Between 2007-2012, America’s most politically active corporations spent $5.8 billion on federal lobbying and campaign contributions. A Sunlight Foundation analysis suggests, however, that what they gave pales compared to what they got: $4.4 trillion in federal benefits.
Continue readingIs the Ex-Im bank really doomed? Not likely, if you look at historical lobbying efforts
If lobbying's any indication, the Export-Import bank won't go away anytime soon. A Sunlight Foundation analysis of the 20 organizations that have lobbied the most on the Ex-Im bank shows that 19 of 20 support the bank.
Continue readingInfluence profile: Retiring Rep. John Dingell
The longest serving member of congress in history, John Dingell has benefited from his ties to the automotive and utility industries.
Continue readingDo business groups’ pre-election forecasts follow their campaign money?
Housing prices and consumer confidence are up but several business groups that have been in town this week have been delivering a distinctly gloomy view of the economy. While the groups have blue-chip reputations in the business world, what's less apparent is their track record of political giving -- one that raises some questions about the forecasts they are presenting six weeks before Election Day.
First out of the blocks: the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Federation of Independent Business. The two groups teamed up at a Tuesday press conference to release a survey conducted by Public Opinion ...
CRP Sheds Light on Auto Industry’s Influence
In light of President Obama’s announcement yesterday of further government control over the auto giants General Motors and Chrysler, our... View Article
Continue readingBig Three Ask for Money, Spend On Lobbying
Executives for the Big Three auto makers are in Washington again asking for money. (Did you know they drove to... View Article
Continue readingFinancial Bailout: Do Interests of Automakers and Members Diverge?
Reading the restructuring plan that General Motors put together makes me wonder whether, in a broad sense, there isn't an insuperable conflict of interest between members of Congress and the automakers. Consider just one aspect of the plan:
...the number of GM retailers is expected to decline to 4,700 by 2012. This will occur primarily in metropolitan and suburban areas where GM has too many dealers to serve the market. In the Plan, it is projected these dealers will be reduced by 35%, increasing annual throughput for the remaining outlets to a more competitive level with other high-volume ...Continue reading
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