Campaign Finance

• Detour around disclosure: 90 % of the total independent political ad spending for the 2012 general election has been by nonprofit groups that are under no obligation to disclose their donors. These groups are also finding it easier to raise money. (Washington Post)

Government

• Open Government 2.0 a mixed bag: Federal agencies were scheduled to release updates of their Open Government Plans on April 9. Overall, watchdog groups have found the results to be mixed with some agencies appearing to take the issue more seriously than others. (POGO)
• Keeping it, socially, in house: A growing number of government IT professionals are using internal social media networks. At the same time, they are starting to turn away from external networking platforms. (Federal Computer Week)

Revolving Door

• Biden lobbies up: Vice President Biden’s newest hire is taking a major pay cut after leaving a lucrative lobbying practice to spend some time in public service. Steve Ricchetti, who deregistered as a lobbyist in 2008 and started working for Biden as a Counselor last month, probably isn’t too worried. He made at least $1.8 million last year. (Washington Post)
• Back to law school: Assistant attorney general for legislative affairs and former chief counsel to Harry Reid Ron Weich is leaving public service to become the dean of the University of Baltimore School of Law. (Washington Post)

Lobbying

• Walmart’s war on bribery allegations: Walmart is facing scrutiny from Washington over allegations that they bribed Mexican officials and then worked to shut down an internal investigation. The company brought its heavy-hitting lobbying team together for a strategy session yesterday. (Roll Call $)
• Mobile app developers are running into roadblocks gaining approval from government regulators. The companies are increasingly turning to K street to navigate the government and advocate for their interests. (Roll Call $)

• Mapping & Data For Journalists. National Press Club. 12:00 pm. 529 14th Street NW, 13th Floor, Zenger Room, Washington, DC 20045.