The fine folks at The Center for Responsive Politics is promoting transparency in US Senate campaigns. A bill is still in committee to mandate all senatorial candidates to file their financial reports to the FEC electronically. In addition to allowing the public to view campaign data in a timely fashion, it also saves the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of dollars!

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In Washington, be reminded that it's not, "I do what I say" but "I do other than what I say." Yesterday's blog post was about the Republicans reviving the K Street Project; now it is the Democrats who are doing it. If the Democrats regain control of the House and or Senate, look for the darkening clouds of corruption to remain from the Republicans. Here's the details at the Campaign Legal Center blog.

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The Republican Congressional leadership is shaking down the lobbying industry in Washington, by warning that if they don't supply the big money to their candidates this fall and they eventually win, the uncontributing lobbyists will lose access and favor next legislative session. See the Campaign Legal Center blog entry for today, for the gory details.

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Heavy lobbying of the interest of financial corporations not only affects the morals of our nation's legislators receiving the treatment, but also the livelihoods of the people affected by the subsequent legislation. Campaign finance reform hits both incumbent and challenger candidates, but saves the pay-for-play legislation big money contributors demand.

Our very own soldiers in the US military are victims of recent bankruptcy legislation pushed heavily by financial companies. According to a USA Today article, a Pentagon report shows lenders positioned around military bases typically charge $15 to $25 per $100 loan for two weeks, and most loans are extended for several weeks. The report says the average loan is $350 and has an annual interest rate of 390% to 780%. The average borrower, it says, pays back $834 for a $339 loan. The report cites estimates 13% to 19% of servicemembers — at least 175,000 people — took out high-interest, short-term loans last year. It said nine out of 10 loans go to borrowers who take out five or more over a year.

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