Lobbying

• The Whistleblower Improvement Act of 2011, a bill that critics say will severely weaken whistleblower protections, is moving through the house and gaining the attention of some big business lobbyists, who want the bill to pass. (National Journal)
• Rick Santorum has denied involvement in the “K Street Project”, an effort by key Republicans to place party loyalists in lobbying positions. Research shows that he may have been more involved than he lets on. (Washington Post)

Government

• Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced that he would not support SOPA, saying that the bill would “create the precedent…for undue regulation, censorship, and legal abuse.” Ryan had previously been targeted by Reddit users for his vague stance on the legislation. (Mashable)
• Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) will hold a hearing on January 18, to receive testimony from internet and technology experts, as a response to a previous panel made up entirely of representatives of major media groups. (Atlantic Wire)

• Senator John McCain (R-AZ) took a shot at the Citizens United decision on Monday. He blamed the decision on this election cycle’s ad wars and negative tone and argued that the system “will lead to corruption and scandal.” (CNN)
• Independent political groups have been slow to take to Google to place their advertising, but that is likely to change as the campaign season proceeds and money continues to flow. (Tech President)
• The Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling in finding that individuals living in the U.S. on work, or other temporary, visas but not admitted for permanent residency are not allowed to contribute to federal candidates or political parties. (Lobby Comply)