2Day in #OpenGov 12/20/2011

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

Here is the Tuesday’s take on transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.

News Roundup:

Lobbying

  • National political parties took more money from lobbyists in the first half of this year than in any other six-month period on record. Democrats raised 30% more lobbyist cash than Republicans. (Washington Times)
  • Rep. Tom Cole’s (R-OK) former deputy chief of staff is heading through the revolving door to join Steptoe & Johnson as a senior government affairs adviser. (National Journal)
Government
  • Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced legislation as an alternative to the Protect IP and SOPA measures currently being considered. His OPEN act will soon be joined by a companion bill set to be introduced in the House by Darrell Issa (R-CA). (The Hill)
Campaign Finance
  • Mitt Romney called recent changes in campaign finance law a “mockery” of campaign season and advocated getting rid of Super PACs. (Washington Post)
  • A government watchdog filed a complaint with the FEC against Newt Gingrich’s production company. The complaint alleges that Gingrich Productions made illegal contributions to Gingrich’s presidential campaign. (National Journal)
  • The International Association of Fire Fighters is coming back from a nine month hiatus on giving and donating to members of Congress. In the past, the association has been among the biggest PACs in terms of candidate contributions. (Politico)
International
  • Representatives from member countries of the Open Government Partnership met in Brasilia, Brazil last week. There was plenty of Twitter chatter about the event. (Global Integrity)
  • Libyans are excited to exercise new political freedoms, but are concerned about their lack of exposure to democratic practices and transparency in government. (NDI)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 12/20:

House

  • None currently scheduled.
Senate
  • None.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 12/20:
  • None.

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