Commentary: Supreme Court ruling may help spur the buying of American politicians

By Bill Buzenberg and Josh Israel

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling today opens a floodgate — making the buying of elections even easier. In the Citizens United v. Federal Elec

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… opholes. Indeed, the small-dollar contribution boom that fueled candidates Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Ron Paul in the 2008 race led us to wonder if perhap …"

Buying ambassadorships redux: Four Obama nominees were big-money bundlers

By Josh Israel

President Barack Obama’s pledge to change the ways of Washington doesn’t yet seem to apply to the diplomatic selection process, if yesterday

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… r prove to be the exception or the rule in the Obama White House. …"

The time for campaign finance reform?

By Caitlin Ginley and Josh Israel

The conventional wisdom is that the public financing system for presidential campaigns is dead, or at least comatose. But a conference at th

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… n the view of most political experts — provides enough money to compete. Barack Obama opted out in 2008 because he knew he was going to be able to raise so much …"

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No lobbyists in Obama White House? Not quite

By Josh Israel

With the announcement of former Goldman Sachs lobbyist Mark Patterson to serve as chief of staff for Obama’s new treasury secretary, Timothy

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… er lobbyists in the new administration.On the campaign trail, then-Senator Barack Obama said of lobbyists, “They won’t work in my White House.” He later ame …"

Hillary’s HillRaisers raising cash for Obama inauguration

By Josh Israel

Throughout the 2008 general election campaign, one of the most frequently reported (some might say over-reported) stories was the rift betwe

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… r-reported) stories was the rift between supporters of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Now that the two politicians have joined forces — he as president-e …"

Barack Obama’s 21 biggest fans

By Josh Israel

Speculating on the next ambassadors to countries blessed by warm and cozy climates? You could do worse than starting with this list: Twenty-

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… e January festivities. Among these donors, 39 had been identified by the Barack Obama campaign as bundlers of $50,000 of more. While most of those 39 bundlers …"

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The haves, the have-lesses, and the have-almost-nothings

By Josh Israel

Much has been made about Barack Obama’s record-shattering fundraising efforts ($150 million in September alone, more than $621 million raise

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… als . . . and even fewer of their campaign ads. …"

Public financing system’s 150 million death knells

By Josh Israel

Barack Obama’s stunning fundraising total for September leaves little doubt that the public financing system he eschewed is now in serious p

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… a candidate with way too much money, and I approve this message.” …"

"… ral funding, thus freeing himself from the voluntary primary spending cap. Barack Obama originally vowed to take the general election public grant if McCain did t …"

The buying of Joe Biden?

By Josh Israel

Following Barack Obama’s announcement of his running mate Saturday, the blogosphere and traditional media have been atwitter with the questi

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… the Democratic Party? We’ll be keeping a wary eye on it. …"

Insurance brokers seek health reform change to safeguard profits

By Josh Israel

Insurance brokers seek change in health reform provision to protect profits

Excerpts from this story referencing "Barack Obama":

"… or the future of one of the most consumer-friendly provisions of President Barack Obama’s health reform plan. Veteran Hill watchers say the legislation may expe …"

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