on federal lobbying this year, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis. That is, these 20 businesses alone fueled 4 percent of the $2.61 billion spent by all companies, unions and other organizations during the first three quarters of 2010.
No Text Message Campaign Contributions, A Movement to 'Fix the Senate' and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 14
December 14, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Incoming House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Pushes New Transparency Plans
December 10, 2010 | Say goodbye to congressional resolutions honoring sports teams and say hello to being able to read legislation online for three days before House members vote on it.
The Nation's Oddest PAC Treasurer, Anti-Establishment Candidates Hire Lobbyists and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 10
December 10, 2010 | Self-proclaimed Florida "billionaire" and all-around character Josue Larose is the founder of 39 political parties in his home state, including the American Music Stars Political Party...
Space Exploration Technologies' Heavenly — and Political — Missions Blast Off
December 9, 2010 | While headlines touted Space Exploration Technologies' unmanned space journey as a giant leap away from large governments dominating the heavens -- only the governments of the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India and the European Union previously accomplished such a feat -- the company is hardly shielding itself from politics.
Bank of America Spending Riches to Influence Federal Government that Fined it $137 Million
December 8, 2010 | While being targeted by the government for consumer and corporate power abuses, Bank of America has spent millions of dollars attempting to woo state and federal officials through professional lobbying efforts and campaign contributions, an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics finds. The company even has two corporate political action committees that target the levels of government differently.
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.
Conservative Juggernaut American Crossroads Finished Election Season With Fund-Raising Flourish
December 2, 2010 | In the closing stretch of the 2010 midterm elections, American Crossroads raised a staggering $3.8 million, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of the group's "post-general" campaign finance report, which was filed with the Federal Election Commission Thursday. Since its founding in March, American Crossroads has now raised $28 million.
Potential Conservative Challenger of Republican Sen. Dick Lugar Sole Beneficiary of BP PAC Money in Late October
December 2, 2010 | On Oct. 18, BP's political action committee wrote a $250 check to Indiana Republican Mike Delph, a state senator first elected in a 2005 special election who is reportedly mulling a 2012 primary challenge against incumbent Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.).
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.
'Bitching and Moaning' About Citizens United, RNC in Debt? and More in Capital Eye Opener: December 2
December 2, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Gay Rights Political Donations Plummet Amid Contentious Congressional Session
November 30, 2010 | The years leading up to the 2010 midterm election have been an important stretch for gay rights advocates, but you wouldn't necessarily know it by gauging the amount of money invested this cycle by gay and lesbian rights groups and their donors.
OpenSecrets Blog PolitiQuizz: Who is the Richest Member of Congress?
November 29, 2010 | This week's PolitiQuizz asks you to delve into the personal finances of the nation's lawmakers.
New Super PAC Lands RFK's Daughter, The NFL Plays Politics and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 29
November 29, 2010 | NEW LIBERAL SUPER PAC GEARS UP FOR 2012: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend -- the daughter of slain senator and one-time presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy -- is calling on Democrats to "build an understanding of what's at stake" in 2012 by gearing up for an outside spending battle during the upcoming presidential election cycle.
Mitt Romney's Creative PAC Strategy, Making Nice with the Chamber and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 23
November 23, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics...
OpenSecrets Blog PolitiQuizz: Which PAC Spent the Most on Politicking in 2010?
November 22, 2010 | This week's PolitiQuizz asks you to investigate the role political action committees played in the 2010 midterm elections.
In Life After Prison, Abramoff-Linked Bob Ney Utilizes Rival of Top Campaign Contributor UPS to Vote Absentee
November 20, 2010 | "I did vote this year by absentee ballot," ex-Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio), who is currently studying Buddhist mediation techniques in India, recently told the National Journal, "with the help of FedEx." Notably, while Ney was a member of Congress, FedEx's chief rival -- United Parcel Service -- was one of Ney's top campaign contributors.
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, Suspended Over Political Donations, Has Political History of His Own
November 19, 2010 | MSNBC's newest suspension victim is former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-Fla.), the current co-host of the network's "Morning Joe" program. Scarborough's recent political contributions build upon a history of giving to Republican candidates.
The Wave of Unlimited Influence, 7-Eleven's Slurpee Summit and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 19
November 19, 2010 | A Center for Responsive Politics study finds that both the number of groups not disclosing their donors and the number of groups collecting unlimited amounts of money more than doubled since the 2008 election
Groups Fight to Put DISCLOSE Back on the Senate Floor, Face Resistance
November 18, 2010 | Public Citizen, along with the leaders of five other organizations, met in a grassy area outside the Capitol to advocate that a stripped down version of the DISCLOSE Act be put back on the Senate floor during the 111th Congress' lame duck session.
Top Industries Put Brakes On Federal Lobbying Spending During Third Quarter
November 18, 2010 | Despite expending massive sums of money, some of the industries most active in lobbying the 111th Congress slowed their spending during this year's third quarter in the face of the midterm elections and a changing political tide, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal data.
Congressional Members' Personal Wealth Expands Despite Sour National Economy
November 17, 2010 | Despite a stubbornly sour national economy congressional members' personal wealth collectively increased by more than 16 percent between 2008 and 2009, according to a new study by the Center for Responsive Politics of federal financial disclosures released earlier this year.
Convicted: House Panel Says Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel Guilty of Ethics Violations
November 16, 2010 | In a rare trial, a special House ethics committee panel today convicted Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), the once powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, on 11 counts of violating House ethics policies.
Lobbyists' Newest Targets in Wall Street Reform Battle? Federal Oversight Agencies
November 11, 2010 | While you we worrying about Aqua Buddha, and whether you were about to vote for a candidate who was a witch or wasn't, financial services companies and their hired Washington guns blitzed the federal regulatory agencies charged with crafting and implementing new tough rules for Wall Street.
Democrats and Republicans Sharing Big-Dollar Donors, DCCC's Million-Dollar Pay-Off and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 10
November 10, 2010 | The Democratic Governors Association and Republican Governors Association share 48 top donors, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of the group's top 100 non-individual donors indicates...
EXCLUSIVE: Confidential JPMorgan Chase Memo Predicts Congressional 'Gridlock'
November 9, 2010 | JPMorgan Chase, the $2 trillion bank and financial services firm, predicts that the newly Republican-controlled U.S. House will clash with the still-Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate to the point where progress on large legislation is completely halted, according to a confidential memorandum dated Nov. 3 and obtained by OpenSecrets Blog.
Some Corporations and Trade Associations Hedged Bets on Winners of Midterm Elections
November 5, 2010 | Some corporations and trade groups seemingly believe that no political party is inherently better than another. And they donate as such.
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.
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.
Who's Buying This Election? Close to Half the Money Fueling Outside Ads Comes From Undisclosed Donors
November 2, 2010 | Of the nearly $300 million spent by outside groups so far in attempts to influence the election, the public remains completely in the dark about who's behind 42 percent of these expenditures.
Unions Bolstering Political Influence with Outside Spending
November 2, 2010 | In the final week before Election Day, several high profile labor unions spent hundreds of thousands -- or even upward of a million dollars -- in last-minute outside spending on congressional elections across the country, adding to unions' varied political activity this election cycle, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal filings.
President Bill Clinton Lauds Embattled Sen. Michael Bennet in Last-Minute Robocall (AUDIO)
November 1, 2010 | Former Democratic President Bill Clinton is praising incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) is an 11th hour robocall targeting Colorado voters, OpenSecrets Blog has learned.
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.
Senators Who Pocket Money From Foreign-Connected PACs Fight Against International Influence in Elections
October 28, 2010 | Last week Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) sent a letter, co-signed by 14 other Democratic senators, to the Federal Election Commission, requesting that they "repair and strengthen protections against foreign influence of American elections." But how deep does their desire to strengthen protections against foreign influence go?
BREAKING: Election 2010 Outside Political Spending Officially Eclipses Such Expenditures From 2004 Cycle
October 28, 2010 | Special interests have today passed a major milepost in influencing U.S. political elections. Groups have thrown more money into the 2010 midterm elections than they did during the 2004 election cycle -- when, on top of congressional contests, Republican President George W. Bush and Democrat John Kerry battled for the presidency.
Outside Groups Spend Millions of Dollars on Messages Targeting Embattled Congressional Candidates
October 27, 2010 | On Tuesday, nearly four dozen outside groups spent a staggering $38.2 million on independent expenditures across the country. It's one of the largest single influxes of outside money flowing into political ads this year, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Election 2010 to Shatter Spending Records as Republicans Benefit from Late Cash Surge
October 27, 2010 | Center for Responsive Politics predicts midterms could cost nearly $4 billion.
Nalco, Company Behind Dispersants Used in Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Clean Up, Ratchets Up Politicking in 2010
October 27, 2010 | The Illinois-based company that manufactured the dispersants used by BP after the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico spent exponentially more on federal lobbying in the disaster's wake than it has historically.
In Alaska, Special Interest Spending Could Affect Republican Lisa Murkowski's Political Fate
October 26, 2010 | Spending by outside groups may help determine the re-election chances of incumbent Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski who's battling for her political life in the nation's Last Frontier.
Pricey Colorado Senate Race Now Tied, Political Frenzy in Alaska and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 26
October 26, 2010 | Aside from the surprise last-minute Democratic comeback, the Colorado Senate race is also notable for another reason -- the contest has drawn far more outside spending than any other congressional race in the country this election cycle, attracting more than $29.6 million in outside funding so far through Monday, including $25 million for the general election alone.
OpenSecrets Blog PolitiQuizz: Which Industry has Spent the Most on Lobbying in 2010?
October 25, 2010 | This week's PolitiQuizz asks you to investigate the money flowing behind the scenes in Washington -- and zero in on the top lobbyists in the nation's capital.
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.
American Crossroads Spends Big Bucks in Hopes of Helping GOP Regain Control of Congress
October 22, 2010 | American Crossroads and its sister organization Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies have together spent about $18 million on independent expenditures during the first 21 days of October, most of that on television advertisements and mailings in top-tier U.S. Senate races.
Accounting for the Chamber's Largess, Dems Court Hispanic Vote And More in Capital Eye Opener: October 22
October 22, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
O'Donnell Cries Foul, The Midterm's Top Outside Spenders and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 21
October 21, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
'Super PAC' American Crossroads Continues Amassing and Utilizing Hefty War Chest Ahead of Election
October 21, 2010 | In just seven months, American Crossroads, the highest profile conservative "Super PAC," has raised more than $24.17 million* in the hopes of tilting the November midterm elections in favor of the Republican Party.
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.
Political Heavyweights Enlist Professional Muscle, A Comeback in Pennsylvania and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 20
October 20, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
BP Campaign Cash: Still Toxic Six Months After Oil Spill
October 19, 2010 | BP's PAC did not write a single check to federal lawmakers in September, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance documents filed today. In fact, the PAC has not donated a dime to any federal lawmakers since May.
News Corp. Questioned, American Crossroads Keeps Spending Big and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 19
October 19, 2010 | MURDOCH QUESTIONED ABOUT POLITICAL DONATIONS: Shareholders of News Corps., the media conglomerate founded by Rupert Murdoch that includes Fox News, got the chance to ask the media mogul about New Corps.'s political largesse this cycle at the company's annual meeting last week.
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.
Christine O'Donnell's Cash Hex, Fisher Fishes for Pennies and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 18
October 18, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Outside Political Spending Surging in 2010 Midterms
October 14, 2010 | Business associations, unions and ideological groups have already more than doubled their spending on political advertisements and messaging when compared to the entire 2006 federal midterm, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Be it Bingo or Activism, Some Women Buck Political Contribution Trends
October 14, 2010 | Only three-tenths of a percent of voting-age Americans donate money to campaigns, and historically, men donate much larger sums than women. But a Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows at least 20 cities are bucking the trend. And some in unconventional ways.
Employees Giving Money to Boss Perry, Fun with Campaign Finance and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 14
October 14, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Sharron Angle's Huge Haul, The DCCC Counters the NRCC and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 13
October 13, 2010 | Sharron Angle, the Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Nevada, announced on Tuesday that her campaign raised $14 million from July 1 to September 30. (Official reports are due by Friday.) It's a stunning haul that amounts to one of the largest ever raised by a non-self-funding congressional candidate – and it's money she'll need if she's to compete with Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) down the stretch.
Conservatives Combat Foes with Convincing Capital, Outside Groups Spend More than the Candidates, and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 8
October 8, 2010 | The campaign season is coming to the home stretch. With 25 days until voting day, one can bet political groups will throw all the cash they have running advertisements to help their favorite candidates
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.
Calls to Investigate Crossroads GPS, Today's Top Independent Expenditure and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 6
October 6, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
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.
Democratic Party Out-raising Opposition, News Corp. Gives Big Again and More in Capital Eye Opener: October 4
October 4, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Oil and Gas Contributions Still Rising in 2010, Republicans Receiving Bulk of Industry Cash
October 1, 2010 | This spring and summer, hundreds of millions of gallons of oil seeped into the Gulf of Mexico. Simultaneously, debate raged in Congress about ocean drilling, energy independence, cap and trade legislation and a shift away from fossil-fuel energy sources. Nevertheless, congressional candidates and federal political committees nationwide have raked in more than $17 million from the oil and gas industry so far during the 2010 election cycle -- a number on pace to easily exceed that of the most recent midterm election four years ago.
Campaign Fund-raising Blitz, Financial Sector Bailouts and More in Capital Eye Opener: Oct. 1
October 1, 2010 | Forget Christmas, candidates know this is the season for giving. With just a month until the midterm elections, campaign cash collecting has shifted into high gear. Politico reported that members or candidates for the House and Senate will be having 400 fundraisers in a mere 14 days.
Political Committees Spend Big on Ads, American Crossroads Continues Basks in National Spotlight and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 30
September 30, 2010 | Have you been seeing advertisements from both Republican and Democratic national congressional committees? If you have, chances are you live in a district with a highly competitive race...
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
Candidates in Hotly Contested Races Collect Big Money from Wall Street Interests
September 27, 2010 | Ahead of the November election, top 20 House beneficiaries of the people and political action committees associated with the finance, insurance and real estate sector have together collected more than $16.2 million from Wall Street interests since January 2009. Meanwhile, the Senate candidates and sitting senators to receive the most from Wall Street interests raked in more than $41.3 million since January 2005 -- the beginning of their six-year election cycle.
Capital One's Lobbying Attack, Magliocchetti's Future Behind Bars and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 27
September 27, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Republicans' 'Pledge,' Stephen Colbert Comes to Washington and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 24
September 24, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Decreasing Gay Rights Donations, Crist Keeps GOP Cash and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 23
September 23, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics: GAY RIGHTS CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS DOWN IN CONTENTIOUS YEAR: Gay and lesbian advocacy groups have had a chaotic week. Gay rights advocates won big Wednesday with Florida overturning a ban on gay adoption for infringement of Constitutional rights. But on Tuesday, despite Lady Gaga's best efforts, a Republican filibuster blocked the Senate from repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gay military members serving openly.
The Rise of 'Super PACs' Continues, Leaving Voters in Dark as Attack Ads Fill Airwaves
September 22, 2010 | The proliferation of "super PACs" -- political organizations armed with the ability to raise unlimited amounts of money from wealthy individuals and corporations and to spend huge sums explicitly advocating for or against candidates -- continues at a staggering pace.
College Professors, Administrators Heavily Invested in Midterm Political Elections
September 22, 2010 | Geriatric medicine. Woodworking. Business. Psychology. Educators may have varied academic interests. But some of the most politically active of them share one thing in common: the habit of donating huge sums of money to federal candidates, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal campaign records indicates.
O'Donnell Accused of Using Campaign Funds for Rent, $1M Donation Goes to Tea Party Group and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 22
September 22, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Capital Rivals: Koch Brothers vs. George Soros
September 21, 2010 | OpenSecrets Blog is here to investigate the numbers behind these bold-faced names in our new feature, Capital Rivals.
'Shadow RNC' American Crossroads Raises Millions in August from Wealthy Individuals, Corporations
September 20, 2010 | Whether you call it a "527 committee," an "independent expenditure-only committee" or a "super PAC," the conservative outfit American Crossroads continued to demonstrate its fund-raising prowess in August.
EMILY's List's 'Super PAC' Rakes in Cash From SEIU, Mega-Donors
September 20, 2010 | The newly formed "super PAC" of abortion rights advocacy group EMILY's List drew most of the $430,000 it raised in August from just five sources, a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance reports filed Thursday shows.
Obama Presses DISCLOSE Act, a New Airline Lobbying Force and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 20
September 20, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Corn Industry Pushes New Name, Journalist Donations in the News and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 15
September 15, 2010 | SWEET NEW NAME FOR CORN SYRUP?: The agribusiness industry is hoping a name change can help turn around public perception about a sweet-tasting product: high-fructose corn syrup. The Washington-based Corn Refiners Association is asking the Food and Drug Administration for permission to change the name of often vilified sweetener to "corn sugar."
Primary Day in Delaware, New Hampshire and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 14
September 14, 2010 | Today is primary day in seven U.S. states and one stellar (if oft-forgotten) federal district, and perhaps to nobody's surprise, the Tea Party is once more driving the day.
Weathermen Get Political Ahead of Federal Elections
September 11, 2010 | More than three dozen individuals have explicitly listed their occupation has "meteorologist" on campaign finance filings with the Federal Election Commission since January 2009, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis. These 40 meteorologists donated $33,400 to federal candidates, parties and committees so far this cycle -- an average of $835 per person.
Favre, Goodell Among NFL Notables Playing Political Football During 2010 Midterms
September 9, 2010 | Brett Favre stands among 46 NFL players, owners, executives, associates, or recent retirees who, through June, have donated at least $3,000 to federal political candidates or committees during the current election cycle, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal campaign finance records indicates.
Murkowski Not Done Yet, Political Mudslinging on Twitter and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 8
September 8, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Ex-NRCC Treasurer Guilty, Corporate Donations Shift Right and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 7
September 7, 2010 | Earlier this month, former treasurer of the National Republican Congressional Committee pleaded guilty to embezzling $845,000 in donations from GOP over a six year period.
Political Fruit of Labor in Capital Eye Opener: September 6
September 6, 2010 | While you're off grilling your brats or watching college football, consider this Labor Day that labor unions aren't pausing when it comes to politics.
Craigslist Leader, Under Government Fire for 'Adult Services' Postings, Financially Tied to Numerous Democrats
September 5, 2010 | Craigslist.com founder Craig Newmark -- under fire by government officials and human rights organizations who believe his namesake website's "adult services" section facilitates prostitution and child sex trafficking -- has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic candidates and committees, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
National Democratic Party Committees Overtaking Republicans After Years Playing Financial Catch-up
September 5, 2010 | After many moons of financial second-fiddledom, national Democratic political committees find their fortunes waxing during the final weeks before crucial midterm elections in which Republicans hope to recapture numerous congressional seats.
Chuck Norris Triggers the Vote, Vitter's Prostitution Ring Ties Highlighted and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 3
September 3, 2010 | TEA PARTY, NRA GET BOOSTS FROM CHUCK NORRIS: Action movie star and conservative activist Chuck Norris badly wants you to vote this November. Norris stars in a new ad for the National Rifle Association as part of the group's "Trigger the Vote" campaign.
Hiltons Donate Big, National Right to Life PAC Fined for Botched Filings and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 1
September 1, 2010 | On Tuesday, the Federal Election Commission announced that the National Right to Life political action committee had filed "inaccurate" and "incomplete" financial disclosure forms during the 2006 election cycle.
Republican Role-Reversal on Gay Rights, Harry Reid Has NRA Cash and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 31
August 31, 2010 | FORMER BUSH ADVISOR THE NEW FACE OF GAY RIGHTS?: Ken Mehlman may have headed Republican George W. Bush's 2004 reelection campaign the same year the president backed a constitutional amendment to ban marriage for same-sex couples, but today Mehlman finds himself in a more personal role on the opposite side of the issue.
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.
Harry Reid's Famous Friends, M-I-C-H-E-L-E PAC and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 27
August 27, 2010 | HARRY REID APPARENTLY HAS FAMOUS FRIENDS: And according to The Hill, they're bringing out their checkbooks on behalf of the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who is fighting for his political life against Republican Sharron Angle in Nevada -- and that turns out to be a savvy pitch for several famous folks who have collectively committed thousands to Reid's campaign.
Find the Epicenter of Oil and Gas Industry's Political Influence Deep in the Heart of an Unlikely Texas City
August 26, 2010 | The epicenter of the oil and gas industry's political campaign prowess -- ZIP code 76102 -- sits amid trendy bars and sushi restaurants, boutiques and bookstores and plenty of soaring office and condo towers.
Joe Miller's Tea Party Cavalry, Parties Chase Campaign Cash and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 26
August 26, 2010 | How did Republican attorney Joe Miller make such a comeback against incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski? One thing is for sure, Miller benefited from the financial support of the Our Country Deserves Better PAC, a political operation run by the Tea Party Express.
It's Getting Hot In Here: There Must Not Be a President on the Ballot
August 25, 2010 | The year 2000 -- like 1992 and 1996 before it, and like 2004 and 2008 after it -- was striking for another reason. Not only was it a the year of a presidential election for U.S. voters, but the average global temperature was notably cooler than any immediately surrounding years, preceding it or following it.
Solar, Wind Power Groups Becoming Prominent Washington Lobbying Forces After Years of Relative Obscurity
August 25, 2010 | In 1998, the entire alternative energy industry barely even registered as a political player in Washington, spending a mere $2.4 million on lobbying the federal government. Meanwhile, in the same year, the oil and gas, electric utilities and mining industries spent a combined $142 million advancing their own legislative interests. That landscape, however, has changed considerably.
Recap of Tuesday's Primaries, John Boehner's Economic Interests and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 25
August 25, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in 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.
Pro-Environment Groups Outmatched, Outspent in Battle Over Climate Change Legislation
August 23, 2010 | With significant majorities in Congress, a president promising action and favorable public opinion all on their side, many environmentalists believed their political stars had properly – and finally – aligned. Yet even as these groups seemed poised to capitalize on favorable trends, moneyed opponents girded for a fight with more financial capital than ever before.
Not Just News Corp.: Media Companies Have Long Made Political Donations
August 23, 2010 | News Corp.'s million-dollar donation to the Republican Governors Association in June may have received a wave of press and critics yelling, "Told ya so." But the company, owned by conservative Rupert Murdoch, has not been the only corporate conglomerate featuring prominent television media organizations to have donated big money to politics
Chamber of Commerce, Other Groups Skirt Letter of Law in Reporting Political Ads
August 20, 2010 | "If the Campaign Legal Center had infinite resources, we might file complaints in this area out of principal -- to force the Federal Election Commission to either acknowledge that these groups are breaking the law or to claim to the public that the Commission doesn't view the ads as candidate ads," Paul Ryan, an attorney with the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center told OpenSecrets Blog.
Candidates Go On Hunger Strike, Jack Daniels Woos Reporters With Booze and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 19
August 19, 2010 | HUNGRY FOR CHANGE: For little-known candidates facing well-financed incumbents, a malnourished campaign is a reality: Without money or the attention of the media, the sad truth your candidacy may starve before you can even reach Election Day.
Economic Gurus Celebrate Birthdays, New Website Tracks Corporate Dollars in Elections and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 18
August 18, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Facebook and Its Former Chief Privacy Officer Get Political as Online Privacy Debate Rages
August 11, 2010 | Offline and online, arguments rage that Facebook is not taking privacy concerns seriously enough. And as public ire has focused on Facebook's privacy policies, Chris Kelly, the company's former chief privacy officer, has become a highly political figure -- running for the post of attorney general in California and donating tens of thousands of dollars to fellow Democrats.
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.
Obama's Pay-to-Play Dream Team, Labor Lobbying Push and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 10
August 10, 2010 | Several of the players on President Barack Obama's basketball party dream team made sizable contributions to his presidential campaign and/or related Democratic political committees, the Center for Responsive Politics finds.
Gay-Friendly Companies: Is GOP Senate Candidate Sharron Angle Trying to Have it Both Ways With Their Money?
August 9, 2010 | Angle, to date, hasn't raised a dime from any corporate PAC, but according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis, she has taken at least $8,900 from leaders of companies known to offer employee benefits to same-sex spouses or that operate in jurisdictions that recognize marriage between same-sex couples.
Obama Stumping for Texas Democrats, Tea Parties Holding Bag and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 9
August 9, 2010 | The Tea Party movement has not been short on enthusiasm or media coverage this year, but its members have little interest in raising funds for candidates and it has yet to recruit the biggest donors from the conservative movement, Politico reports. The lack of fundraising success has persisted despite training by a nonprofit that teaches conservative grassroots groups how to influence politics.
Indicted PMA Group Boss Paul Magliocchetti Spread Wealth to Dozens of Politicians
August 6, 2010 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates that indicted lobbyist Paul Magliocchetti and his spouses together donated more than $792,000 to federal-level candidates and political committees since the 1990 election cycle.
PMA Group Founder Indicted For Fraud, FEC Hits PAC With Hefty Fine and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 6
August 6, 2010 | PMA GROUP CHARGED IN ETHICS PROBE: Revolving door ex-lobbyist Paul Magliocchetti, once one of Washington's most powerful lobbyists and founder of the PMA Group, a defense lobbying firm. On Thursday, Magliochetti, a former aide on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, stood accused by federal prosecutors of overseeing one of the largest campaign frauds in U.S. history.
Partisan Politics and Journalism Intermingle as Sidney Harman, Husband of Democratic Rep. Jane Harman, Buys 'Newsweek'
August 3, 2010 | Thanks to her husband, billionaire industrialist Sidney Harman, Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) ranks as one of the richest members of Congress. Now, this powerful federal official can add another element to her acumen: wife of a media mogul.
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.
Another Democrat Charged with Ethics Violations, Bachmann Starts PAC And More in Capital Eye Opener: August 3
August 3, 2010 | A slew of court ruling weakening campaign finance laws and vulnerability of Democrats in key districts is prompting conservative groups to hike their campaign spending far above 2008 levels.
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.
Wyly Brothers, Top Republican Bankrollers, Accused of Massive Fraud
July 29, 2010 | Charles Wyly Jr. and Samuel Wyly, Texas businessmen and brothers who are among the most generous campaign donors to Republican political candidates and causes, were today hit with a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit accusing them of fraud worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
DNC Unveils New Campaign Strategy, Club for Growth Brings the Heat and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 29
July 29, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Professional Lobbyists Help Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts Ring in Centennials
July 27, 2010 | A Scout's motto is "be prepared" -- and in Washington, D.C., scouting organizations stay prepared with the help of hired lobbyists. Last year, the Girl Scouts reported $199,000 in lobbying expenses, including fees to a firm run by a former member of Congress, while the Boy Scouts paid out $180,000 to a firm that also represents a tobacco company and a foreign government.
Gingrich's Presidential Hopes, PAC Produces Ad With 9/11 Footage and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 15
July 15, 2010 | NEWT 2012?: Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich has been quietly laying the foundation necessary for a 2012 election bid. On Monday, Gingrich told the Associated Press that he was considering running for president in 2012, a notion that seems entirely possible after his political groups recently reported that they raised nearly $3.5 million in the past three months.
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.
Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner, a Long-Time Political Donor Once Pardoned by Ronald Reagan for Illegal Contributions to Richard Nixon, Dies After Heart Attack
July 13, 2010 | George Steinbrenner, who died after suffering a heart attack Tuesday morning, owned the New York Yankees since 1973. Steinbrenner's history with politics is as long as his history with baseball. In 1974, he pled guilty to making illegal contributions to President Richard Nixon's reelection campaign two years prior -- an action for which he later received a presidential pardoned. Additionally, he, along with his wife, contributed more than $196,000 to federal candidates and committees since 1989.
Sarah Palin's Moola, the Political Speech of Corporations and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 13
July 13, 2010 | BUILDING THE PALIN BRAND: Since former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin quit the governorship of Alaska a year ago, she has cashed in on her name and worked to build her brand. According to Forbes, Palin's revenue has been approximately $10 million since she left office in July 2009.
The Soccer Lobby, Doctors' Influence Ills and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 12
July 12, 2010 | Now that Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 to win the World Cup and bathe in the four following years of international glory that comes with it, we wondered, as we would: Does soccer have a lobby? Sure does.
Byrd's Senate Seat Up For Special Election, Minnesota Congressional Race Raking in Money and More In Capital Eye Opener: July 8
July 8, 2010 | BYRD'S SEAT UP FOR SPECIAL ELECTION: On Wednesday, Governor Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that he would try to hold a special election this year for the late Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd's Senate seat. Manchin also said that he is considering running for the seat himself in that special election.
Lobbyists Tops Among Senator's Contributors, NRA May Endorse Harry Reid And More in Capital Eye Opener: July 7
July 7, 2010 | LOBBYISTS TOP LIST OF SENATOR'S BIGGEST CAMPAIGN DONORS: Now seeking her fourth term in office, the donor list for Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) may reflect one of the benefits of incumbency: Lobbyists are the senator's biggest campaign supporters.
Immigration Debate Sparks Record Spending by Numerous Special Interest Groups
July 3, 2010 | In an attempt to jump-start the stalled immigration reform bill, President Barack Obama gave a major speech on immigration reform on Thursday. In his first major speech on immigration, Obama said that the U.S. immigration system "offends our most basic American values."
State and Local Governments Aggressively Lobby the Federal Government in Hope of Federal Aid
July 2, 2010 | Take a little national health care reform, mix it with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and add a jobs bill. It's proving to be a recipe for state and local governments -- some of which are running massive budget deficits -- to spend near-record levels of money hiring professional lobbyists in a bid for federal aid.
'Fair Election' Advocates Mark End of Campaign Finance Reporting Period with 'Dependence Day' Demonstrations
June 30, 2010 | "We've definitely observed it in the past that we get an upsurge at the end of quarters and particularly in election years," said Nancy Watzman, director of the Sunlight Foundation's Party Time blog.
Threadbare Politics: How Partisan is Your Clothing?
June 29, 2010 | Although the clothing industry is pretty evenly divided overall, individual companies in the clothing manufacturing business tend to be notably partisan in their federal political donations, more so than almost any other industry.
Lawmakers Go Out To The Ballgame, Sometimes For Campaign Cash
June 29, 2010 | At least a dozen lawmakers have held fund-raising events at baseball games at Nationals Park this year, including three slated to play in tonight's annual congressional baseball game, based on a Center for Responsive Politics review of invitations leaked to PoliticalPartyTime.org.
Gun Rights Lobbying Firepower Underscores Supreme Court Victory
June 28, 2010 | The gun rights lobby, one of the most powerful single ideology lobbies in the nation won a major battle this morning. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of individual gun rights in the consequential case McDonald vs. City of Chicago. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled for McDonald in favor of gun rights, striking down Chicago's 28 year-old handgun ban as a violation of the Second Amendment's guarantee of an individual's right to bear arms.
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.
House Passes DISCLOSE Act For New Reporting Requirements on Independent Expenditures
June 24, 2010 | In a 219-206 vote on the House floor today, the House voted to pass H.R. 5175, known as the DISCLOSE Act, an acronym for Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections.
BP's Favorite Lawmakers, A Setback for DISCLOSE Act and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 18
June 18, 2010 | In the aftermath of Thursday's congressional hearing on oil company's BP, we're getting this question over and over again: Who are the lawmakers who've received the most money from the company? While we've reported the answer time and again, no better time to rehash it than now.
Congressional Ethics Watchdog Investigating Finance Sector Contributions to Lawmakers
June 15, 2010 | Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, political action committees within the finance, insurance and real estate sector contributed $276,750 to eight House members at the center of a recently launched ethics probe investigating whether lawmakers received money in exchange for votes, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
DISCLOSE Act Exemptions for the NRA, Obama Takes on BP and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 15
June 15, 2010 | DEMS WORK FOR NRA-FRIENDLY DISCLOSE ACT: Congressional Democrats have reached a breakthrough on legislation to require campaign advertisements to disclose more information about who is funding them, according to Politico.
Rep. Bob Etheridge, Who Manhandled Self-Described Student Journalist, a Favorite of Legal Community
June 15, 2010 | If Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.) ultimately finds himself crosswise with the law after last week roughing up a self-described student journalist on a Washington, D.C., street, he'll also face this political curiosity: the American Association for Justice is his single greatest career campaign donor, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
OpenSecrets Blog's PolitiQuizz: Will You Love This PAC Back?
June 14, 2010 | Lonely? Looking for a political action committee to call your BFF? In this week's PolitiQuizz we will introduce you to a PAC that has always been a heavyweight on Capitol Hill, yet so sweet that its presence may allow it to slip under your radar.
Dems Seeing Greene, Another Win for Citizens United and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 14
June 14, 2010 | Is Alvin Greene a 'plant'?That's what some Democrats are left asking, following the little-known candidate's improbable win in the South Carolina democratic primary, last month.
The Tar Heel Lobby, A White House-Labor Feud and More in Capitol Eye Opener: June 11
June 11, 2010 | The university continues to lobby the federal government as it tightens its belt. UNC spent $100,000 on its federal lobbying efforts in the first quarter of 2010, putting it on pace to nearly match its lobbying expenditures in 2008, when the school spent $450,000 on lobbying, the most in its history.
A Big-Spending Ambassador's Bet, AT&T Outs Rahm Emanuel's E-mail and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 10
June 10, 2010 | The Revolutionary War. The War of 1812. The British Invasion. Put aside that whole "ally" thing during a couple of world wars, and the United States and England have smacked each other around a good bit.
Celebrities Max Out to DNC, Comcast Allegations and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 9
June 9, 2010 | The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing in Los Angeles Monday to discuss the effect of a proposed merger between Comcast and NBC Universal. During the course of the hearing, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif) seemed to indicate representatives of Comcast made vague, but inappropriate and potentially illegal offers to her.
Company Behind Exploded Gas Pipeline Stepping Up K Street Presence This Year, Owner a Major GOP Donor
June 8, 2010 | The company that owns a pipeline that exploded Monday in north Texas, Houston-based Enterprise Products Company, is on pace spent more on federal lobbying this year than any other year they've lobbied the federal government, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of lobbying reports.
Ahead of Primary, California Democratic Rep. Jane Harman's Anti-war Challenger, Marcy Winograd, Condemns Israeli Military's Use of Force Against Flotilla
June 7, 2010 | California's 36th Congressional District, Democratic candidate Marcy Winograd has made an issue out of AIPAC and the Israeli blockade of Gaza as she challenges incumbent Rep. Jane Harman from her left flank in a Democratic primary.
Report: Revolving Door Spins Quickly Between Congress, Wall Street
June 3, 2010 | Organizations in the financial services sector have deployed at least 1,447 former federal employees to lobby Congress and federal agencies since the beginning of 2009, according to a joint analysis of federal disclosure records and other data released today by Public Citizen and the Center for Responsive Politics.
Big Oil's Six-Figure Love for Congressional Candidates, Sarah Palin's Snub and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 3
June 3, 2010 | The oil and gas industry has funneled six-figure chunks of campaign cash to a dozen different candidates in all this election cycle, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Prominent Democratic Bankroller Steven Rattner Faces Stiff SEC Penalties as Kickback Accusations Swirl
June 2, 2010 | A preliminary Center for Responsive Politics analysis of Rattner's campaign donations since 2007 indicates he's donated tens of thousands of dollars to federal candidates and committees, including $36,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, $14,250 to the Democratic National Committee, $4,600 to President Barack Obama and $2,300 to Vice President Joe Biden.
Unions to Flex Political Muscles, Sarah Palin Links Obama to BP Money and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 25
May 25, 2010 | UNIONS PLAN TO FLEX MUSCLES: Two major unions plan to spend $100 million to influence the upcoming elections, The Hill reports. The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) intends to invest $67 million and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) will spend $44 million.
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 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.
Big-Name Senate Candidates Relying on 'Small Donors' for Campaign Advantage
May 6, 2010 | A Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance data maintained by the Federal Election Commission shows how candidates are taking different approaches in different races. Some, such as Kentucky's Rand Paul and Florida's Marco Rubio, are being propelled by enthusiastic support from "small donors." Others, however, are relying on big money from political action committees or wealthy individuals.
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.
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.
Hordes of Hired Guns Earned About $19 Million Per Day As Lobbying Soared to Nearly $1 Billion in First Quarter
April 29, 2010 | Hoards of hired K Street guns are in high demand as President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats seek to implement grand legislative plans. And a Center for Responsive Politics review of recently filed lobbying reports indicates companies, trade associations, unions and other groups spent nearly $1 billion on lobbying during the first three months of 2010.
Jet Setting Politicians, Bundling Lobbyists and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 27
April 27, 2010 | Retiring Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.), the chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, is taking heat for racking up travel expenses on the taxpayer's dime, according to Roll Call. Gordon announced he was retiring in December, but has since visited or plans to visit Denmark, Italy, France, Switzerland and China -- all on official business and paid for by taxpayers.
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.
Celebrating Earth Day, Gumming Up the Revolving Door and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 22
April 22, 2010 | REVOLVERS, BEWARE: The consumer advocacy group Public Citizen is calling on retiring members of Congress to pledge to not immediately become lobbyists after leaving their current positions. The group asked 47 lawmakers to sign a promise, but so far, not a one has made the commitment.
Scrutiny of Goldman Sachs Increases After Fraud Charges
April 20, 2010 | Government allegations that financial giant Goldman Sachs defrauded investors are creating a political storm, with some lawmakers hoping that the civil lawsuit filed Friday by the Securities and Exchange Commission is just the beginning.
Formaldehyde, Guns and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 19
April 19, 2010 | Who knew the Formaldehyde Council was a K street regular? For the past 10 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has been trying to change the classification of formaldehyde from a "probable" to a "known" carcinogen. However, the agency has encountered relentless opposition throughout the process.
Hedge Fund Manager in Goldman Sachs Fraud Case is a Major Donor to Both Democrats and Republicans
April 16, 2010 | A New York investor named John A. Paulson is at the heart of the fraud lawsuit filed today by the Securities and Exchange Commission against Goldman Sachs. While Paulson is not charged with any wrongdoing, his company allegedly paid Goldman to design a financial tool that earned them $1 billion by betting subprime mortgages would fail. His only financial transactions, however, have not taken place on Wall Street.
Beneficiaries of Massey Energy Campaign Cash Plan to Keep Contributions
April 16, 2010 | With Massey Energy employees contributing nearly $37,000 to federal politicians and committees so far this cycle, might any of the beneficiaries of this cash share President Barack Obama's harsh view of the company?
Fund-raising with "The Boss," White House Taxes and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 16
April 16, 2010 | After one of the most grueling political battles in recent history, health care reform still won't go away. According to the Los Angeles Times, the historic passage of health care reform has become a rallying cry for Democratic fund-raisers, particularly President Barack Obama, who has recently touted the victory at dinners where attendance can run as high as $30,000 a table.
Tax Lobbying, Another Tea Party PAC and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 15
April 15, 2010 | TAX CUTS & TAX FORMS: Today is Tax Day, and the Obama administration and congressional Democrats have been touting the many measures in the Recovery Act designed to cut taxes for more than 100 million Americans. Before this piece of legislation was signed into law, about 2,000 companies, trade associations and other organizations reported lobbying on it.
OpenSecrets.org Honored in Online Oscars Contest
April 13, 2010 | Today, OpenSecrets.org once again earned accolades from the leading global body that awards achievements in creativity and technology. The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences named the Center for Responsive Politics and our website OpenSecrets.org an "official honoree" in the 2010 Webby Awards, a contest often described as the "online Oscars."
Focus Returns to Financial Reform, GOP Money Race in Kentucky and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 13
April 13, 2010 | FOCUS RETURNS TO FINANCIAL REFORM: Delivering reform to the financial sector remains a crucial goal for the Obama administration as well as Senate Banking Committee Chairman, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who faces a renewed lobbying campaign by banks and financial institutions hoping to shape the eventual legislation to their liking.
More RNC Accounting Questions, Democratic Party Growing Pains and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 9
April 9, 2010 | WHOSE DEMOCRATIC PARTY?: The Huffington Post's Ryan Grim and Arthur Delaney spend more than 10,000 words examining the Democratic factions within the U.S. House of Representatives in their latest dispatch. The piece explores the significance played by progressive donors and outside groups like MoveOn.org and labor unions in electing new, conservative members to the House -- and the tensions that arise from this when trying to advance progressive legislation.
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.
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.
The Easter Lobby, A New Job for an Embattled Fund-Raiser and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 5
April 5, 2010 | So, no. A giant, basket-toting rabbit doesn't formally lobby the federal government. Nor does the International Amalgamated Lily Growers Union or the U.S. Consortium of Fluffy Chicks. But close.
Lobbying the Census, Frank Gets Frank and More in Capital Eye Opener: April 2
April 2, 2010 | A handful of companies, associations and yes, even local governments, have actually attempted to twist arms at the Census Bureau. In all, 15 different entities reported lobbying the nation's most notable counters in 2009.
Retirees, Doctors and Lawyers Helped Propel Scott Brown to U.S. Senate Seat
March 31, 2010 | In the hotly contested special election that sent Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate, Brown and his opponent, Democrat Martha Coakley, squeezed their fund-raising efforts into a rapid scramble for money that lasted just weeks, not months.
Smoking Out Menthol Cigarettes, Patriotic PACs and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 31
March 31, 2010 | A newly-minted federal advisory board on tobacco regulation began preliminary hearings on the issue of menthol brand cigarettes this week, the New York Times reports. The panel was created last year when Congress gave the Food and Drug Administration power to administer regulations of the tobacco industry.
Solar, Wind Power Groups Becoming Prominent Washington Lobbying Forces After Years of Relative Obscurity
March 30, 2010 | In 1998, the entire alternative energy industry barely even registered as a political player in Washington, spending a mere $2.4 million on lobbying the federal government. Meanwhile, in the same year, the oil and gas, electric utilities and mining industries spent a combined $142 million advancing their own legislative interests. That landscape, however, has changed considerably.
Prepare for Turbulent Political Season As Courts Issue New Campaign Finance Decisions
March 26, 2010 | Although two campaign finance-related court rulings issued today are not as surprising as the recent Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case, they both have profound implications for the upcoming elections -- and beyond.
Dreaming of More Accessible Data
March 24, 2010 | In observance of Ada Lovelace Day, Center for Responsive Politics Research Director Jihan Andoni shares thoughts on her work making government more transparent.
Dems Take Heat from All Sides As They Strive to Maintain Status Quo on Abortion
March 23, 2010 | One of the lawmakers President Barack Obama's executive order won over was Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who led a bipartisan fight in November to include stricter anti-abortion language in the House's version of the health reform legislation. By the Center for Responsive Politics' tally, Stupak is the only Democratic incumbent in the House to receive any money from special interest groups that oppose abortion so far this election cycle -- with a $500 contribution coming from the Right to Life of Michigan PAC.
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.
'Baby Killer' Yeller Randy Neugebauer Far From Abortion Opponents' Favorite Candidate
March 22, 2010 | Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) is a staunch conservative in a solidly Republican congressional district. But based on the financial support Neugebauer has received from special interest groups that oppose abortion rights, he seems an unlikely source for the utterance "baby killer!" Sunday night as the U.S. House of Representatives prepared to approve sweeping health care reform legislation.
Historic Health Care Legislation Passes, 'Granny D' Tributes and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 22
March 22, 2010 | A U.S. House divided as it could be passed sweeping health reform legislation Sunday night, all but ensuring after more than a year of debate that it will become law.
Number of Special Interests Vying to Influence Health Reform Legislation Swelled As Debate Dragged On
March 19, 2010 | Time has rarely been an ally of President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats seeking to enact comprehensive health insurance reform. And the longer they took, the larger the army of special interest lobbyists grew. By the end of the fourth quarter when both the House and the Senate adopted versions of the bill, the number of clients had increased by nearly 300 percent, the Center for Responsive Politics found.
Double Trouble for Bart Stupak, SeaWorld Makes Waves in D.C. and more in Capital Eye Opener: March 19
March 19, 2010 | Two recent articles in Politico highlight the precarious position in which Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) now finds himself as a result of his opposition to health care reform legislation that's primed for a vote Sunday.
Financial Carrots, Sticks Offered in Final Push for Health Care Reform
March 17, 2010 | Democratic congressional leaders, President Barack Obama and their reform-supporting allies are this week aggressively wrangling the necessary votes to pass health insurance reform legislation.
'Citizens United' and Marital Bliss, Student Lenders Get Reconciled and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 17
March 17, 2010 | WIFE OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE AIMS TO GAIN FROM CITIZENS UNITED: The Supreme Court shook up the world of money-in-politics when it opened the doors to increased corporate spending in the case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
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.
Rep. Eric Massa's Bankrollers: Angry, Disappointed and Disassociating Themselves from Him
March 11, 2010 | How do former Rep. Eric Massa's legion of bankrollers, who supported him during times less lascivious, feel about his sex scandal? Alternately disappointed and angry, with an undercurrent of bamboozlement.
Foreign Subsidiaries Get Political, Evan Bayh for 'Fair Elections' and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 9
March 9, 2010 | The Organization for International Investment, a trade association representing U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies, has hired a Democratic lawyer to lobby against legislation that would potentially ban its members' money from U.S. politics.
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.
Campaign Cash Linked to Earmarks, Eric Massa Quits Amid Scandal and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 8
March 8, 2010 | CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS EQUAL FEDERAL EARMARKS? Perhaps.
Democrat Rep. William Delahunt to Retire, Philly-style Ethics Reform and more in Capital Eye Opener: March 5
March 5, 2010 | Citing a grueling U.S. House schedule and family commitments, Rep. William Delahunt (D-Mass.) will today announce he's not seeking reelection.
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.'
2009 Brings Big Money in Key Congressional Races
March 2, 2010 | As Democrats try not to let political turbulence slim their ranks and Republicans focus on winning back the majority, money continues to pour into campaign coffers. Big-money congressional races are often in competitive states or districts that could wind up flipping for Republican or Democratic, a Center for Responsive Politics review of campaign finance reports through the end of 2009 shows.
Barack Obama's Debt Commission Appointees No Strangers to Cutting Checks for Big Political Contributions
March 1, 2010 | President Barack Obama announced new appointees to the Bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform on Friday. All of the nominees are successful and influential in their respective fields, as well as politically connected and well acquainted to the world of money-in-politics. Combined, Obama's six appointees to the commission have contributed nearly $750,000 to federal candidates, parties and political action committees over the last two decades, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Politicians Have Numerous Options for Unused Campaign Cash After Leaving Elected Office
March 1, 2010 | Now that Sen. Evan Bayh and other congressional members are leaving elected office when their terms end early next year, where does all their campaign money go?
Barack Obama's Beer Bet Lost, the Health Sector's Newest Lobbying Push and more in Capital Eye Opener: March 1
March 1, 2010 | It came with, perhaps, an overabundance in interest in learning Sunday night that President Barack Obama will this week ship a case of Molson Canadian to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper -- the spoils of a bet lost on the United States v. Canada Olympic hockey gold medal finals.
Charlie Rangel Admonished, Timothy Walz Joins PAC Club and more in Capital Eye Opener: February 26
February 26, 2010 | Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) broke U.S. House rules by accepting corporation-funded trips to the Caribbean, a congressional ethics committee ruled Thursday.
Bipartisan Support for the Jobs Bill, Credit Card Reform and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 24
February 24, 2010 | BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR REID'S JOBS BILL: On Monday, five Republican Senators joined Democrats to overcome procedural hurdles on a $15 billion jobs bill with a 62-30 vote, a necessary step to give the measure an up-or-down vote on the floor.
Midterm Elections Will Cost at Least $3.7 Billion, Center for Responsive Politics Estimates
February 23, 2010 | A more than 30 percent increase above 2006 levels on spending predicted; Supreme Court's recent decision could mean even more money
The Investigation of Toyota, Gambling on Reid and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 23
February 23, 2010 | TOYOTA GOES TO WASHINGTON: Facing congressional hearings regarding their recent recalls, Toyota has turned to emergency K Street expertise, hiring new lobby firms in hopes of increasing influence on Capitol Hill.
The Politics of Woof, Nukes to Mushroom and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 17
February 17, 2010 | Poodly puffballs, giant hulk-dogs and glorified gerbils alike pranced, danced and yelped their way through New York City's Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, with judges at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show ultimately bestowing top honors on a Scottish terrier. Democratic Blue Dogs and Bo the presidential canine aside, what does man' best friend have to do with politics? A good deal, it turns out.
Good-bye Evan Bayh, Charles Taylor the Lobbyist and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 16
February 16, 2010 | HOOSIER NEW SENATOR? Unclear, thanks to U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) announcing hours after Valentine's Day that he's breaking up with government.
Federal Lobbying Climbs in 2009 as Lawmakers Execute Aggressive Congressional Agenda
February 12, 2010 | The economy stunk. Corporations slashed jobs. And some firms, once juggernauts of American industry, simply ceased to exist. But for federal lobbyists, 2009 proved to be a year of riches unlike any other, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
Barack Obama's Favorite CEOs, Harry Reid Goes Rogue and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 12
February 12, 2010 | OBAMA NAMES FAVORITES: In an interview with Bloomberg BusinessWeek on Tuesday, President Barack Obama named several CEOs that he admires. None of them work on Wall Street. Some of the lucky few to make Obama's list: FedEx CEO Fred Smith, Honeywell CEO David Cote, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg and John Doerr of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
Richard Shelby's War for Defense Dollars, NFL Love for Louisiana Pol and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 8
February 8, 2010 | Over the past 20 years, employees and political action committees associates with the defense aerospace, defense electronics and miscellaneous defense industries rank among Sen. Richard Shelby's top 15 campaign contributors when grouped by industry.
Federal Election Commission Fines Arlen Specter's Senate Campaign, Treasurer For Donation Violations
February 5, 2010 | U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican-turned-Democrat facing a contentious re-election bid, will do so with less campaign cash after the Federal Election Commission fined him for accepting "excessive contributions from individuals and political committees." The FEC decision, announced Thursday, names both Specter's campaign committee and committee treasurer Stephen Harmelin, as respondents in the case. The FEC ruling states that they must pay a $10,900 civil penalty and refund or pay $37,950 for excess contributions to the U.S. Treasury.
Citizens Against Citizens United, Contractors to the Moon and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 3
February 3, 2010 | With the campaign finance world still trying to sort out the aftermath of Citizens United v. FEC, Marc Ambinder over at The Atlantic makes an interesting observation about the potential for corporate spending to surpass that of political parties.
Center for Responsive Politics Submits Statement on Campaign Finance to U.S. Senate Committee
February 2, 2010 | Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics, submitted the following statement to the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration regarding the Supreme Court's recent decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission to allow unlimited independent corporate and union expenditures in elections.
SarahPAC Goes Rogue, Al Franken Goes to NARAL and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 2
February 2, 2010 | Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) is key-noting a fund-raiser for NARAL Pro-Choice America today. The one-time funny man took some heat during his 2008 senatorial bid for controversial jokes about women during his satirist days. Ultimately in the course of his election, though, Franken raised more than $81,500 from groups supportive of women's reproductive rights.
Barack Obama Plays Prime Minister, Campaign Report Deadline Passes and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 1
February 1, 2010 | In a scene more reminiscent of the United Kingdom's Prime Minister's Questions session, the Right Honourable President Barack Obama traveled to Baltimore to -- wait for it -- serve as the featured speaker at a retreat for Republican House of Representative members.
Barack Obama Versus Samuel Alito, a Federal Judge Judged and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 28
January 28, 2010 | President Barack Obama, standing before a full session of Congress within the U.S. Capitol, accused the U.S. Supreme Court of opening "the floodgates for special interests -- including foreign corporations" through its 5-4 ruling last week in the case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. A visably agitated Justice Samuel Alito, sitting just feet away from Obama as he delivered the presidential State of the Union address, shook his head, made a face and appeared to mouth "simply not true."
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.
Wiretap Gone Wrong, DCCC Cash Advantage and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 27
January 27, 2010 | ANTI-ACORN ACTIVIST ARRESTED IN FAILED ATTEMPT TO WIRETAP SENATOR: Conservative activist and filmmaker James O'Keefe and three others were arrested Monday during a failed attempt to wiretap the New Orleans office of Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported. The four men apparently posed as utility repairmen.
Assessing Health Reform, Addressing Don't Ask Don't Tell and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 26
January 26, 2010 | OBAMA MAY ADDRESS DADT IN SOTU: Senate Armed Forces Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) announced Monday that he would postpone a hearing slated for this week on the military's controversial "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. News outlets are now reporting that Levin was asked to postpone the hearing until after President Obama's State of the Union address on Wednesday, so that Obama could weigh in on the subject.
'Citizens United' Fallout, a Republican Super Bowl and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 25
January 25, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Use OpenSecrets to Monitor Any Increased Appetites for Independent Expenditures in the Wake of Supreme Court Ruling
January 22, 2010 | The Supreme Court's ruling Thursday in its high stakes campaign finance case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission could usher in a flood of new independent expenditures.
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.
Google, Under Attack By China, May Seek to Bolster its Political Ties Domestically
January 14, 2010 | With Google this week enduring a Chinese attack on its computer systems -- and the Obama administration and FBI taking keen interest in the development -- the tech giant may be poised for an even greater uptick in its political influence efforts.
Harold Ford's Cash For Gillibrand, AHIP's Cash Against Health Reform and More in Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, January 14
January 14, 2010 | FORD DONATED TO CAMPAIGN HE NOW SEEKS TO DEFEAT: Former Rep. Harold Ford (D-Tenn.), who once headed the Democratic Leadership Council and lost a 2006 bid for U.S. Senate, has been making waves for his public comments regarding a potential Senate bid against incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). But back in June, Ford himself contributed $1,000 to Gillibrand's war chest.
Republicans for Choice Suspicious Spending, a Reagan Comic Book and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 8
January 8, 2010 | MY BODY, MY CHOICE BUT NOT MY MONEY: On Wednesday, the Center for Public Integrity published a shocking story about the spending habits of the group Republicans for Choice, a PAC dedicated to electing pro-choice Republicans. Using data from CQPolitics and CRP, the Center examined the expenditures of the PAC and found that less and less money was being spent towards its pronounced mission.
The Scarlet L, Sens. Chris Dodd and Byron Dorgan Move Along and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 7
January 7, 2010 | WHAT NEXT FOR DODD, DORGAN & THEIR SEATS?: The dust is still settling from the recent announcements of Democratic Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) that each would retire at the end of the term and not seek re-election. Kate Sheppard at Mother Jones notes that Dorgan mentions a desire to work in the private sector on energy policy after he leaves office, and she asks if the coal lobby will be Dorgan's next home. Dodd, meanwhile, has yet to specify what's next in his future. Where do you think Dodd and Dorgan will end up?
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Do You Know This Member of Congress?
December 21, 2009 | This week's PolitiQuizz targets a veteran member of Congress who's buddies with doctors -- you know, those folks save lives, treat illnesses and have spent tens of millions of dollars this year lobbying the federal government on health care reform.
BCS Becomes Political Football as Lobbyists Blitz Congress
December 17, 2009 | House Resolution 390 will not result in troop deployments to Afghanistan, an overhaul of the U.S. health care system or the bolstering of an economy in tatters. But because it advocates a new college football playoff format, the legislation, in the minds of millions of fans and at least a few congressional members, is all the same a matter of national import.
Capital Eye's PolitiQuizz: Become Our PACman!
December 14, 2009 | This week's PolitiQuizz takes you to the realm of political action committees -- those groups, often set up by corporations and special interest groups, that contribute tens of millions of dollars to politicians each election cycle. Your challenge is to earn the title of Exalted PACman (or Ms. PACman) by naming three of the top 10 PACs during the 2008 election cycle in terms of spending.
Senators Backed By Pro-Choice Interests Block New Abortion Restrictions
December 9, 2009 | As the U.S. Senate weighs contentious changes to federal abortion policy, the Center for Responsive Politics has also found that pro-choice interests have given sitting senators roughly six times as much as pro-life interests have contributed to them. CRP has further found that senators who voted in favor of tabling an anti-abortion amendment offered by Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) received an average of nearly $60,000 from abortion rights supporters and an average of just $80 from anti-abortion interests over the past 20 years.
What Exactly Did Sen. Chris Dodd Promise Regarding Campaign Cash from AIG Employees?
December 4, 2009 | Top Connecticut Republican and Democratic party officials are battling over what exactly Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) meant earlier this year when he spoke of donating to charity campaign contributions he received from embattled executives at American International Group.
Down But Not Quite Out: An Examination of Insurance Giant AIG's Waning Clout
December 3, 2009 | Insurance giant AIG's political clout is waning as fast as its finances. Since its near-collapse and government bailout last fall, AIG disbanded its lobbying team. It hasn't donated a dollar from its political action committee this year. Furthermore, contributions from individual AIG employees since January are merely a sliver of what they've been in previous cycles -- although a few notable politicians retain financial or political ties to the embattled company. Among these lawmakers is Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, who pledged to return contributions from AIG employees who got post-bailout bonuses but has nonetheless retained tens of thousands of dollars from them given before the bailout.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, December 3
December 3, 2009 | Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.) makes the second member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition in the last two weeks to announce that he'll be retiring at the end of his term, leaving the Blue Dogs to find new members of their pack.
Hedge Funds, Private Equity Firms, Payday Lenders Seek Financial Security from Congress
November 30, 2009 | Legislation aimed at regulating the securities and investment industry is as complex as the industry itself. But the trade groups representing these interests all seem to have at least one thing in common: they fear additional government regulation will damage their business, which especially concerns them given the ailing economy.
Watchdog Groups Detail Political Campaign Contributions in Ways Never Before Documented
November 23, 2009 | Thousands of U.S. companies and special interest groups attempt to influence government through campaign donations in ways never before documented, a joint project by two of the nation's premier government watchdog groups now reveals. The project, conducted by the National Institute on Money in State Politics and the Center for Responsive Politics, also provides an unprecedented resource: Profiles of these organizations' political giving patterns during the 2008 election at both the state and national level.
Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, a Favorite of Wall Street, Leads Regulatory Reform Fight
November 23, 2009 | Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) chairs the powerful Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Dodd is now spearheading new efforts to tackle financial sector regulatory reform. Over the past 20 years, Dodd's most generous campaign supporter has also been the finance, insurance and real estate sector, which is filled with companies directly affected by legislation shepherded by the Banking Committee.
Capital Eye Opener: 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.
Republican Senator Robert Bennett Seeks to Permanently Sunset TARP Program
November 20, 2009 | Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) originally supported of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) enacted by President George W. Bush in October 2008. He later opposed the second TARP authorization under President Barack Obama, and he now believes that the TARP program has served its purpose and should expire at the end of this year.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, November 20
November 20, 2009 | GEOGRAPHY AWARE: Today marks the close of Geography Awareness Week. To celebrate the importance of this subject, National Geographic asked all 100 senators to draw a picture of their home state and label at least three important places. A handful of senators responded to the challenge. You can also use maps on OpenSecrets.org to track the money flowing into congressional races across the country or to find campaign contributions by state or zip code.
Finance and Credit Companies Lobby Lawmakers As Congress Moves to Aggressively Regulate Them
November 19, 2009 | The various companies and trade groups within the finance and credit industry have contributed about $62.4 million to federal candidates, committees and leadership PACs since 1989, with 62 percent of that sum going to Republicans. In the 2008 election cycle, however, the employees and political action committees of these organizations directed a majority of their money to Democrats for the first time since the 1990 election.
Spencer Bachus: 'No More Bailouts'
November 19, 2009 | Although Bachus isn't new to the House Financial Services Committee, he's relatively new to the committee's ranking member position, which he assumed in 2007. Since 1992, employees and political action committees associated with the financial sector have given Bachus $4 million -- exponentially more than any other sector during that time.
Insurers Seek Cover From New Federal Regulations
November 18, 2009 | Risk and uncertainty are as certain as death and taxes. So, to share the burden of risk and hedge against the full financial liability, companies have long offered consumers a variety of insurance products. Facing the prospect of new regulation, the insurance industry is on pace to break a record $154 million it spent on federal lobbying efforts last year. During the first nine months of this year, insurers spent $122 million and hired 953 lobbyists.
Barney Frank Pushes for Regulation Despite Financial Industry Funds
November 18, 2009 | As chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Barney Frank is busy this year in ways he may not have expected when he assumed the post in 2007, just before the country's economy slipped into a recession. Frank's promotion from ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee to chairman helped earn him about 37 percent more from the industries footing his campaign bills compared to the 2006 election cycle.
Two Dozen Bankrollers-Turned-Ambassadors Bundled At Least $10 Million For Barack Obama
November 18, 2009 | Like Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton before him, President Barack Obama continues to reward donors, fund-raisers and other loyalists with plum diplomatic posts. The two-dozen bundlers elevated by Obama to serve as ambassadors raised a minimum of $10.7 million for Obama's committees, the Center for Responsive Politics has found.
Real Estate, On the Wane, Fights to Stay Politically Relevant Amid Financial Reform
November 17, 2009 | Mass property foreclosures and plunging property prices precipitating a veritable real estate crisis last year, compounded more recently by a glut of available credit that in turn has flash-frozen property buying. It's ugly. It's costly. And the federal government wants to ensure that the risky mortgage products that in part helped hurl the nation headlong into this mess are strictly regulated.
Democratic Sen. Jack Reed Envisions New Financial Regulations
November 17, 2009 | Viewed as a champion of regulatory reform, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) is an advocate of new regulations regarding financial markets, products and institutions -- including new regulation regarding credit derivatives, "dark pool" markets and hedge funds. Within the Banking Committee, he is chairman of the securities, insurance and investment subcommittee.
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.
Commercial Banks Hope for Return on Investment in Congress
November 16, 2009 | Congress often acts as a type of bank for bankers themselves -- a place executives can direct their cash, perhaps hoping to collect interest in the form of a legislative favor. The interest rate on that premium appears to be low these days, however, as commercial banks could face a sweeping regulatory overhaul in the coming months.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, November 12
November 12, 2009 | Legislation in Congress is written in a dense legalese that frequently references other sections of U.S. Code. Given this fact, Nick Baumann at Mother Jones suggests that process reform might be better served by posting the gist of the bill online using plain English -- like the "conceptual language" voted upon by the Senate Finance Committee.
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.
Gay Democratic Fund-raiser Says Money Should Only Support Candidates Who Back Equality
November 6, 2009 | A well-heeled Democratic fund-raiser is calling on donors to stop the "gay ATM" to politicians who don't fully support equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. Once named the most powerful gay man in America by Newsweek, David Mixner is angered by the hands-off approach of President Barack Obama and the Democratic National Committee concerning a failed ballot measure in Maine that would have allowed same-sex couples to marry. He says he's also troubled by Obama not quickly fulfilling his campaign promises regarding rights for gays and lesbians.
Carly Fiorina's Political Donations Always Go to Republicans. Sort of.
November 6, 2009 | It hasn't been three days since former Hewlett-Packard honcho Carly Fiorina formally announced she'd run for U.S. Senate in California, and already, some folks in the Republican Party are accusing her of being, well ... too moderate.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, November 6
November 6, 2009 | Many people across the country were heartened by Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman's performance in New York's special election Tuesday. While Hoffman lost to Democrat Bill Owens after Republican Dierdre Scozzafava withdrew from the race days before the election, many on the right still called it a success. As the Republican Party considers who to run for federal races in 2010, how will these energized activists come into play?
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, November 5
November 5, 2009 | The National Wildlife Federation has released a limited-edition trading card but these bad boys won't have your favorite grand slam baseball player on them. Instead, the first trading card commemorates the amount of cash Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) has collected from the oil and gas industry -- $1.2 million since 1989.
Democrats Welcome Two New Congressmen As GOP Makes Gains in Governorships
November 4, 2009 | While Republicans in Virginia and New Jersey won their state's governorships, Democrats proved victorious in two big money Congressional special elections Tuesday in California and New York. Democrat Bill Owens triumphed over Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman by about 3 percentage points in New York, and Democrat John Garamendi beat Republican David Harmer in California.
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.
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, November 2
November 2, 2009 | SCOTUS WATCH: The United States Supreme Court is poised to overhaul laws that govern how companies may spend political cash and that decision could come as early as tomorrow. A study by watchdog group Common Cause uses data from CRP to examine the potential repercussions of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission if the court decides to allow corporate political spending.
Federal Lobbying Boom Continues, Third Quarter Reports Indicate
October 30, 2009 | 2009 is on pace to be another bumper year for lobbyists. During the third quarter, corporations, unions, trade associations and other special interests spent $849 million on federal lobbying, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.5 billion. Perhaps not surprisingly, the sectors that could be affected most by the Obama administration's domestic agenda -- particularly health, business and energy -- have been some of the biggest spenders over the course of the year.
'Round and 'Round They Go: Lawmakers Leave Congress for Lobbying Posts
October 29, 2009 | At least 44 lawmakers have left their congressional seats mid-term since 1990, and at least 16 of them went on to work at lobbying firms or at companies that hired lobbyists, CRP has found. Here, we take a closer look at a few of these individuals, examining which industries and clients they're now representing and the campaign cash they received while in Congress.
When Playing Politics, Major League Baseball Favors New York Over Pennsylvania
October 28, 2009 | Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig would never – never! -- think of rooting for the New York Yankees over the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2009 World Series, which begins tonight at Yankees Stadium. But Selig is hardly agnostic when politics are concerned. The political action committee controlled by his office finds itself in a decidedly New York state of mind, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal campaign finance data.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, October 28
October 28, 2009 | LIEBERMAN OPTS OUT OF OPT-OUT PLAN: Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) didn't win any fans among liberal democrats yesterday in announcing that he'd back a Republican filibuster of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) health care reform proposal. Since 1989, only 10 other current senators have brought in more cash from the health sector than Lieberman.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, October 27
October 27, 2009 | TECH COMPANIES FIND (K&L) GATES OPEN TO VISCLOSKY: Want $2.4 million in earmark funds? It appears all you need to do is start a company, hire the right lobbying firm and wait two weeks. At least this was the case with start-up company NanoSonix, which won Rep. Pete Visclosky's (D-Ind.) support only 16 days after filing its incorporation papers and hiring lobbying firm K&L Gates to represent its interests on Capitol Hill.
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.
Patton Boggs Partner Anne Slaughter Andrew, Wife of Former DNC Chair, Named Ambassador to Costa Rica
October 20, 2009 | Lobbyist. Lawyer. Democratic donor. Wife of a presidential superdelegate. To these titles, Anne Slaughter Andrew will soon add the title ambassador. On Thursday night, President Barack Obama tapped Andrew, who along with her husband has given about $88,000 to federal Democratic candidates and committees over the past twenty years, to represent U.S. interests in Costa Rica.
Capital Eye Opener: Tuesday, October 20
October 20, 2009 | U.S. ACTION AGAINST GENOCIDE: For the past six and a half years, many activists, humanitarian groups and political leaders have worked to end the violence in the Darfur region of western Sudan and deal with the fallout from the genocide. Now, seven months into office, the Obama administration has announced their new strategy.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, October 16
October 16, 2009 | A LIBERTARIAN STREAK IN WHOLE FOODS: John Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods recently told Reason TV that he voted for Libertarian Bob Barr in the 2008 presidential election. According to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis, Mackey's sole contributions to federal candidates and committees have been to Libertarians -- totaling $6,500 between 1996 and 2000.
Barack Obama Nominates Politically Connected Ambassadors for Hungary, New Zealand
October 15, 2009 | Politically connected ambassadors will soon represent the United States in Hungary and New Zealand. President Barack Obama has nominated philanthropist and real estate developer Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis to be ambassador to Hungary, while he nominated lawyer David Huebner to serve as the nation's top diplomat in New Zealand and Samoa. The Center for Responsive Politics has found that both Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis and Huebner have been active donors to federal politicians over the past 20 years.
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.
House Financial Services Committee Considers Regulating Industries That Heavily Fund Members' Campaigns
October 14, 2009 | The House Financial Services Committee today begins marking up a bill that would create a new consumer protection agency and increase regulation of a number of financial products. Even as members of the committee consider how to prevent another economic collapse, they may have another financial issue in mind -- the industries opposing the measure have contributed $77.6 million to the 71 members of the committee since 1989.
Aides, Lobbyists and Contributors Among Those Left in Wake of Sen. John Ensign's Alleged Ethics Scandal
October 8, 2009 | Despite a lack of support from key leaders in his own political party, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) said resolutely this week that he has no plans to resign from Congress in the face of accusations that he's deeply embroiled in an ethics scandal. But it's not just his own party's support at risk -- campaign contributors, current and former staffers and even lobbyists may be re-considering their ties to a man who once served as the GOP's primary fund-raiser in the Senate.
Panel Rules Against Challenger in "Blood Money" Speech Dispute Against Lawmaker Backed By Turkish Interests
October 8, 2009 | Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) is one of the top recipients of money from Turkish-American groups. But the Ohio Election Commission has ruled that her 2008 third-party challenger David Krikorian made a false statement when he claimed Schmidt took money from "Turkish sponsored" political action committees.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, October 8
October 8, 2009 | IS THE HONEYMOON OVER?: Pundits this week have been speculating whether President Barack Obama has begun to lose favor among the media and are pointing to a recent Saturday Night Live skit as evidence. But Democrats have maintained financial support from NBC employees so far this year.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, October 7
October 7, 2009 | CASTLE ON A (SENATE) CLOUD: Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) announced yesterday that he intends to run for the Senate seat left vacant by Vice President Joe Biden, turning the race into "one of the top races in the country," said National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman John Cornyn (R-Texas), according to The Hill. Cornyn also hinted that the race would be expensive.
Capital Eye Opener: 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.
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.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, October 1
October 1, 2009 | GREEN POLICY MAKES THE CHAMBER BLUE: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce took another hit this week after Nike announced it would be resigning from the organization's board because of concerns over the Chamber's position on climate change legislation. As these groups sever ties with the nation's largest spender on lobbying, they won't be able to tap into the Chamber's vast connections with Congress on other issues.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, September 30
September 30, 2009 | IN DEFENSE OF DEFENSE EARMARKS: Congressional lawmakers -- most notably, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) -- are under fire for what some critics say are unnecessary, politically motivated federal earmark requests.
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, September 28
September 28, 2009 | "CO2 IS GREEN" FLUSH WITH GREENBACKS: The men at the helm of two new energy advocacy groups trying to derail the climate change bill in the Senate have been consistent campaign donors throughout the years.
Paul Kirk, Massachusetts' Interim U.S. Senator, Intimately Tied to Business, Lobbying and Democrats
September 24, 2009 | The U.S. Senate vacancy created by the death of liberal lion Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) is prompting another trip through the revolving door of political influence for longtime Kennedy ally Paul G. Kirk, Jr. Kirk was an aide to Kennedy from 1969 until 1977. He subsequently went on to join the law firm Sullivan & Worcester, where he has worked as a partner and lobbyist. Since 1989, he and his wife have also given $65,325 to Democratic candidates and committees.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, September 23
September 23, 2009 | MEMBERS OF CONGRESS DO IT BETTER: Georgia State University business professor Alan Ziobrowski says lawmakers often have an inside advantage to investments. Ziobrowski has analyzed more than 6,000 stock transactions over the past 15 years. "Senators make significant abnormal returns, some place around 1 percent above the market, 12 percent a year," he recently told National Public Radio. "They do better down market, up market. They just outperform the average."
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.
WWE Chief Executive Linda McMahon Brings Strong Democratic Ties to Her Attempt to Smackdown Chris Dodd
September 16, 2009 | Linda McMahon, the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, announced today she's seeking the Republican Party's nomination to upset incumbent Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.). But McMahon's history is hardly that of a hardcore Republican. She and her husband have contributed nearly $90,000 to federal candidates and committees since 1989, with 51 percent going to Democrats.
George LeMieux, Newest Republican Senator from Florida, Has Close Ties to Governor/Senate Candidate Charlie Crist
September 11, 2009 | Florida's Republican governor, Charlie Crist, tapped his former chief of staff and long-time adviser, George LeMieux, to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy left by the early retirement of Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.). Over the years, LeMieux, and wife, Meike, have also occasionally made campaign contributions to Crist.
Senate Democrats Appoint New Leaders on Agriculture and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees
September 10, 2009 | Leadership of two committees in the U.S. Senate has gotten a shake-up with the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.). Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) will take the reigns of the HELP Committee, which Kennedy had chaired. Then, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) will be the new head of the Agriculture Committee.
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.
Lawyers, Doctors, Give Cash to Sway Tort Reform Elements in Health Care Debate
September 8, 2009 | When President Barack Obama gives his much-anticipated speech about health care Wednesday night before a joint session of Congress, he won't likely address medical malpractice reform, much to the chagrin of the country's doctors. Given that health professionals are the second largest contributor this election cycle to candidates and party committees, they might feel slighted by the president's omission.
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: Tuesday, September 8
September 8, 2009 | ON THE EVE OF SHOWTIME: It started with a scathing movie about Hillary Clinton. And Wednesday, the Supreme Court will begin entertaining the monster of a campaign finance-related legal case that's grown from it, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
States and Municipalities Aggressively Lobby Federal Government for Scarce Aid
September 3, 2009 | So far in 2009, 73 local, state or territorial governmental entities have spent at least $100,000 between January and June to lobby the federal government. More than 750 have spent at least $20,000.
Potential Ted Kennedy Replacements Bring New Mix of Special Interest Support
September 2, 2009 | The death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has left Democratic lawmakers scrambling to fill his seat in the midst of intense debate over one of Kennedy's highest legislative priorities -- health care reform. We thought we'd take a look at some of the possible candidates and how their fundraising compares to that of the late senator.
Troubled Political Financier Hassan Nemazee Donated Heavily to PACs, Committees
August 28, 2009 | The Nemazee family's committee and PAC contributions since 1994 include $247,000 to the Democratic National Committee, $170,200 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, $55,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and $2,500 to the Democratic Party of New Hampshire, CRP's research shows.
Capital Eye Opener: Friday, August 28
August 28, 2009 | TED KENNEDY'S ROSTER OF A-LIST STAFFERS: Sen. Ted Kennedy, who died Tuesday, leaves behind current and former staffers who are among Washington's most experienced, reports the Washington Post's Philip Rucker. Indeed, that doesn't only apply to the public sector, as former Kennedy staffers have historically flocked to the private sector to become lobbyists, our research indicates. Among them: Former Kennedy counsel Tony Podesta, who now runs notable lobbying firm Podesta Group.
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.
Liberal PACs Trouncing Conservative Counterparts in Political Donation Race
August 20, 2009 | It's a glorious time to be a Democrat if you're hoping for some serious advocacy action from the nation's monied liberal establishments. Through the first half of 2009, left-leaning political action committees have obliterated their right-leaning competition in spending, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of federal campaign finance data indicates.
Capital Eye Opener: Wednesday, August 19
August 19, 2009 | CAMERA ROLLING: As we've been gearing up for the Sept. 9 Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, we've come across some interesting (and sometimes quirky) YouTube footage that helps explain at least part of the story.
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.
Obama Elevates Three More Bundlers & Big Donors in Latest Ambassador Picks
August 7, 2009 | President Barack Obama has picked three big bundlers and donors to fill diplomatic posts to Spain, Norway and the European Union. The three new ambassadors -- Alan Solomont, Barry White and William Kennard -- bundled more than $1 million combined toward Obama's election efforts, and have contributed nearly $2 million to federal candidates since 1989.
Capital Eye Opener: Thursday, August 6
August 6, 2009 | Get your morning dose of money-in-politics news right here.
Rep. William Jefferson, convicted of corruption, received handsome donations from legal community
August 6, 2009 | Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) is now an infamous scofflaw who now faces decades in prison after a federal jury Wednesday convicted him of 11 counts of racketeering, solicitation of bribery and money laundering. An ironic footnote: Lawyers and law firms are by far Jefferson's largest campaign donors during his now ruined congressional career, which began in 1990 when he became Louisiana's first elected black congressman since Reconstruction, and ended in December when the embattled politico lost reelection.
Financial and Real Estate Firms Feel Economic Pinch as Lobbying Efforts Wane
July 29, 2009 | From families to cities to businesses, a terrifically awful national economy is causing most everyone to crimp their spending. Financial institutions and real estate firms, some financially marginalized to the brink of insolvency or beyond, are no exception, particularly when it comes to their government lobbying efforts.
Health Companies and Drug Manufactures Lead the Lobbying Pack During Year's Second Quarter
July 29, 2009 | During the second quarter of 2009, the pharmaceutical/health products industry and the broader health sector both spent the most cash on federal lobbying efforts. Many of the organizations involved posted six- and even seven-figure increases compared to the second quarter of 2008.
Gun Amendment Supporters Backed by NRA Donations
July 22, 2009 | The Senate narrowly voted down an amendment this afternoon that would have permitted gun owners to carry concealed firearms across state lines into states with tighter gun regulations. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and attached to a defense spending bill, rallied lawmakers who have received significant donations over their careers from gun-related issue organizations.
Lawyers With Campaign Donation Histories Set To Argue Campaign Finance Regulation Case Before Supreme Court
July 20, 2009 | When the U.S. Supreme Court examines the big campaign finance regulation case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission later this fall, both sides will have lawyers with histories of personally contributing to federal elections making their cases.
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.
Newly Appointed Wall Street Investigators are Big Campaign Contributors
July 17, 2009 | House and Senate leaders last week named 10 members to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, a bipartisan panel that Congress created in May to investigate the causes of last year's financial crisis. The selections include businessmen, ex-lawmakers, and academics who have together donated more than $1 million to federal candidates since 198
Christopher Dodd, facing stiff Senate race challenges, raises plentiful campaign cash
July 14, 2009 | Republicans–shocker–are itching to ditch him. So is a member of his own Democratic party. But U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, (D-Conn.), will nonetheless report that he's raised $1.2 million during the year's second quarter, various news outlets are reporting.
Philip Murphy, New Ambassador to Germany, Gave Big to Democrats
July 10, 2009 | President Obama's latest ambassador nominee, Philip Murphy, and his wife have contributed nearly $1.5 million to federal candidates, committees and parties since 1989, according to a CRP analysis. They also contributed an additional $100,000 to Obama's inauguration committee.
Fence-sitting Senators Say the Darnedest Things About Health Care Reform
July 9, 2009 | Interest groups have filled lawmakers' campaign coffers with cash, and spent millions on lobbyists to promote their positions. So it's not entirely surprising that some lawmakers can't make up their minds on health care reform. Here are a handful of examples of members of the Senate, who have tried to position themselves on multiple sides of the health care debate.
Congressional Lawmakers Invest in Their (Financial) Health
July 9, 2009 | As members of Congress assess the proper dose of reform for the nation's health care system, many of them have likewise invested hundreds of thousands of dollars of their personal funds into the very companies whose financial fortunes depend on what measures become law.
Unlikely Groups Enter Federal Health Care debate
July 9, 2009 | Though health care companies and consumer advocacy organizations are the most active players in the nation's debate over health care reform, non-medical groups are also lobbying to promote pet causes. They are shelling out considerable cash in the hope of influencing the direction of reform this summer.
Health Care Cheat Sheet (Money-in-Politics Style)
July 9, 2009 | If you've been following the money in the health care debate with us for the last month, you've probably got a pretty good sense now where it leads. As Congress continues debating the issue, we thought we'd make it even easier for you to keep track of the money by comparing the views of the big industries involved and some of the key players in each industry.
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.
Unions Lobby to Thwart Health Care Deal Breaker
July 8, 2009 | Union members can't strike if congressional lawmakers ignore their health care requests, but they've threatened to walk away from the bargaining table if Congress begins taxing employer health benefits.
Defense Contractor Charged With Kickbacks Helped Fund Murtha's Campaigns
July 7, 2009 | Richard Ianieri, the defense contractor charged today with accepting $200,000 in kickbacks from a subcontractor, was the president of a company that gave more money to Rep. John Murtha (D-Penn.) than any other lawmaker--including the years after Ianieri left Coherent Systems International and Argon ST bought it.
Big Business Lobbyists Clash in Health Insurance Debate
July 6, 2009 | The first sign of fissures in the business community over health care reform arrived last week when big-box retailer Wal-Mart announced its support for a proposed federal requirement that employers provide health coverage for their workers. This pits Wal-Mart against the preeminent lobbying powerhouse, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Consumer Groups, Confident of Success, Advocate for Health Care Reform
July 2, 2009 | Recent polls have shown that a broad majority of Americans favor a "public option" for health insurance. Yet public opinion may not be as powerful a force as the lobbying efforts of industries seeking to protect the status quo. Consumer groups that favor President Obama's proposals to lower costs and expand coverage are being decidedly outspent and out-lobbied by drug manufacturers, insurers, HMOS and doctors' associations.
Dr. Ron Paul Prefers Free Market Approach to Health Reform
July 1, 2009 | Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) is an OB-GYN who has delivered more than 4,000 babies. Since 1995, he has also collected $1.1 million from the health sector as he advocates for market-based reforms for health care.
Democratic Doc Favors Single-Payer Health Care For All
June 30, 2009 | Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) is a physician and psychiatrist who is one of the leaders of the House Progressive Caucus on health reform. He has long favored a single-payer health care system, although the health sector is his second largest financial backer.
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?
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.
Drug Makers Cash In On Lobbying Efforts
June 18, 2009 | Pharmaceutical companies, like the insurance industry, strongly oppose any proposal to create a public health insurance option, fearful that private insurers would be marginalized and government price controls would limit what the industry can charge for its products. And with drug companies as the No. 1 all-time spender on lobbying, at $1.6 billion since 1998, Congress is bound to at least entertain their concerns.
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.
Wall Street's Greenbacks Fill Democrats' Coffers
June 10, 2009 | Although the economy didn't show many signs of improvement in the first few months of 2009, Democrats were benefiting more from Wall Street than they had in any previous cycle, pulling in 58 percent of all contributions that the finance, insurance and real estate sector gave between January and March.
Some Wall Street Interests Scale Back on Political Giving
June 9, 2009 | As the economic crisis continued during the first three months of 2009, many institutions in the powerful finance, insurance and real estate sector have scaled back on contributions to lawmakers, CRP has found.
Auto Dealers Favor GOP With Campaign Cash
June 5, 2009 | With debate raging on the Internet about whether President Obama is targeting certain Chrysler dealerships for closure, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics took a closer look at the numbers behind the donations of all domestic automobile dealers and found they have a history of favoring Republicans with their contributions.
Obama's Choice For Army Secretary Received Money from Labor & Defense Interests, Including PMA Group
June 2, 2009 | President Barack Obama's choice for the Secretary of the Army, Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) would bring with him strong ties to the defense industry's checkbooks and lobbyists, including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and PMA Group.
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.
Capital Eye Report: Congress Barks Back at Society's Watchdogs
May 5, 2009 | A Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing tomorrow will take a look at the future of newspapers and what, if anything, Congress can do to help the struggling industry. But journalists are at a disadvantage compared to other industries that can give campaign contributions and aren't publicly scrutinizing the lawmakers.
Not Quite the Hard-Knock Life on K Street
April 30, 2009 | Given all of the variables, measuring the impact of the economy on K Street isn't exactly a science. But the Center for Responsive Politics has conclusively found that lobbying during the first three months of 2009 has actually increased slightly compared to the same period of time last year. Here you can check out how much which industries and clients have spent the most on lobbying so far this year and which have increased or decreased the most since the start of 2008.
Recipients of Federal Funds Cut Down On Federal Lobbying
April 30, 2009 | Although the lobbying industry doesn't seem to have taken a hit in the first three months of 2009 compared to the same time last year, recipients of cash from the federal government's Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) handed out less money to lobbyists than they had in any quarter of 2008.
Senator Arlen Specter Leaves the GOP, Will His Contributors Follow Him?
April 28, 2009 | Embattled Sen. Arlen Specter became a Democrat today, a move that could attract new donors and turn others off.
In Defense Spending Battle, Lawmakers Seek Funds for Top Donors
April 27, 2009 | Members of both the House and Senate defense appropriations subcommittees are slated to meet as early as this week to mark up the $83.4 billion supplemental request from the Obama administration. In preparation, some lawmakers have already been lobbying their colleagues to support requests that will benefit defense contractors in their home states--companies that also help fill the campaign coffers of many members of Congress.
FEC Report: PACs Doubled Independent Expenditures for '08 Races
April 24, 2009 | Special interests appear to have made an unparalleled pre-emptive strike in the 2008 election cycle as they anticipated which legislative battles they'd face this year. According to an extensive report released by the Federal Election Commission today, political action committees spent $135.2 million on independent expenditures in the last election cycle. Capital Eye lists the report's other interesting findings here.
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.
What's on Your Mind?
April 9, 2009 | The Center for Responsive Politics has partnered with knowledge-sharing site Helium to find out how you feel about a variety of topics related to money-in-politics. Join the debate by writing a 500-750 word essay in response to one of many intriguing questions on CRP's official Helium site.
Sunshine Week: Grading Your Government
March 19, 2009 | Happy Sunshine Week! In observance of the national government transparency initiative, CRP offers this money-in-politics disclosure report card, grading the federal government on its efforts to shed some light on the ties between its decisions and the private money affecting those decisions. Although the government has made strides in a few key areas since Sunshine Week 2008, it still has a whole lot of homework to do.
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.
Before the Fall, AIG Payouts Went to Washington
March 16, 2009 | As long as everyone's talking today about AIG's payouts to its executives and foreign banks, let's remember the payouts AIG has made over the years to politicians. In the last 20 years American International Group (AIG) has contributed more than $9 million to federal candidates and parties through PAC and individual contributions.
Power Players: Natural Resources Committee Chair Mines Support from Homestate Industry
March 5, 2009 | At 27, Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.V.) was the youngest member of the first Congress he served in, landing spots on the Interior and Public Works committees in his first term in 1976. Now, as chair of the House Natural Resources Committee (formerly the Interior Committee) and the No. 2 Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (formerly Public Works), he's got the support of transportation unions, the mining industry and oil and gas companies.
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.
Labor and Business Spend Big on Looming Unionization Issue
February 26, 2009 | President Obama's Tuesday address to Congress was entirely about jump-starting the economy, but he didn't even hint at a looming legislative battle between business and labor that both sides say could affect how quickly the country recovers. The two longtime adversaries may have different political strategies, but both sides have already spent plenty of cash trying to persuade lawmakers to side with them.
Power Players: Environmental, Women's Groups Place Faith in Boxer
February 26, 2009 | Capital Eye's Power Player series continues this week with a look at Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Boxer's top donors include environmentalists, women's rights groups and the entertainment industry.
Following the money in the Wall Street shakeout? Start here.
February 25, 2009 | OpenSecrets.org has many, many resources for anyone interested in following the money as Washington policymakers craft their solution to the shakeout that continues on Wall Street. Here's a handy guide to what we've got online.
Keeping Tabs on Wall Street, Stimulus Efforts and the Bailout
February 25, 2009 | Since August 2008, when the economic crisis started making headlines and companies began asking lawmakers for some financial help in the form of billions of dollars, CRP has been taking a look at the political influence of companies and industries looking for a government lifeline. This archive contains what we've produced as we follow the money behind the Wall Street shakeout and the government's attempts to jump-start the economy.
Special Interests to Listen Carefully to Obama's Address
February 24, 2009 | When President Obama addresses the nation tonight in a State of the Union fashion, it won't just be Congress and members of the public tuning in. Special interests, too, will be paying close attention to what the president has to say about upcoming plans that could affect them. Capital Eye takes a look at the key issues Obama is likely to discuss--and the industries, sectors and groups that will be listening closely to his message.
UBS AG Helps Fill Lawmakers' Coffers
February 19, 2009 | Swiss bank UBS AG agreed today to pay $780 million to settle claims by the U.S. Department of Treasury that it helped American customers evade paying taxes by hiding their Swiss bank accounts from U.S. tax authorities. But that's not the only help that UBS has provided Americans. In the 2008 election cycle, the foreign bank contributed $3.1 million to federal candidates, parties and PACs.
Obama, Ney and DeLay Also Among Stanford's Investments
February 18, 2009 | As the story behind the embattled investment company Stanford Financial Group develops, we thought we'd take an even closer look at the seeds the company may have tried to plant in Washington via campaign contributions. When looking at ALL lawmakers to collect money from the company's PAC and employees (not just members of the current Congress), some additional, important names appear at the top of the recipient list.
TARP Recipients Paid Out $114 Million for Politicking Last Year
February 4, 2009 | The companies that have been awarded taxpayers' money from Congress's bailout bill spent $77 million on lobbying and $37 million on federal campaign contributions, CRP has found. The return on investment: 258,449 percent.
New RNC Chair Brings Fundraising Prowess to Post
February 2, 2009 | The GOP has selected former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele to lead its fundraising efforts as the chair of the Republican National Committee. Although Steele lost his 2006 bid for Senate, he raised nearly as much money as his opponent, Congressman Ben Cardin.
Power Players: Embattled Congressman Leads Ways and Means with Finance Money Behind Him
January 30, 2009 | Fixing the economy is a huge undertaking for the 111th Congress, and any measures to cut or raise taxes will have to win the approval of the House Ways and Means Committee, which Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) has chaired since 2007. This position has made Rangel a magnet for cash from the finance, insurance and real estate sector.
Washington Lobbying Grew to $3.2 Billion Last Year, Despite Economy
January 29, 2009 | While companies across the board were losing record amounts of money and laying off employees last year, at least one industry seemed to weather the recession: lobbying. Special interests paid Washington lobbyists $3.2 billion in 2008, more than any other year on record and a 13.7 percent increase from 2007, CRP has found. Corporations in the finance, insurance and real estate sector and automotive industry actually slowed or decreased their lobbying spending overall last year, relying instead on trade associations to represent them.
Power Players: Struggling Financial Firms Are Banking on Dodd
January 27, 2009 | Although Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) is chair of one of the more powerful congressional committees, he probably isn't the envy of his peers these days with an economic crisis growing larger by the day. Dodd has put in two years as chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and is now charged with shaping legislation to jump-start the economy and help floundering companies, including those that have contributed to his campaigns.
Power Players: With Health Sector's Money Supporting Him, Baucus Offers Prescription for Reform
January 23, 2009 | As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is a target for campaign contributions from Wall Street and the health sector. He's outlined his own vision for health care reform and his committee will have to decide if the overhaul is fiscally possible.
Power Players: Despite Industry Funds, Frank Cracks Down on Bailout Recipients
January 22, 2009 | Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., continues his role as chair of the House Financial Services Committee this year in the midst of an economic recession. But the money he's received from the finance sector hasn't won his unconditional support of doling out bailout cash to floundering companies.
2009 Legislative Preview
January 15, 2009 | Within the next few months, it will become increasingly clear how the federal government intends to tackle pressing issues, including the economy, health care reform and curbing global warming. Those efforts, led by a Democratic president and an expanded Democratic majority in Congress, might look drastically different from those of the last eight years under Republican President Bush. What won't change, however, are the attempts by special interests to influence legislation. Capital Eye looks at which industries are spending money to shape the economic stimulus, health care reform, energy policy and labor laws.
Power Players: Cantor Whips up Support from Finance Sector
January 8, 2009 | A rising star among House Republicans from day one, Cantor will now replace Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri as House minority whip. In this position, Cantor is charged with corralling support among his colleagues for the Republican leadership's proposals. Capital Eye kicks its Power Players series off with a profile of Cantor's fundraising, industry support and personal investments.
Richardson Not Alone in Collecting Money from Embattled Contributor
January 5, 2009 | Putting aside whatever involvement New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson had in an alleged "pay-to-play" scheme in his home state, his future as U.S. commerce secretary is now a casualty of an ongoing federal investigation into a company that has funded the former presidential candidate's state-level political committees. While no other incoming federal lawmaker or Cabinet member is said to be under investigation, others have certainly seen their campaign efforts propped up by the embattled company. Capital Eye lists those recipients here.
Madoff and Company Spent Nearly $1 Million on Washington Influence
December 15, 2008 | The man behind a $50 billion Ponzi scheme that has roiled Wall Street and shaken up the nonprofit world was also a long-time contributor to Democrats. In total, Bernard Madoff and his wife, Ruth, have given $238,200 to federal candidates, parties and committees since 1991, with Democrats getting 88 percent of that.
City and State Governments Invest Money on Capitol Hill
December 11, 2008 | Although local and state governments usually send lobbyists to Capitol Hill on their behalf, mayors and governors from across the nation have been meeting with President-elect Barack Obama and Congress in the last week with their economic wish lists. Despite the money crunch, this year city, state and municipal governments are on track to spend more on federal lobbying than they have in the last two years.
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.
Parties Finance Louisiana Races
December 5, 2008 | Other lawmakers and party committees have whipped up a financial storm in the two Louisiana House races set to take place this Saturday. The party primaries in both the 2nd District and 4th were delayed in September because of Hurricane Gustav, pushing back the entire election schedule and giving interested parties more time to finance their candidates of choice.
Georgia Senate Runoff Spurs Independent Expenditures
December 2, 2008 | With a filibuster-proof majority in sight, Democrats are aggressively trying to win Georgia's Senate seat in today's hotly contested runoff--and Republicans are aggressively trying to fend them off. Interest groups allied with each party are also banking on the outcome of the race and have bolstered the amount they're spending on ads.
Obama's New Communications Director Has Grassroots Fundraising Experience
November 26, 2008 | Ellen Moran, who is Barack Obama's pick for White House communications director, will be leaving her post as head of a giant among political action committees: EMILY's List. The PAC, which primarily bundles money for women running for federal office who support abortion rights, has given away at least $19.7 million since 1989, making it one of the 100 top all-time donors.
Finance Sector Lobbied for Money…Without the Money to Lobby
November 21, 2008 | The surge of activity in the nation's capital to revive the country's economy apparently hasn't caused a torrent of lobbying funds by the insurance companies, investment banks, mortgage companies and savings and loans central to the government's actions. While unions, companies and organizations across all industries increased their lobbying expenditures 2 percent in the 3rd Quarter of this year compared to the first three months of 2008, the finance, insurance and real estate sector apparently scaled back, decreasing its spending by 9 percent.
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.
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.
PACs in 527's Clothing?
October 14, 2008 | Campaign finance reform group Democracy 21 filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission last week alleging that the American Issues Project (AIP), a pro-Republican group, and the American Leadership Project (ALP), a pro-Democratic group, broke campaign finance rules by not registering as political action committees, which are subject to contribution limits and reporting requirements.
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.
Wall Street Shake-up Connects to Washington Through Contributions, Personal Investments
September 15, 2008 | Wall Street's grim news has plenty of people worried about their pocketbooks. Lawmakers are among them, not only concerned with how to boost the economy but with their own personal finances tied to companies that are struggling. The richest members of Congress seem to be the most invested in the companies at the center of the Wall Street shake-up.
The GOP Takes the Heartland's Pulse
September 4, 2008 | Republicans descended on the Midwest for their convention this week, promoting John McCain's credentials, introducing vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and hoping to win the support of the region's voters come November. If money determined the winner in each state, McCain would take Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas, North Dakota, Nebraska and South Dakota. He wouldn't, however, manage to win Minnesota, which hosted the Republican National Convention this week, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois or Missouri.
Retirees Propel McCain to the Fundraising Finish Line
September 3, 2008 | Preparing for a general election in which he cannot collect private donations, John McCain vaulted in front of Barack Obama in fundraising from one of the biggest groups of donors in American politics: the senior set. A new analysis of the Republican nominee's summer fundraising by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has found McCain leading Obama among retired donors almost two to one in June and July, $8.1 million to $4.5 million.
The Money Behind Palin
August 29, 2008 | John McCain surprised political pundits this morning by inviting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to join him on the Republican ticket. Because Palin's political career is relatively new (she was mayor of Wasilla, an Anchorage suburb, and became governor after the 2006 election), there's little information available in the way of a campaign finance profile. But at the Center for Responsive Politics, we've strung together these observations about Palin's campaign fundraising and money --- and money-related scandal -- in Alaska politics.
North Star State Lights Way for GOP
August 28, 2008 | Republicans have their compasses set toward the North Star State, where they will be convening next week for their national convention. Although Minnesota residents haven't favored a Republican president since 1972, the last two presidential elections have been close, and John McCain and Barack Obama are neck-and-neck in fundraising from the state (Obama has raised a mere $233,000 more, out of $3.7 million raised by the two contenders), indicating that McCain might not have as much to overcome here as previous Republicans have.
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.
How to Teach a Blue Dog Red Tricks
August 24, 2008 | There is an emboldened breed of politician strutting around Denver this week and tonight, as part of the Democratic Party's convention, multiple corporations will be throwing a late-night bash in honor of these creatures. A group of fiscally conservative Democrats known as the Blue Dog Coalition has been able to leverage centrist appeal and an increasing Democratic majority into strong gains in the House of Representatives. The group's unique appeal is evidenced in the Blue Dogs' formidable fundraising coalition.
The Money Behind Biden
August 23, 2008 | Now that Barack Obama has announced his running mate, reporters will be scrambling to cover every aspect of Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.)--his politics, his personal life, what he adds to the Democrats' presidential ticket and what aspects could make him a liability for the party. At the Center for Responsive Politics, we've strung together our own observations about Biden's campaign fundraising and personal finances.
FEC Frees McCain from Primary Public Financing
August 21, 2008 | John McCain caught a break today after the Federal Election Commission voted unanimously to let his campaign out of the public financing system for the primary contest. Months ago the Democratic National Committee accused McCain of using the possibility of the funds to secure a bank loan and then illegally withdrawing from the system after his campaign's finances improved.
Convention Rules: How to Be the Life of the Party
August 21, 2008 | There are more than 400 opportunities for attendees of the upcoming Democratic and Republican national conventions to party with their party. But if you're a member of Congress, partaking comes with pitfalls. For lawmakers, here's a guide of do's and don't's if you want to meticulously follow the new ethics rules. Just do these things and you've forever broken the ties that formerly bound you to special interests.
Troops Deployed Abroad Give 6:1 to Obama
August 14, 2008 | Democrat Barack Obama has received nearly six times as much money from troops deployed overseas at the time of their contributions than has Republican John McCain, and the fiercely anti-war Ron Paul, though he suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination months ago, has received more than four times McCain's haul.
Power Struggle: Plastics Manufacturing Lobby Sends Environmentalists a Message in a Bottle
August 7, 2008 | You can't turn your head without seeing plastic: computers, phones, bottles, furniture, clothing accessories. But plastic is made from oil--a fact most Americans aren't aware of--and rising oil prices have jacked up the price of plastic in the last few months. Up to eight percent of the country's oil goes into producing plastic, according to some estimates, and as Americans increasingly look for ways to reduce their environmental impact, plastics are beginning to be drawn into the energy debate.
Power Struggle: Coal, Nuclear Industries Lobby to Keep the Lights On
August 7, 2008 | Coal and nuclear power are the biggest sources of electricity in the U.S., accounting for roughly 70 percent of the nation's electricity. While producers of both sources believe that the country needs a well-balanced fuel portfolio, both industries are seeking an advantage by spending their fair share on campaign contributions and lobbying this election cycle, reminding those in Congress of their integral role in keeping the lights on.
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: The Transformation of Transportation
July 24, 2008 | The long and winding road to work has become more costly than ever before, but it's also forcing drivers to explore other ways of getting around. From bikes to buses, Americans are starting to spend more time using other modes of transportation instead of in their gas-guzzling cars. These alternative industries, which may have been largely ignored in the past, are getting a greater deal of attention from consumers at home, as well as from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Rangel's Fundraising for Nonprofit Center Gets Him in an Ethics Tangle
July 21, 2008 | Having served 38 years in the House, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) has accomplished quite a bit. This election cycle is no exception, receiving more money than any other member of Congress from seven different industries. Lately, however, Rangel's methods of raising money have been questioned.
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.
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: Industry Standards
July 10, 2008 | Industries across the board have a stake in the outcome of energy legislation, either because they are looking for handouts or trying to minimize harm. Capital Eye profiles the major players, their concerns and the money they're spending to be heard on Capitol Hill.
Lobbying: The Constitutional Right of Pretty Much Anybody
July 10, 2008 | In analyzing the influence of private money on public policy, a great deal of attention is given to large special interest groups. Everyone has heard about Big Oil and Big Pharma. However, very few people know about the influence of fringe organizations such as "Big Golf" or the Australian meat lobby.
Data Update: Presidential and Congressional Fundraising
July 7, 2008 | The fireworks might be tucked away now until the next Fourth of July, but here at CRP we continue to illuminate the money-in-politics scene all year round. Just in the last few days we've been busy updating various parts of OpenSecrets.org using data available from the Federal Election Commission on June 30.
Lobbying Battle Brews Over Potential Beer Buyout
July 2, 2008 | When Anheuser-Busch rejected an unsolicited $46 billion buyout offer from InBev, a Belgian brewing company, reservations about the sale of an American icon to a foreign company quickly began brewing on Capitol Hill. While Anheuser-Busch put its lobbyists to work to keep its company locally owned, InBev's chief executive, Carlos Brito, also came to Washington to meet with lawmakers, hoping to soften some of their staunch opposition to the takeover.
NRA Aims for Results
June 30, 2008 | The Supreme Court's ruling last week to lift the ban of handguns in Washington, D.C., households is the first ever to determine that the Second Amendment guarantees individuals the right to own guns. While the judicial branch took more than 200 years to rule on the issue, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has spent years developing a relationship with the legislative branch.
Center for Responsive Politics and Other Watchdogs Urge Obama, McCain to Reveal More Donor Information
June 25, 2008 | Eight government watchdog organizations today urged Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain to reveal more details about fundraisers for their presidential campaigns who "bundle" contributions in amounts greatly exceeding what they're permitted to contribute on their own, and to furnish additional data about their small donors.
DNC Gets More From Accountants Than From Lobbyists
June 19, 2008 | Here's further evidence that the political significance of the Democratic National Committee's refusal of lobbyists' contributions is greater than the new policy's financial significance: In 2004, federally registered lobbyists—whether they work at lobbying firms or in-house for corporations, trade groups or unions—contributed only about $581,000 to the DNC, or not quite two-tenths of 1 percent of the committee's overall fundraising in '04.
Muddled Vetting
June 19, 2008 | While presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain survey the political landscape for running-mate options, they have also found time to pick apart each other's search committee, criticizing the members' links to special interests.
Despite New Rules, Lawmakers Still Airborne
June 18, 2008 | The pace of congressional travel has slowed since new ethics rules went into effect last year, but CRP's update of its travel database shows that some lawmakers are still collecting frequent flier miles on someone else's dime.
Recording Industry, Radio Broadcasters Fight to Control the Volume
June 17, 2008 | Last week the House Judiciary Committee held hearings on a bill that would make radio broadcasters pay royalties to the recording industry in exchange for playing their songs. What is getting lost in the ideological and economic debate between the two industries is how much money the competing interest groups have been willing to throw at lawmakers to get their respective points across.
Soft Money Makes a Comeback at the Conventions
June 13, 2008 | Like a fly that refuses to buzz off, soft money seems to have found its way back into the campaign contribution mix.
Home Is Where the Cash Is
June 11, 2008 | Most women will say that being a homemaker is a rewarding job, even though they don't earn any money from it. Campaign finance reports, however, make the important work look surprisingly lucrative.
Obama Puts Lobbyists, PACs on DNC's Do-Not-Call List
June 5, 2008 | Now that the Democrats have a presidential nominee who refuses contributions from lobbyists and political action committees, the Democratic National Committee is bringing its own fundraising policies in line with Barack Obama's.
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.
Fifth McCain Adviser Steps Down
May 19, 2008 | Another adviser to presidential candidate John McCain has resigned because of his work as a lobbyist, bringing the total in the last week to five. Tom Loeffler, McCain's national finance co-chairman, called it quits this weekend after the Republican's campaign manager required all campaign staffers with lobbying ties to cut those ties or resign.
McCain's International Ties Scrutinized
May 15, 2008 | First John McCain came under fire for hiring lobbyists to advise him during his presidential bid after cultivating a reputation for opposing the influence of special interests on government. Now he's being criticized for the specific work that those lobbyists do.
Corporate Sponsors Get the Party Started
May 15, 2008 | Sometimes all it takes to be the coolest kid on the block is throwing the best party--at least that's what the more than 50 corporations that signed up to underwrite the biggest Democratic bash of the year are banking on.
New OpenSecrets.org Celebrates CRP's 25th Anniversary
May 14, 2008 | Voters, activists, journalists and political professionals have a new tool for following the most expensive U.S. election ever. The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has unveiled its redesign of OpenSecrets.org, the award-winning website that has illuminated connections between money, elections and public policy for millions of Americans.
After Brief Retaliation, Home Builders Turn the Tap Back On
May 7, 2008 | Economic hardship didn't cause the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to withhold federal contributions for the last 10 weeks, and it won't prevent the group from following up on its decision late last week to start giving again.
Another Record Year for Lobbying
April 10, 2008 | Corporations, industries, labor unions, governments and other interests spent a record $2.79 billion in 2007 to lobby for favorable policies in Washington, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has calculated.
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.
European Company Plays American Politics — And Wins
March 13, 2008 | The cost of a $35 billion Air Force tanker contract is $304,000 in campaign contributions and $2.8 million in lobbying expenditures (and a superior bid, the companies who won the contract would say). Under these circumstances, the North American arm of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Company (EADS, parent of Airbus) partnered with U.S.-based Northrop Grumman to win the giant defense contract this week.
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.
Stimulus Package Leaves Some Interests Behind
February 14, 2008 | President Bush signed the $168 billion Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 this week, disappointing some industries and interests that had vied for measures that would benefit them.
Seeking Superdelegates
February 14, 2008 | At this summer's Democratic National Convention, nearly 800 members of Congress, state governors and Democratic Party leaders could be the tiebreakers in the intense contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. If neither candidate can earn the support of at least 2,025 delegates in the primary voting process, the decision of who will represent the Democrats in November's presidential election will fall not to the will of the people but to these "superdelegates"—the candidates' friends, colleagues and even financial beneficiaries. Both contenders will be calling in favors.
Seeking Stimulation
January 31, 2008 | Industries are sending in lobbyists with their wish lists as Congress and the president debate a package to revive the ailing economy.
January 24, 2008 | Republicans had their say in South Carolina last Saturday, and now the state's Democrats get to vote this Saturday for their favorite presidential candidate. The top Democratic fundraiser in the state has been John Edwards, who raised about $317,000 through September, followed by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Money wasn't a predictor in the Republican…
Lawmakers Divest Because of Darfur
December 20, 2007 | Congress supported divestment from Sudan this week, but some lawmakers still have a financial stake in companies tied to the genocidal regime.
Shopping in (Partisan) Style
December 13, 2007 | Capital Eye's holiday guide to buying blue or red.
Outsourcing the Income
December 6, 2007 | As individuals are pushed to replace soft money, professional fundraisers profit.
Biggest Donors Are Digging Deeper for '08
November 15, 2007 | Top industries and interest groups have increased their giving over 2004 by 46 percent, Center finds. As money shifts to Democrats, giving from Republican strongholds is mostly flat.
Retirees Got Active in Presidential Campaign's 3rd Quarter
November 1, 2007 | Exclusive analysis finds lawyers are still the biggest givers to candidates for the White House, but retired contributors have edged out Wall Street. A year before '08 election, Democrats have the edge in nearly every major industry.
Q&A: MoveOn.org, Bundlers and Conduits
September 27, 2007 | Attention to MoveOn.org's advertising has prompted many questions about how the group operates, and how it and others direct money to political candidates.
Sending Money Home
September 20, 2007 | Most donors in foreign countries appear to work in private industry, not in foreign service or the military, as first reported. The story has been updated to reflect this finding.)As globalization moves American executives to financial metropolises around the world and the Internet allows for easier connection among politically minded U.S. expatriates, the 2008 presidential candidates are expanding their fundraising efforts beyond the United States's borders.
The Other Iraq Surge
September 13, 2007 | A sharp increase in contributions from the military to Democrats suggests the Republican commander-in-chief and his party are losing the troops' support.
The New College Try
August 9, 2007 | University employees have emerged from the library to become a major player in election financing, opening their wallets again in '08 to win the White House for Democrats.
Exploring Fred Thompson's Finances
August 3, 2007 | Southern donors, lawyers, retirees and investors are major backers to the undeclared candidate's exploratory committee, the Center for Responsive Politics finds.
Of Rice and Men (Part of the "Cultivating Support in Washington" Series)
July 12, 2007 | A battle rages over whether agricultural policy should support farmers or crop processors.
Supreme Court Targets McCain-Feingold
June 26, 2007 | A ruling this week opens the door for business corporations and unions to fund issue ads as they like until the day of an election.
Power Play Series: Energy & Environmental Groups
June 21, 2007 | Largely ignored when Republicans controlled Congress, environmentalists have come out of the wilderness.
Power Play Series: Energy & Electric Utilities
June 21, 2007 | Generators of electricity say they can't meet demand without still relying on fossil fuels.
Power Play Series: Energy & Coal Mining
June 21, 2007 | The industry tries to convince policymakers that coal can be clean.
Power Play Series: Energy & Auto Manufacturers
June 21, 2007 | U.S. carmakers worry that mandates for better fuel efficiency will harm their already struggling industry.
Power Play Series: Energy & Alternatives
June 21, 2007 | The "anything but oil" mantra has put industries offering alternatives in their best position in decades.
Power Play Series: Energy & Agriculture
June 21, 2007 | Farmers whose crops have potential as fuel see a way to bolster their struggling industry, while others worry that greater demand for biofuels will raise food prices.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Construction
June 14, 2007 | Providing first jobs for generations of immigrants, the construction industry seeks to keep the labor stream flowing.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Agribusiness
June 14, 2007 | Heavily reliant on immigrant workers, the farming industry is largely united in support of the immigration bill.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Human Rights
June 14, 2007 | Immigrant rights groups suddenly find their issue in the spotlight.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Business
June 14, 2007 | Business speaks with a loud voice, but its sub-industries have varying views.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & High-Tech
June 14, 2007 | The technology industry's need for highly skilled workers is often overlooked in the immigration debate.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Health
June 14, 2007 | As the U.S. population ages, the health sector wants to be able to recruit caregivers from abroad.
Border Patrol Series: Immigration & Labor
June 14, 2007 | Unions are generally pleased that the immigration bill puts illegal workers on a path to citizenship—and potentially union membership.
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.
Can You Help Us Identify These Mystery PACs?
May 29, 2007 | Politicians set up so-called leadership PACs to raise even more money. But they don't want you to know what they're doing. __________________ Currently, a leadership political action committee, or leadership PAC, is not required to disclose the lawmaker with whom it is affiliated. North Carolina Rep. Walter B. Jones is hoping to shine more light…
Don't Keep OpenSecrets.org a Secret, Congressman
May 24, 2007 | Former Justice Department official Monica Goodling admitted to Congress yesterday that she researched appointees' political contributions on the Internet. The Center for Responsive Politics asks the congressman who questioned her to spread the word about OpenSecrets.org.
Oil Company in Scandal Gave Outside of Alaska
May 9, 2007 | VECO executives and employees have contributed $1 million to federal politicians and parties since 1989, Center finds. In Alaska, lawmakers have rushed to dump the money.
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.
Financiers, Along with Lawyers, are Underwriting the Race for the White House, Watchdog Finds
April 18, 2007 | New, exclusive analysis on OpenSecrets.org finds attorneys have given candidates the most, but Wall Street's biggest firms top all other companies. Candidates have relied on their personal connections for early fundraising.
Under the Radar
April 12, 2007 | Loopholes in disclosure rules have allowed at least $223 million in "stealth" lobbying to remain a mystery, Center finds.
Congressional Preview
April 7, 2007 | New leadership in the 110th Congress means newfound influence for interests friendly to Democrats By Miranda Blue and Lindsay Renick Mayer January 04, 2007 | With the changing of the guard on Capitol Hill comes a shift in lobbying efforts. In December, the Republican-led 109th Congress closed with a late-night flurry of bills to appease…
April 5, 2007 | Ethics concerns and new legislation have put the brakes on congressional travel in 2007. By Lindsay Renick Mayer April 05, 2007 | (This story has been corrected to reflect Rep. Steven Leslie Kagen's trip to Miami this year.) As two ethics bills restricting congressional travel fly through the House and Senate, lawmakers are largely grounding…
Inside Voices Grew Louder in '06
March 29, 2007 | Most of the biggest spenders on lobbying increased their advocacy last year, while growth by the typical interest was flat. By Lindsay Renick Mayer March 29, 2007 | Critics may have dismissed the 109th Congress as "do-little," but groups spending the most to lobby members of that Congress were seemingly doing a lot in 2006.…
Hot-Button Interests Cooled Down in '06 Election
March 21, 2007 | Voters and candidates had their minds on the war, so PACs representing abortion and gun interests pulled back on their campaign contributions. By Lindsay Renick Mayer March 21, 2007 | Although political action committees across all industries increased their total contributions to candidates during the last election, giving by PACs tied to several hot-button political…
Price of Emission
March 15, 2007 | Fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles haven't changed since the 1980s, but the climate on Earth, and on Capitol Hill, has. By Lindsay Renick Mayer March 15, 2007 | After nearly two decades of static fuel-efficiency requirements, executives from leading auto manufacturers defended the current standards Wednesday and told Congress their companies are addressing global warming, rising…
Let the Sunshine In!
March 15, 2007 | Who's funding your elected representatives' campaigns, and how is that money being spent? What public policies are lobbyists trying to influence? It's your right to know, so speak up—here's how.
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…
And the Political Contribution Goes To…
February 28, 2007 | This year's Oscar nominees weren't especially active political givers in the last election cycle, but the larger entertainment industry was. By Lindsay Renick Mayer February 28, 2007 | (This story has been corrected to reflect Martin Scorsese's best director win for "The Departed," as well as the director's political contributions.) Academy Awards acceptance speeches have…
State of the Union Preview
January 22, 2007 | Global warming, the Iraq war and balancing the budget are likely to be among the issues the president addresses. By Lindsay Renick Mayer January 22, 2007 | When President Bush takes the podium on Tuesday night to deliver his annual address, he will do so before a nation that is far less supportive of his…
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…
Women of the House (and Senate)
November 28, 2006 | Led by House Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi, women make gains in Congress, but men still outpace female donors in campaign contributions. By Miranda Blue November 28, 2006 | When the 110th Congress starts work in January, it will include more women than ever before—in greater numbers, in more powerful positions, with many congresswomen propelled to office…
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.
Money-in-Politics Resources for Election Night
November 7, 2006 | Consult OpenSecrets.org and experts from the Center for Responsive Politics ____________________ WASHINGTON–OpenSecrets.org, the award-winning Web site of the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, contains numerous resources for reporters needing money-in-politics figures on Election Night and following November 7th. The Center's acting executive director, Sheila Krumholz, and communications director, Massie Ritsch, are also available to analyze…
Money for Nothing
November 3, 2006 | House and Senate candidates who didn't even make it to Election Day spent almost $100 million raised from contributors and their own pockets. By Lindsay Renick Mayer and Miranda Blue November 03, 2006 | Every two years, candidates running for Congress plead with friends, family and people they've never met to dig deep into their…
Center for Responsive Politics Predicts '06 Election Will Cost $2.6 Billion
October 25, 2006 | This year's intensely competitive election for control of the House of Representatives and Senate will be the most expensive midterm election ever, the Center for Responsive Politics predicts. Candidates, national political parties and outside issue advocacy groups will spend roughly $2.6 billion by the end of 2006 to influence the 472 federal contests around the United States and pad the war chests of incumbents not running this year.
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…
New Web Tools Track Congressional Finances and Travel
October 10, 2006 | Easy-to-search databases add to free offerings of award-winning OpenSecrets.org ____________________ The non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics has added two new features to its award-winning money-in-politics Web site, OpenSecrets.org. One database details more than $2.4 billion in assets reported by members of Congress, the president and other top federal officials, making their personal financial disclosures fully…
Foley Contributed Nearly $745,000 to Republicans
October 3, 2006 | Florida congressman in scandal was a major donor to the Republicans' effort to hold the House. Candidates in close races are dumping his money—but Foley has nearly $2.8 million left. By Massie Ritsch October 03, 2006 | At the center of an online sex scandal involving teenage pages, Rep. Mark Foley is the latest disgraced…
527 Activity Surges in the States
September 13, 2006 | The advocacy groups that rose to prominence in 2004 have scaled back their federal activity this election. Instead, 527s are focusing on state issues and elections. Liberals have raised more money than conservatives. By Lindsay Renick Mayer September 13, 2006 | CLARIFICATION (9/27/06): The non-federal 527 activity mentioned in this story includes only the fundraising…
PC Magazine Names OpenSecrets.org a Top Web Site of 2006
August 31, 2006 | Money-in-politics resource is a 'classic' that shows 'exactly where the paper trail leads' ____________________ PC Magazine has named the online money-in-politics resource OpenSecrets.org as among "The Top 101 Classic Web Sites of 2006," along with Google, Yahoo! and the Library of Congress. This is the latest accolade for the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics, which…
Too Much Information
July 24, 2006 | In disclosing their personal finances, Congress members who have led efforts to prevent identity theft revealed their Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Voluminous attachments to annual filings make it more difficult to assess lawmakers' wealth. By Lindsay Renick Mayer July 24, 2006 | As personal data on millions of Americans has slipped out…
Investors Push Companies to Explain Their Politics
July 10, 2006 | Shareholder initiatives requiring greater disclosure of corporate campaign contributions and lobbying have fared better in 2006 but still mostly fail. By Neil Tambe July 10, 2006 | Shareholders who are concerned that corporations' political activities could devalue their stocks are increasingly prodding public companies to make their political contributions and lobbying activities more transparent. So…
Debate Over Internet Equality Is Hardly Neutral
June 23, 2006 | Senators take up the network neutrality issue, which pits entrenched telecom interests against the Internet's newcomers. By Neil Tambe and Eric Warren June 23, 2006 | The Senate is now considering legislation that would ensure the Internet remains based on a principle of equal and open connectivity. Opponents of so-called network neutrality legislation have contributed…