2Day in #OpenGov 3/6/2012

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

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

News Roundup:

Campaign Finance

  • A new super PAC, the Campaign for Primary Accountability, is putting its powers of unlimited spending towards challenging incumbents in primary elections. The PAC is planning to target incumbents from both parties. (Washington Times)
  • Interest groups have been giving heavily as Congress creeps towards its deadline to reauthorize funding for surface transportation programs. (MapLight)

Lobbying

  • More than 50% of recently departed members of Congress looked to lobbying for their next jobs. (Open Secrets)
  • Vice President Joe Biden hired a former lobbyist to work in his office. Steve Richetti, who deregistered as a lobbyist shortly after President Obama’s election, founded a lobbying firm with clients including AT&T, Eli Lilly, the American Hospital Association, and United Technologies. (Washington Post)
  • At an event on Monday, Jack Abramoff claimed to have extended his influence into the media during his time as a lobbyist. However, he could not recall specific individuals or instances when he exerted this influence. (The Hill)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 3/6:

  • Voluntary Census Participation. Oversight and Government Reform. 9:30 am. 2154 RHOB. Health Care, District of Columbia, Census, and the National Archives Subcommittee hearing.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 3/6:

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