If the media coverage of shutdown politics is to be believed, House Republicans' fear of 'getting primaried' bya more conservative opponent was the major impediment to moderate GOP-ers reaching a bargain with Democrats on healthcare and federal spending. However, a survey of competitive House primaries -- compiled using Sunlight's Realtime FEC tracker -- shows that incumbent Democrats are also subject to serious challenges from partisan opponents.
Continue readingMel Watt’s ties to the banking industry
(CORRECTION: This post has been updated to eliminate the name of the American Bankers' Association's Michael Hunter, incorrectly identified in earlier versions as an alumnus of Watt's office. Hunter worked for former Rep. J.C. Watts, R-Okla.)
Rep. Mel Watt, President Barack Obama's pick to lead the agency that regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, insurers of most of the country's mortgages, is getting strong support from his party's liberal wing despite close ties to an industry with a big stake in how -- or if -- the controversial quasi-government entities are wound down.
The North Carolina ...
OCE Survives Vote to Slash Funding, But 100+ Reps Support Cuts
Moments ago, the House of Representatives defeated an amendment by Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.) to slash 40% of the funding... View Article
Continue readingOCE in Limbo: House Legislative Appropriations Update #1
Less than an hour ago, the House of Representatives turned back an attempt by Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) to slash... View Article
Continue readingConference committee members seek loopholes, receive high percentage of finance contributions
Four key lawmakers on the financial reform conference committee are seeking to create loopholes in the so-called Volcker Rule and... View Article
Continue readingChamber of Commerce Deploys Former Government Officials to Lobby On Financial Regulation
Billed as the biggest opponent of financial regulatory reform, the US Chamber of Commerce is deploying former government officials to... View Article
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