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Montana Shines Light on Dark Money in Politics
Montana took a big step in the reform world today by shining a light on money in state politics. Residents can now view state campaign contribution reports immediately after publication,…
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Flickr – Kelly DeLay
Here’s another story to file under, “both parties are part of the problem:” see lobbyists comma Democratic national convention.
The Hill reported today that top officials at the Democratic National Committee met with some of the country’s top lobbyists to entice them to help fund the party’s 2016 convention. In exchange for providing top dollars, lobbyists representing companies like H&R Block and General Motors will receive “VIP treatment,” such as commingling with influential members of the DNC, photo ops and, it goes without saying, exclusive face-time with Democratic candidates.
Lobbyists and other wealthy special interests are able to give this kind of cash thanks to an under-the-radar rider slipped into last year’s must-pass budget bill known as the ‘cromnibus.’ That provision dramatically increased the contribution limits for donations to national parties, and it was written by Democrats and attached to the bill by Republicans. Never let it be said that the parties can’t work together.
The trading of donations for special perks not available to the rest of us is a bipartisan problem with a bipartisan solution: we need to pass common-sense rules regulating how lobbyists are allowed to contribute to our elected officials.
Issue: Money in Politics
Archived
Montana took a big step in the reform world today by shining a light on money in state politics. Residents can now view state campaign contribution reports immediately after publication,…
Archived
Rep. Steve Israel, the Democratic Party’s chief fundraiser, announced his retirement today from Congress. Why is he leaving office after eight terms? “I don’t think I can spend another day…
Archived
According to data from the Center for Responsive Politics, as reported by the New York Times, one-in-five political ads this election have been financed by untraceable dark money. While the…