Lobbying

BP's "Buddy System" for Politicians

by Diane Farsetta — May 18, 2007 - 5:15pm

A report commissioned by BP "to investigate corrosion-related oil pipeline spills last year in Prudhoe Bay ... offers a rare glimpse inside the London-based oil giant's corporate tactics in Alaska," writes Wesley Loy.

Main Source: 
Anchorage Daily News (Alaska), May 18, 2007

Invasion of the Franchise Snatchers

by Diane Farsetta — May 11, 2007 - 2:41pm

While "attending an open meeting of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities," Bruce Kushnick saw "something odd. Three guys are standing in the back by the exit door and they keep shaking the hands of the speakers, most of whom testified that Verizon should get a new, statewide franchise." The three guys were Verizon employees, and many of the speakers were from groups that receive Verizon funding. Such telecom astroturf is spreading, warns Kushnick.

Main Source: 
Nieman Watchdog, May 7, 2007

New Participatory Project: Tracking the Most Influential Lobbyists

by Judith Siers-Poisson — May 8, 2007 - 2:26pm

Examining and exposing the activities of lobbyists and their firms is an important aspect of the Center for Media and Democracy's work. Now you can help, via our online collaborative encyclopedia, SourceWatch!

SourceWatch has many articles related to this industry, but because the players and the issue change frequently, our resources can always use some updating. The Hill recently released a list of the most powerful individual lobbyists at http://thehill.com/business--lobby/the-new-sheriffs-in-town-2007-04-24.html.

Can you help us track these influence peddlers? Go to SourceWatch and do a search for one of the lobbyists on The Hill's list. If you find an article, please add the quote from the article in The Hill by saying, "According to the April 25, 2007 issue of The Hill, lobbyist X is ...." and add the link to the article. If The Hill lists a lobbyist who is not already in SourceWatch, please create a short "stub" article on him or her (with the lobbyist's name, The Hill info, and any other information you might find on him/her).

If this is your first time editing, you can register as a SourceWatch volunteer editor here , and learn more about adding information to the site here and here. Thanks for joining the CMD truth squad!

Main Source: 
Lobbyists on SourceWatch

Glover Park Meets Bogota

by Diane Farsetta — May 3, 2007 - 3:21pm

To defend Colombia's "scandal-tainted government before a skeptical [U.S.] Congress," and to "revive an important trade deal and maintain a strong military aid package," the administration of President Alvaro Uribe has hired a Democratic Party-associated U.S. lobbying firm, for $40,000 a month.

Main Source: 
Associated Press, May 2, 2007

Democrats Mum on Astroturf Lobbying Disclosure

by Diane Farsetta — April 27, 2007 - 4:26pm

Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) "seized on the recent FBI raids of the businesses of the wives of Reps.

Main Source: 
Washington Post blog, April 24, 2007

Nigerian Power Politics in Washington DC

by Diane Farsetta — April 24, 2007 - 3:10pm

Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar may have lost his bid to become president (though Nigeria's recent elections were "marred by violence and alleged fraud, and results are not yet final"), but it's not for lack of trying. To increase his influence, Abubakar maintains a Washington DC lobbying presence "separate from the embassy, costing him roughly $200,000 over several years," reports The Hill. Abubakar retains Edward Weidenfeld for legal counsel and "support for free and fair elections in Nigeria," according to lobbying registration forms.

Main Source: 
The Hill, April 24, 2007

Iraqi Kurds Seek U.S. Influence, Get Pro-War Help

by Diane Farsetta — April 23, 2007 - 12:06pm

"In the past year, the [Iraqi] Kurds have spent more than $3 million to retain lobbyists and set up a diplomatic office in Washington," writes Rajiv Chandrasekaran.

Main Source: 
Washington Post, April 23, 2007
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