2Day in #OpenGov 12/9/2011

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

Here is the week’s last look at transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.

News Roundup:

Campaign Finance

  • Independent political groups have already spent four times as much money on the 2012 GOP primary than at the same point in 2008. (Washington Post)
  • A Pro-Mitt Romney Super PAC is preparing to pump even more money into the race. The PAC will launch a $3.1 million ad assault in Iowa. (Washington Post)
Access to Information
  • Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) created an online storehouse for information on the Justice Department’s controversial Fast and Furious program. (Politico)
  • Rapper and businessman Jay-Z, with an estimated net worth of $500 million, expressed support for higher taxes on wealthy Americans, provided that the government institute “open accounting” standards so the public can be sure that the money is being spent on good causes. (Politico)
  • House Republicans are concerned that the Obama administration is refusing to turn over documents relating to Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan’s role working on legal strategy related to the administration’s health care law when she was Solicitor General. Conservative groups want Justice Kagan to recuse herself from ruling on health care cases. (Washington Times)
Lobbying
  • Two senior hill aides at the center of the fight between Hollywood and Silicon Valley over online piracy legislation are stepping through the revolving door and heading for K street. Former aides to Lamar Smith (R-TX) and the Senate Judiciary Committee minority staff are joining the government affairs offices of two major media organizations. (Politico)
  • The Hawaii Ethical Lobbying Association exists to promote ethics in lobbying and good government in the state. (Lobby Comply)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 12/9:

  • None

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 12/9:

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