This Weekend’s Unanswered Question 2 (021806): On Who Gets Money From Washington Lobbyists
QUESTION 2: Why Is This Almost a Secret?
From the Washington Times:
Lobbyists have given more to Democrats
By Charles Hurt
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
February 17, 2006Democrats have taken more money from lobbyists than Republicans during the past 15 years, according to an independent analysis of campaign contributions.
Since the 1990 election cycle, Democrats have accepted more than $53 million from lobbyists while Republicans have taken more than $48 million for their election campaigns, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Data provided by the nonpartisan group also shows that when Democrats controlled Congress in the early 1990s, they consistently hauled in more than 70 percent of the town’s lobbyist money. The group is a leading critic of Texas Republican Rep. Tom DeLay’s ties to lobbyists.
“When the Democrats were in charge, they were getting an incredibly higher amount of lobbyist money compared to Republicans,” said Brian Nick, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “Now that the tables are turned there is parity between the two parties.”
Last year, for instance, Republicans took in 55 percent of the lobbyist money, which roughly corresponds to their majority share in Congress.
Mr. Nick said the figures “take the wind out of Democrat sails” for their charge that Republicans have ushered in a “culture of corruption” that breeds extensive ties to lobbyists.
Democrats do not dispute the data, but accuse Republicans of operating at the behest of the lobbyists who fund their campaigns.
“Since the Republicans took over Congress in 1994, they have not only taken more money from lobbyists, they have given everything they can give to lobbyists,” said Phil Singer, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
“I’ll personally give ten bucks to anyone who can come up with an example of major legislation the GOP Congress has passed that didn’t do a favor for one of its special interest donors.”
Democrats also point to the overall lobbying industry, which has exploded in recent years.
(Aside: How confident is someone when they put only $10 on the line?)
I think the Democrat argument is “we take lobbyist money, but it doesn’t affect OUR votes like it does theirs.” Uh-huh. Then tell me why Delaware Senator Joe Biden (D-MBNA until they were bought, now D-Bank of America), who is a consumer advocate and self-styled populist in just about every other area, voted FOR Bankruptcy “Reform” last year. It couldn’t possibly be the political contributions from MBNA and others in the financial services industry, could it? Of course not. (/sarcasm)
