Passionate sense of right and wrong drives Capuano Nov 16, 2009
A one-time Beacon Hill lobbyist (in the days before he was elected mayor of Somerville), Capuano has accepted campaign contributions from lobbyists and taken money from political action committees - organizations that make campaign contributions on behalf of special interests ... The firm is reportedly under investigation for using straw donors to mask illegal campaign contributions, and for giving dinners and other gifts to members of Congress in violation of congressional ethics rules ... He... (Boston Globe)
Jefferson’s Sentence Is a Record-Setter Nov 16, 2009
who pleaded guilty in 1997 to receiving illegal campaign contributions; ex-Rep. Donald Lukens (R-Ohio), who was convicted of bribery in 1996; ex-Rep. (Roll Call)
McCain gets signed copy of Palin book Nov 15, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009. By Michael O'Brien - 11/14/09 11:08 AM ET. (TheHill.com)
On health care, many in House spoke with lobbyists’ voice Nov 15, 2009
In recent years, Genentech s political action committee and lobbyists for Roche and Genentech have made campaign contributions to many House members, including some who filed statements in the Congressional Record. And company employees have been among the hosts at fund-raisers for some of those lawmakers. (Boston Globe)
NEWT EYES 'CONTRACT WITH AMERICA 2'... Nov 14, 2009
How about two of the principles are: no taking any campaign contributions from BANKSTERS and. shrink the big banks down to size; no more TBTF.. (The Drudge Report)
Fines ordered for 3 backers of Councilman Gl... Nov 13, 2009
But that hasn't stopped Stephen Whitburn from taking thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from special interests. . (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Assembly member has given back donations Assemblyman Joel Anderson has returned more than $100,000 in questionable campaign contributions that are the object of an investigation by the state's political watchdog ... Nov 13, 2009
Assemblyman Joel Anderson has returned more than $100,000 in questionable campaign contributions that are the object of an investigation by the state's political watchdog agency. A spokesman for the state Fair Political Practices Commission said the La Mesa Republican's actions have no effect on the agency's probe into an unusual pattern of transactions in May and June among Anderson, supporters of Anderson and three Republican county committees. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Ethics Panel Dismisses Complaint Against Landrieu Nov 13, 2009
Landrieu s campaign had earlier received $30,000 in campaign contributions from the company s executives and related individuals. At the time, Landrieu disputed the Post s reporting, and a spokesman for the Senator called the ethics complaint wholly without merit. (Roll Call)
Tasty Pork Dishes for Your Table Nov 12, 2009
" But why have these non-private, third party-payer alternatives become a standard around the world in many rational countries and societies whose citizens consistently score higher than their U.S. counterparts on many critical health status indicators? And I ask of these opponents, why then, do you accept, for example, Medicare? Medicaid? Social Security? Public water systems? Law enforcement? Fire departments? Emergency services? Educational systems? Highway systems? Street lighting?... (CBS News -- Early Show)
CalPERS official wants agents regulated Nov 12, 2009
Some placement agents have had their business practices questioned after spending lavishly on presents and campaign contributions in what seems to be a way get access and business ... The rules would prohibit campaign contributions by placement agents, as well as limits on gifts they may give to employees or board members of CalPERS. The proposed rules would require registration of placement agents, their firms and employers. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Attorney Disputes Government's 'Alarmist' View of Elections Law Ruling Nov 12, 2009
Plaintiffs attorney Pierce O'Donnell has filed an appellate petition disputing claims that dismissal of the government's campaign contributions violations case against him would create a "loophole" in federal elections law that would render contribution limits "meaningless.". The Federal Election Commission and two good-government nonprofit organizations in September before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the recent dismissal of two of the three counts against O'Donnell... (Law.com)
Locals weigh in on health care debate Nov 12, 2009
Only one Republican lawmaker voted for the House-passed bill and it is reported he is already receiving requests to return campaign contributions. Comment Blog - Note: All Comments Subject To Approval. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Donations returned to Fresno Co. GOP Nov 12, 2009
The Fresno County Republican Party is under the microscope for campaign contributions to a Southern California Assembly member that a leading political watchdog said look "suspicious.". In the spring of this year, the party's Central Committee received $30,000 from members of a San Diego County family, according to the committee's campaign filings. (Fresno Bee)
Call Joe Lieberman's Bluff On Ft. Hood Nov 12, 2009
He gets lots of campaign contributions from health insurance companies and his wife makes a lucrative living as a lobbyist. In other words, Joe Lieberman is killing American citizens, including innocent babies for his own political and financial gain. (CBS News)
This is one time politicians should looks at polls Nov 10, 2009
Voters can send out the call for reform through the questions they ask at candidate forums, through letters (including letters to the editor) and calls to legislative and party leaders and by basing their personal campaign contributions on who they think is most likely to bring meaningful reform to Illinois. The state needs reforms that will end the string of federal indictments of Illinois governors and their inner circle, break the stranglehold of certain legislative leaders and restore public... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Poizner blocks workers' comp rate increase Nov 10, 2009
His comments were especially tough coming from a Republican gubernatorial candidate, considering that Republican candidates often receive hefty campaign contributions from insurers. The benchmark rate in California has declined by 63. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Murphy defends his 'No' vote on healthcare reform bill (760) Nov 10, 2009
todd432 wrote on Nov 9, 2009 6:56 AM:" NO Way. There are far more people in Green County who can not afford Heath insurance and the sky high medical costs then could ever work at these companies Murphy is referring to. Even if these "companies" survive the recession they still will not be able to provide their employees with affordable health care coverage much longer. The current system is OWNED by people who make a profit from limiting our heath care. When it comes to historical and important... (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Inouye's earmarks go to his donors Nov 10, 2009
"I think what that shows you is, at the very least, there's the appearance of a quid pro quo between campaign contributions and then how decisions are made to allocate taxpayer resources," said Mandy Smithberger, of the Project on Government Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog group in Washington, D.C. ... "I think what that shows you is, at the very least, there's the appearance of a quid pro quo between campaign contributions and then how decisions are made to allocate taxpayer resources," said... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Schools throw book at mayor's tuition tax Nov 10, 2009
"These institutions are not without their lobbyists, and [their executives are] not without their ability to make campaign contributions," whereas students usually don't even vote in local elections. Mr. Ravenstahl said the city needs almost $15 million more each year to pump up its pension fund, which at last count included just one-third of the $899 million it should hold to cover its obligations. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Warriors at the coalface Nov 10, 2009
It's not about campaign contributions and office visits, as it is on a national level. "It's a combination of sitting down with delegates or legislators, organising presentations for groups of them or their staff," explains David Hone, climate adviser for Royal Dutch Shell. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Graham: House Bill "D.O.A." in the Senat00004000e Nov 9, 2009
" by rightbehind November 8, 2009 10:53 PM EST Could be he's onto something. If it's good enough for us then it's good enough for them. They better do it right and bring on the strong robust public option. by piBen11 November 9, 2009 12:09 AM EST Joe Wilson is not so bright for a former Lawyer. What does he think Congress has as health insurance? Each of them has the option to choose amongst many providers, be they private providers or not. This is what I think this bill will provide us with,... (CBS News)
Rothstein saga puts Capitol on edge Nov 9, 2009
Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, a former Broward County School Board member who quickly said she had not received any campaign contributions from Rothstein or his associates ... Adam Putnam, R-Lakeland, who is running statewide for Florida agriculture commissioner, issued a news release Friday saying he was returning his campaign contributions ... State law, however, prohibits campaign contributions from being given to charities until the campaign accounts are officially closed and the campaigns are... (The Palm Beach Post)
Is It CalPERS' Turn to Clean House? Nov 9, 2009
But while other pension funds are overhauling their policies on hot-button issues including campaign contributions and investment middlemen CalPERS is making only marginal changes ... Consider the issue of campaign contributions. (BusinessWeek)
Legislature returns to face funding issues Nov 9, 2009
The reform measure would prevent casino officials from making campaign contributions to state lawmakers, require state gaming board officials to wait a year or so before taking a job with a casino, bar outside income for gaming board members and make other changes. Mr. Rendell has said he won't sign a table games bill unless the reform bill is also sent to him. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Rothstein scandal updates Nov 8, 2009
Out of an abundance of caution, the Putnam campaign will return several campaign contributions which appear to be from entities connected with the law firm of Rothstein, Rosenfeldt, Adler to the receivership or to charity as is appropriate. The campaign did not receive any personal contributions from the Rothsteins. (The Palm Beach Post)
Obama's Frightening Insensitivity Following Shooting... Nov 7, 2009
Well lets take a look at his campaign contributions and tell me if you see the industries that commited the most to his campaign. http://www. (The Drudge Report)
Returned funds offer small hope for swindled law firm Nov 7, 2009
A court hearing Friday revealed the law firm of Rothstein Rosenfeldt and Adler received a $200,000 check returned to them by the state Democratic Party for campaign contributions. The question remains if this money will be enough to keep the 70 or so attorneys at the firm afloat, at least temporarily. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Woman says Iowans for Tax Relief set her up Nov 7, 2009
A woman charged with attempting to extort 1 million from the Muscatine-based Iowans for Tax Relief says she was set up by the group with the help of law enforcement to prevent her from filing a formal complaint that the organization made illegal campaign contributions. Although Mary Kathryn Moravek of Mechanicsville stands by her allegations that Iowans for Tax Relief laundered money through its lobbyist, the director of the state panel overseeing campaign finance said Friday he has received no... (Muscatine Journal, IO)
It's time to govern the flow of political money Nov 7, 2009
Make sure that campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures were reported quickly and accurately, I reasoned, and journalists and the American public could determine for themselves what they could tolerate. Transparency is still needed. (Shelby Twp Advisor & Source, MI)
Dogs vs. SUVs vs. the earth, debunked Nov 7, 2009
The lead author of the study, Lonnie Thompson, covering the top of Kilimanjaro that "represent almost 12,000 years of history, since the glaciers first formed on Kilimanjaro," and that "the top, most recent layer shows evidence of melting and refreezing, in the form of elongated air bubbles -- a pattern that is not seen at any other time in the glaciers' history. "So in the 11,700-year history, we don't find that type of melting having been preserved, and it would be preserved and you should be... (Salon)
237 millionaires in Congress... Nov 7, 2009
Congress has an "ETHICS" committee that needs campaign contributions to get the right decisions. Dodd sends contributions Rangel sends contributions Reid sends contributions Murtha sends contributions Frank sends contributions. (The Drudge Report)
Gubernatorial hopeful Tom Knox advocates reforms Nov 6, 2009
Knox, a Philadelphia businessman and one of five Democratic hopefuls, called Thursday for imposing first-ever limits on campaign contributions in state election campaigns. In an e-mail to hundreds of thousands of Democratic voters, he also advocates a ban on gifts and other freebies from lobbyists to public officials. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
The geek in charge at the Department of Energy Nov 6, 2009
Eighty percent of the campaign contributions that candidates and officials running for reelection raise and spend go to TV ads, so they are required to raise enormous amounts of money, mainly from business lobbies. In a way, that has "re-feudalized" the political power and it gave much more power to established interests. (Salon)
Judge ordered to appear Nov 6, 2009
A commission report said she agreed to the fine and reprimand, saying she "never intended" to imply Hotusing's supporters were trying to earn favor through campaign contributions or that Hotusing might oblige them or their clients if re-elected. She also said she "fully accepts responsibility" and "sincerely regrets" approving information included in the material, the report said. (Florida Today)
And for entertainer of the year Nov 6, 2009
Former Gov. Roy Barnes, now a candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, says he wont take campaign contributions from lobbyists. In previous runs for governor, hes taken loads. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
The cancer of our democracy Nov 6, 2009
But to continue this life, they must raise campaign contributions. I don't think that our founding fathers could have ever have foreseen how their dreams and hopes might become so perverted. (Juneau Empire)
Johnson accuses Riley of taking casino money Nov 6, 2009
(AP) - A former member of Gov. Bob Riley's Cabinet says Riley received campaign contributions in 2002 from Mississippi Indians who operate casinos. He says the money was intended to limit the casinos' competition in Alabama. (WSJA.com, AL)
John Agnew: We get three unsolicited lessons in the value of truthfulness Nov 6, 2009
He was frightened at the prospect of losing votes and campaign contributions if he were seen in proximity to Mr. Obama. Valid fears, certainly, which he learned after an earlier appearance with the president in Fort Myers. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Khazei suggests tax credit to boost job creation Nov 6, 2009
He also alludes to his decision not to accept campaign contributions from PACs and lobbyists, saying, Change always comes from the people, not the special interests. In the Dec. 8 primary, Khazei faces Attorney General Martha Coakley, Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca, and US Representative Michael E. Capuano. (Boston Globe)
Mansfield, Brandel lose Newton alderman races Nov 5, 2009
One edge for Blazar was fundraising: he collected about $5,000 in campaign contributions, while long-time Alderman Mansfield raised nothing. Mansfield couldn t be reached for comment on Tuesday night. (Newton Tab, MA)
Click to read:House Votes to Speed Up Credit Card Rules Nov 5, 2009
They have to EARN the campaign contributions they took from the credit card industry. It's comforting to know that some of these Congresspeople jerking 'America' over, will be out of a job come this time next year. (CBS News)
Report: AARP To Endorse House Health Bill Nov 5, 2009
It will also stop letting politicians dip into Medicare Advantage funds for campaign contributions. It will also get rid of the infamous doughnut hole. (CBS News)
Sears pinning holiday wishes on luxury kitchen appliances Nov 5, 2009
"We believe flexible financing and great prices will allow people to participate in the super-premium lines like Jenn-Air, he said. Mr. Moore said the retailer also looks to draw in new customers who were loyal to the brand. As part of its agreement with Sears, Jenn-Air will no longer sell its appliances at retail rivals Home Depot and Lowes. Sears sales, installation, delivery and repair crews also will be trained to support the new line at a Jenn-Air facility in Atlanta. In a separate... (Crain's Chicago Business)
Easley gets little support in TBJ poll Nov 5, 2009
Do you believe former Gov. Mike Easley improperly used campaign contributions ... Only 5 percent of the 1,329 voters said that they do not believe that Easley improperly used campaign contributions. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Woman faces extortion charges Nov 5, 2009
MECHANICSVILLE, Iowa A woman who accused a major player in Iowa politics of illegal campaign contributions has been charged with attempting to extort 1 million from the Muscatine-based Iowans for Tax Relief and its co-founder, David Stanley of Muscatine ... Moravek claims she has witnessed illegal campaign contributions being made by at least one Iowans for Tax Relief employee over a period of at least five years. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Three Senators Join Forces On Climate Bill Nov 5, 2009
John Kerry, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham Are Working to Rescue the Imperiled Legislation. is working with Sens. (CBS News)
LETTER: What's wrong with this health reform picture? Nov 5, 2009
JWT wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:29 AM:" What does Obama have to gain from giving us healh care? What do Republicans have to gain by siding with insurance companys? Campaign contributions. ". Harry Potter wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:55 AM:" Acorn taking over the radios stations?Wow, another mission for Orly Taitz.I'm sure she can find some fake documentation for that too. Thanks for some good laughs this morning, sammy. ". (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Reform won't lower health care costs Nov 4, 2009
But politicians who get huge campaign contributions from lawyers are not about to pass laws to do this. Why should they, when it is so much easier just to start a political stampede with fiery rhetoric and glittering promises. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Buffett buys Burlington Northern for $34B Nov 4, 2009
He's getting in at a good time," said Art Hatfield, an analyst with investment firm Morgan Keegan. Hatfield said he believes Buffett went for Burlington Northern in part because of its good management team, an important aspect in any of the billionaire's deals. Hatfield also said that Burlington Northern has been more progressive than its peers in developing new technology, allowing it to be more profitable. Major railroads have been able to slash costs during the recession by cutting jobs,... (Crain's Chicago Business)
Michael Bloomberg Wins Third Term as NYC Mayor, Beats Comptroller Thompson Nov 4, 2009
Bloomberg spent his tens of millions of dollars as a political independent and assailing Thompson, 56, by characterizing his past service as a Board of Education president as a failure, as well as his acceptance of campaign contributions from managers of pension funds that Thompson supervised, as politics as usual. . (Bloomberg -- US)
Dan Simpson: American ideal? Nov 4, 2009
The money that flows gets called, variously, campaign contributions, lobbying, bribes, walking around money, commissions or just plain graft. What is for sure is that there is lots of it involved in American elections. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
'Reform' bill's glaring omission is unacceptable Nov 3, 2009
Although the "reform" bill approved by the Legislature late last week is an improvement over a bill vetoed by Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this year, it has an unacceptable flaw: It limits campaign contributions from just about everyone except legislative leaders. These political party and legislative caucus committees would be limited in how much they could contribute in primary elections. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Democrats File FEC Complaint Against Senate Candidate McMahon Nov 3, 2009
Democrats file FEC complaint against Linda McMahon - Capitol Watch. Democrats file FEC complaint against Linda McMahon. (FOX61, CT)
Health Care Overhaul IV: This Time, It's Personal Nov 3, 2009
They were out carousing or soliciting campaign contributions while staffers and lobbyists wrote it. Its true authors are familiar with, and interested in, only the parts they contributed. (Townhall.com)
Firms that donate to Inouye receive earmarks Nov 3, 2009
"I think what that shows you is, at the very least, there's the appearance of a quid pro quo between campaign contributions and then how decisions are made to allocate taxpayer resources," said Mandy Smithberger of the Project on Government Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog group in Washington D.C.. Inouye refused repeated interview requests, and his staff would not disclose how the earmarks were justified. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Airlines double holiday surcharges Nov 3, 2009
" The airlines' busiest days tend to fall right before or after a major holiday Thanksgiving and Christmas themselves are often slow travel days. What do you think? You may also like previousnext Special Features The 2009 version of our popular look at Chicago. See it in ways you never thought possible; These companies have seen explosive growth. And while that's every entrepreneurs dream, it can; This year's Women to Watch tell how they're managing the economic downturn in their work and... (Crain's Chicago Business)
Capitol Watch Blog: Connecticut Politics Nov 3, 2009
But our opponents aren't waiting, and we can't either,'' the email states. "They're launching attacks every day -- not just against me, but against the very values that we fight for. They will leave no stone unturned when it comes to winning in 2010, and they will have nearly unlimited sums of special interest money to help them do it. But with your help, I know we can withstand whatever attacks they throw our way over the next year. But we can't win in 2010 unless we start fighting in 2009.". (FOX61, CT)
Inland Western defaults on loans, warns of more Nov 2, 2009
INTERACTIVE MAP: Use our map to search Mayor Daley's campaign contributions by street address, ZIP. Latin America's biggest economy offers great promise and challenges. (Crain's Chicago Business)
FUNDS: UPS, FedEx reap benefits of airports' pet projects Nov 2, 2009
UPS spokesman Michael Mangeot said there is no connection between Rogers' earmarks and the $45,000 in campaign contributions UPS' PAC has given Rogers since 2005 the maximum donation allowed by law. He called the timing of the contributions in March 2007 "coincidence.". (USA Today)
Southwest Airlines announces fares as low as $25 Nov 1, 2009
Do you believe former Gov. Mike Easley improperly used campaign contributions. Yes. (Triangle Business Journal)
Who's Backing Whose Campaign Nov 1, 2009
Campaign contributions to candidates running for the Pinehurst Village Council this year are down from what was spent during the contentious 2007 election. In Southern Pines, members of the local business community are donating heavily to the campaigns of Southern Pines council candidates David McNeill and Mike Fields, while two incumbents are running campaigns with minimal financing. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Lieberman To Campaign For Republicans In 2010 Nov 1, 2009
Lieberman dismissed critics who say he is opposed to the plan because he has received more than $1 million in campaign contributions from the insurance industry over the past 20 years. "I'm not taking this position for the insurance industry," Lieberman said. (FOX61, CT)
Empire editorial: Bill Allen's punishment less than he deserves Oct 31, 2009
For more than 20 years, Allen manipulated the democratic process, starting in the mid-1980s when his company was fined for making illegal campaign contributions. He cheated Alaskans and destroyed the public trust in the process, all for personal gain. (Juneau Empire)
Bank bailouts Oct 31, 2009
Whereas TARP permitted the government to underwrite both small and large banks, TARP on steroids allows taxpayer cash to go only to the behemoths (which, not coincidentally, tend to make the biggest campaign contributions). And whereas TARP limited the Treasury secretary's check-writing authority to two years and $700 billion, TARP on steroids would let him spend as much as he wants for as long as he wants. (Salon)
Lobbyist's alleged threat on Nunes revealed Oct 31, 2009
Fleming formerly worked for the now-defunct PMA Group, which is under scrutiny for allegedly trading campaign contributions for congressional support. Fleming told Nunes staffers that he represented a Virginia-based PMA client named Quantico Arms cal Supply, which he indicated worked with a Visalia-based company called Specter Gear. (Fresno Bee)
