About that “culture of corruption”…
Dems saying one thing and doing another…
House Democrats are making an intense final push to raise inside-the-Beltway money before Congress adjourns, collecting most of it from the lobbying industry they have distanced themselves from this election cycle.
Democrats realize that lobbyists representing corporate clients are an important source of political contributions — funding that is vital to their chances of capturing the chamber. At the same time, Democrats have spent a lot of time and effort asserting that Republican rule has created a “Culture of Corruption” because of close ties between the GOP and certain special interests. The dynamic has created awkwardness for some Democrats.
Democratic leaders asked their entire caucus to come into the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) headquarters yesterday and tomorrow to make fundraising calls. And last night, the DCCC held a fundraiser at Bistro Bis, a high-end restaurant a short walk from the Capitol, featuring lawmakers poised to take over as the chairmen of House committees.
More:
Democrats may be shy about discussing the mingling between lobbyists and veteran aides in preparation of a possible Democratic takeover of the House because strengthening relationships with the lobbying community does not fit smoothly with their political message for much of this year.
“The Republicans have turned Congress into an auction house, for sale to the highest bidder,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), when Democrats unveiled their Honest Leadership and Open Government initiative at the beginning of the year. “You have to pay to play. That’s just not right.”