“So Who’s a Lobbyist”
This NY Times editorial endorses reforms from the the lobbying task force of the American Bar Association [Disclosure: I am a member of the task force].
Category Archives: legislation and legislatures
Tom Susman Talks with NPR About Gingrich, Lobbying, and His Advice
“Lobbying Dips Sharply in 2011”
WaPo reports: “Lobbying activity plunged in 2011 for the first time in a decade, most likely driven lower by the struggling economy and legislative gridlock on Capitol Hill, according to new estimates released Thursday.”
“Arizona Candidate Challenged Over English Skills”
NYT: “What began as an effort by political opponents to block Mrs. Cabrera from the ballot for a seat on the City Council has mushroomed into an uncomfortable discussion of just how fluent Arizona officeholders need to be. Like… Continue reading
Get the Popcorn
Jack Abramoff sits down for a video interview with Eliza Newlin Carney.
“Obama Should Force Recess Appointment Fight”
Norm Ornstein has written this column for Roll Call. It concludes:
If that is the case, and if I were the president, I would think about one other area to employ the same recess appointment strategy: Make five recess appointments… Continue reading
New CRS Report on Presidential Signing Statements
More on SOTU and Lobbying Reform
“Ex-Gingrich Adviser Now Trying to Close Lobbying Loopholes”
Roll Call: “The lawyer who a decade ago advised Newt Gingrich on how to engage in advocacy without officially becoming a ‘lobbyist’ is now working to close the loopholes that enable the former Speaker and other Members to avoid… Continue reading
Taking Lobbyists Out of the Campaign Finance Bundling Business
In tonight’s State of the Union speech, President Obama said: “Let’s make sure people who bundle campaign contributions for Congress can’t lobby Congress, and vice versa – an idea that has bipartisan support, at least outside of Washington.”
I… Continue reading
Gingrich Not a Lobbyist But Reported to a Lobbyist at Freddie Mac
WaPo reports.
“Earmarking Earmarking”
Mariano-Florentino Cuellar has posted this draft on SSRN. Here is the abstract:
In legislation, to earmark means roughly to designate (through a statutory provision or an accompanying committee report) certain appropriated funds for narrow (nearly always geographically-delimited) purposes that appear… Continue reading
Must Read Ryan Lizza New Yorker Piece
“Lobbyist Helps a Project He Financed in Congress”
Must-read Eric Lichtblau piece in the NY Times.