|
State of the Union:
7 p.m. tonight
Lobbyists Serve as Fundraisers
The Wall Street Journal published an interesting story last Friday (paid subscription required) about a practice that is becoming more common in Washington (and in Utah) – registered lobbyists also serving as unpaid fundraisers and campaign strategists for incumbent members of Congress. Some 71 congressmen list lobbyists as treasurers of their campaign or political action committees, according to Federal Election Committee records, up from only 15 in 1998.
While there is nothing illegal about such activities, watchdog groups are crying foul, arguing that lobbyists already have too much influence on Congress, and their involvement as chief campaign fundraisers creates relationships that are too cozy.
In Utah, similar legislator-lobbyist relationships exist, although in state races no disclosures of who’s helping raise money are required. If people wonder why top lobbyists have such good access and influence, here’s why: They don’t just interact with legislators during a session. They work closely with them year-round, raising money for them, providing strategy and support for their re-election campaigns, and even serving as campaign managers in some cases.
When the legislative session rolls around in January, the top lobbyists have cemented close relationships with many lawmakers.
None of this is improper or illegal. My firm, the Exoro Group, even does a little of this ourselves. While we are not typical lobbyists, we do sometimes provide communications and grassroots support for our clients who face legislative issues on the Hill. And as individuals we also sometimes provide strategic advice or volunteer help in campaigns involving legislators who are our friends. It is important for us to develop and maintain good relationships with legislators, and volunteering a little campaign help is a good way to do it.
Is there a need to regulate these activities? I don’t think so. Legislators don’t vote to please lobbyists. Lobbyists can get access and provide information and perspective, but on most major issues there are a number of top lobbyists on both sides. So while some lobbyists win, others lose. Someone is always disappointed. Legislators and lobbyists both understand that. Win or lose, there are usually no hard feelings and both sides go on to fight another day.
Blog Watch
The Senate Site blog posts two scintillating audit reports "for those of you who appreciate the value of original source documents"... Rep. John Dougall is back with a post on Rep. Susan Lawrence, the "Heart of the House"... Evolution in Utah has a post on the Utah Mormon/non-Mormon divide (see also here, here, and here)... Green Jello has a post on Kris Lounsberry's congressional candidacy... The Park Record Blog says: "[D]on't blink until the [legislative] session is over! If you are riled up about a particular piece of legislation post your comments here. We'll be sure to pin Summit County's legislators down on the issues that matter to you"... Woods Cross Citizen supports HB63 (see also here)... OneUtah says SB70 is "the wrong idea at the wrong time" (see also here)... Utah Conservative says the "Utah County Republican Party has gotten itself into a sticky situation"... New West has a post on Rep. Scott Wyatt's animal torture bill... SLCSpin says Mayor Rocky Anderson should steal a page from the Utah Senate's playbook and start his own blog (see also here).
New Media Relations Blog
Jeri Cartwright of "Truth & Consequences" (one of the blogs in Utah Policy's blog roll) now has a new blog with a new address: http://www.mediarelations.blogs.com/.
Tucker Proposes Spending Limits
In speech at the Uintah County Lincoln Day dinner, congressional candidate Joe Tucker challenged his opponents to agree to self-imposed spending limits in the convention and primary race. His proposal: limit spending going into convention to $40,000 and primary spending at $80,000. Tucker said this would be sufficient to "get the word out on who we are and what we stand for." The proposal was addressed to likely candidates Doug Wright and LaVar Christensen (see press release).
Rocky to Make Presentation in Italy
S.L.C. Mayor Rocky Anderson will travel to Torino, Italy, in February to make an "Olympic City" presentation to Torino residents, public officials, and Italian and international media. Anderson "will focus on what it has meant for Salt Lake City to be an Olympic city with regard to the economy, Olympic-related facilities, and the legacy of hosting the Olympics (see press release).
Godfrey: SIA Show a Success
Ogden Mayor Mathew Godfrey attended the annual Snowsports Industries America show in Las Vegas, Nev., to spread the word about Ogden's ski company "hub" concept. "We had great results," reports Godfrey. "The meetings with the many ski companies we had went very well ... We have a good shot at landing at least three more ski companies here in the next year."
Washington Watch
Hatch: Abortion Issue Drives Alito Opponents
Sen. Orrin Hatch chastises Senate Democrats "for launching a desperate, last-minute filibuster against Judge Samuel Alito’s confirmation to the Supreme Court (see press release);
Hatch says the Democrats' opposition boils down to one issue: "... [A]bortion. That is the be-all and end-all issue of those who oppose Judge Alito. That’s what is driving them, and that is what the outside, special interest, left-wing groups are using to drive them. The 800-pound precedent in the room is Roe v. Wade. That is the decision Judge Alito's opponents want left alone at all costs" (Baptist Press).
Now You Know
The town of Orderville is in Long Valley, between Mr. Carmel and Glendale. Mormon settlers from Glendale initially established the settlement in 1875. The first families who arrived intended to discipline themselves by following a strict United Order program that was encouraged by the Mormon Church. The name comes from the United Order Program.
(Source: Local Government Directory, Utah League of Cities & Towns)
|
