When President Obama
arrived at the Mandarin Oriental hotel for a fund-raising
reception on Thursday night, the new White House rules of
political purity were in order: no lobbyists allowed.
But at the same downtown hotel on Friday morning, registered
lobbyists have not only been invited to attend an issues
conference with Democratic leaders, but they have also been
asked to come with a $5,000 check in hand if they want to stay
in good favor with the party's House and Senate re-election
committees.
The practicality of Mr. Obama's pledge to change the ways of
Washington is colliding once more with the reality of how
money, influence and governance interact here. He repeatedly
declared while campaigning last year that he would "not take a
dime" from lobbyists or political action committees.
So to follow through with that promise, Mr. Obama is simply
leaving the room.
For the first time in eight years, Democrats have a president
of their own to preside over their political fund-raising
activities. And Mr. Obama's rules have hardly stopped the
bustling intersection of money and politics. Not only are
members of Congress already engaged in their next races, but
legislative battles over health care, energy and financial
regulation have also put a premium on access and influence
for many lobbyists and their clients.
fdgf| 11.28.09 @ 7:46AM
Paul Smith has been collaborating with a few different organizations recently and his latest venture sees him
teaming up with Japanese bicycle saddle specialist, Paul Smith bag, on a limited edition leather saddle. The release features Smith’s signature
stripes where only 20 will be available at Paul Smith Clothing
store in Japan and 8 at the Floral Street store in London. Get on it quick
sandy| 12.5.09 @ 9:31PM
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Pig| 12.3.09 @ 12:20PM
Steve Nash Shoes approaches. Duncan Shoes
sandy| 12.5.09 @ 9:31PM
Sports shoes play an important Chris Paul Shoes in our life. Adidas shoes brand is a professional Gilbert Shoes.