Shays-Meehan opens soft money loophole in the States

By John Dunbar

If the campaign finance reform bill that passed the House becomes law, it will eliminate a colossal loophole

Excerpts from this story referencing "campaign finance laws":

"… ill be able to take full advantage of the exemption because of the varying campaign finance laws in each of the 50 states.“My feeling from the start was, if you do refor …"

Abramoff travel ties

By Anupama Narayanswamy and Alex Knott

Disgraced lobbyist's firm, clients sponsored more than a dozen congressional trips

Excerpts from this story referencing "Jack Abramoff":

"… o very different golfing experiences, but they have one common connection: Jack Abramoff.Much like Rep. Tom DeLay's St. Andrews junket, records show this trip was …"

"… s travel sponsorship, but instead spoke to Abramoff's conduct."The acts of Jack Abramoff were illegal and a result of his efforts to deceive his clients and his fo …"

"… on. It is also important to point out that Chairman Billy Tauzin never met Jack Abramoff and, in fact, voted against the tribal gambling provision included in the …"

"… ve American districts in the nation," he said. "We never had any idea that Jack Abramoff did any work for the Cherokee Nation."Long before Abramoff's indictment, h …"

Hired guns - Initial report

By Robert Morlino, Leah Rush and Derek Willis

Lobbyists spend loads of money to influence legislators—and in many states, with too little scrutiny

Excerpts from this story referencing "Celia Wexler":

"… tion. (See How the Feds Stack Up)"Certainly it can be much improved," Celia Wexler, director of research at Common Cause in Washington, D.C., said …"