Washington: Money, Money, Money!!

 

Dear Commons Community,

The NY Times editorial today blasts the practice of lobbyists for special interest groups being hired by Congressional leaders.  The article describes a practice where “ nearly 100 lawmakers have hired former lobbyists as their chiefs of staff or legislative directors…. and [another] 40 lobbyists have been hired as staff members of Congressional committees and subcommittees, the boiler rooms where legislation is drafted.”

The article also names names including:  “Representative Raul Labrador, a freshman from Idaho, hired John Goodwin, previously a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, as his chief of staff. Representative Fred Upton, chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, hired Howard Cohen, a longtime lobbyist for the health care industry, as his chief counsel. …Ron Johnson, senator from Wisconsin, hired as his chief of staff Donald Kent, whose firms have lobbied for casinos, defense industries and homeland security companies. “

Much of the data for this editorial came from the Center for Responsive Politics and Remapping Debate, non-partisan government watchdog groups.

Do our elected leaders have no shame in how they pander to the special and monied-interest groups of our country?

Money!   Money!  Money!

Tony