Lobbyists Bribing the Super Congress

[Pryderi]

They've made it easy to target a select few..

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/aug/11/super-congress-special-interests?CMP=twt_fd

The legalised system of quasi-bribery known as the American campaign finance system allows millions of dollars to flow from individuals and corporations to support federal candidates. Not a single member of Congress attains a coveted seat without the monetary support of key special interests. Those favours must be repaid – either in helpful legislation, or protection from taxation and other federal interference.

So, who owns the new Super Congress? With the nomination of the final three members of the 12-strong joint select committee on deficit reduction, the co-chairs will be Republican Representative Jeb Hensarling of Texas and Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington. Each has sterling credentials on the right and left, respectively. But this political yin-and-yang share something big in common: they have specific friends to look out for.

As a rule, Republicans tend to have strong corporate backing. Since 2009, Rep Hensarling has received at least $35,000 from the giant auditing firm KPMG, another $35,000 from UBS bank and $32,500 from Bank of America. No surprise, he's vice chairman of the House financial service committee. During the same timeframe, Democrat Patty Murray has enjoyed the support of the American Federation of Teachers ($30,000) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ($20,000). She, too, has corporate friends: Washington-based Microsoft Corp has given her at least $21,000.

Another measure of influence is the revolving door used by former congressional staffers to become lobbyists. The high attrition rate of Capitol Hill workers to the influence-peddling industry is no accident. They are courted and handpicked because of their inside knowledge of Congress – and their good relationships with their former bosses. An added bonus: lobbyists tend to earn big money.