We periodically receive newsletters from a wide variety of government reform news sources. These focus on only the major events within their respective areas of expertise. Here is a selection from a recent email newsletter:
From Campaign Legal Center
http://bit.ly/4bb0er
The Star Ledger: It's Party Time in DC
Jul 19, 2008
[...] Under the ethics code adopted in January 2007, House members could no longer attend parties thrown in their honor by lobbyists during the national party conventions. Such lavish parties were supposedly intended to recognize a member for his or her accomplishments. The honorees undoubtedly thought they were worth it.
In reality, the parties were lucrative fundraisers. And, of course, the House member would always remember who had been so thoughtful - and generous.
The we-won't-do-that-anymore policy was clearly enunciated 18 months ago and repeated a year ago when Democrats were proudly wearing the white hats belonging to ethics reformers. But as this summer's political conventions approach, those hats have gotten a lot grayer.
The House ethics police say the ban applies to parties thrown for individual members. It doesn't extend to parties for a group of House members. That's quite a loophole.
A bunch of good government groups - Democracy 21, the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, Public Citizen, U.S. PIRG and Campaign Legal Center - are urging politicians to do the right thing. We wish them good luck with that one. [...]
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