OpenSecrets.org Newsletter: TBD

Registered Lobbyists Gave $1.1 Million in Contributions Post Election While campaign workers (and increasingly television viewers) breathe a sigh of relief the morning after an election, for lobbyists it’s time to get back to work to bolster relationships with incumbents or begin them with new members. That’s often done in the form of contributions (surprise!). According to an OpenSecrets.org analysis, 948 lobbyists wrote more than $1.1 million in checks last November and December. Of course, not all of that money went to Nov. 4th’s winners. Many lobbyists were fixated on Louisiana’s political landscape, which remained unsettled. The No. 1 recipient of contributions from lobbyists in the final two months of 2014 was now-defeated Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), who was ... read more. Share Tweet Forward to Friend

Friends Helping Friends: Melgen’s Contributions Came Early and Often for Menendez The Justice Department reportedly is on the brink of filing criminal corruption charges against Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) for allegedly pushing the interests of a Florida ophthalmologist in exchange for gifts and contributions. Menendez says he’s done nothing wrong, and that Salomon Melgen’s generosity over the years was spurred because the two are friends. Friends have each others’ backs, and the ... read more. Sunshine Week is On the Horizon! Sunshine Week - the annual celebration of open and transparent government - is coming up, running from March 15-21. OpenSecrets Blog will post one item every day on a pending bill in Congress that would, if enacted, enhance transparency in the money-in-politics arena. We'll include a way for you to weigh in on each measure. And there will be plenty of panel discussions, workshops and more going on through the week. To find a complete list of events,read more here. Trading Old Friends For New: PACs Nurture Budding Relationships Big money hates the underdog. But what happens when the underdog wins? The race to make amends with the newcomer is a mad dash down K Street after every election, and recent campaign disclosures show some striking turnabouts by big-league PACs. More than any favoritism for Democrats or Republicans, big PAC money most reliably supports the incumbent, because incumbents almost always win. Whether ... read more.