Measuring political influence is a hard problem. And depending on how you set about measuring it, you can come to very different conclusions.
Continue readingLabor is split on supporting Keystone XL, but not on lobbying for it
Unions may be publicly divided on Keystone XL, but when lawmakers hear from labor's lobbyists in Washington, they hear that labor loves Keystone.
Continue readingIn Washington lobbying, pro-Keystone XL advocates dwarf pipeline opponents
When looking at inside-the-Beltway influence, pro-Keystone XL advocates dwarf pipeline opponents by a wide margin.
Continue readingIt’s time for Congress to show us the money — in real time
Three simple ways you can help update disclosure for the 21st century.
Continue readingMoney can’t buy you the NRA
Michael Bloomberg recently committed $50 million to a gun control effort to “outmuscle” the NRA. But Bloomberg is ignoring the fact that money alone won't buy you the NRA.
Continue readingIn both the public and private sector, power is the power to hide
Power may be the power to influence others in public debate. But we also see that power being used to pressure us into allowing the powerful to remain secret — even as the rest of us become more visible.
Continue readingWhat it takes to be a major player in policymaking
What makes an organization like AARP so influential on Capitol Hill? It takes more than lobbying and campaign contributions to have a voice in policymaking.
Continue readingWho has a say in Washington: Policymakers listen to interest groups instead of the public
The American public believes that “the government is pretty much run by a few big interests looking out for themselves” rather than “the benefit of all of the people.” But is there actual evidence to prove this?
Continue readingThe rise of the million-dollar lobbyist
Lobbying is a very lucrative business. But for some it’s more than very lucrative: It’s million-dollar lucrative.
Continue readingScotland takes first steps towards lobbying transparency — with a little help from Sunlight
Last week, transparency advocates were invited to an oral evidence session in the Scottish parliament and made a strong case for lobbying disclosure.
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