House Democrats Set to Move on New Fund-Raising Rules

[maddezmom]

Source: New York Times

By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
Published: May 15, 2007
WASHINGTON, May 14 — House Democratic leaders, against stiff resistance in their caucus, have decided to advance a measure to require federal lobbyists to disclose the campaign contributions they collect and bundle for federal political candidates, officials involved in their deliberations said.

The Democratic leaders plan to outline the proposal at a closed caucus meeting on Tuesday. The proposal, a version of which has already passed the Senate, could have a major effect on the business of politics in Washington, creating a new category of public disclosure that goes to the heart of how lobbyists ingratiate themselves with lawmakers.

Because campaign finance laws cap individual contributions, candidates depend heavily on people who act as surrogate fund-raisers by collecting and bundling checks from friends, clients and associates. For incumbent lawmakers, lobbyists are often eager to play such a role. Current campaign laws require only the disclosure of individual contributions, including those in bundles, not the role played by the bundler.

Many lawmakers privately oppose adding new disclosure requirements because it could impose a new burden on potential fund-raisers. But voting against anything labeled ethics and lobbying reform can be politically awkward.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/15/washington/15ethics.html?_r=1&oref=slogin