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Jefferson, Bloody but Unbowed

Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) may be under federal investigation for swapping favors for African telecommunications companies in exchange for stock and jobs for his family members. But he’s carrying about his business as normal, Roll Call assures us. (Jefferson has said he is “disappointed and somewhat perplexed” by the allegations.)

In the last few weeks, Jefferson has held a fundraiser at the DNC, spoken at press conferences, even led a congressional delegation to his home district, the paper reports. (Roll Call)

“Reform”

On the House Republicans farcical new reform proposal, the Washington Post gets it right:

Two months after congressional leaders pledged wholesale reforms of government ethics and lobbying rules following the guilty plea of former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the leading proposals are less extensive than the initial promises and are moving slowly toward passage. There is widespread disagreement among lawmakers about how far to go in restricting their interaction with lobbyists, and interest in lobbying changes has been overtaken by other more pressing issues, including port security.

And on the Republicans move against 527s:

As part of the House GOP proposals, “527” organizations that operate independently of the political parties would no longer be allowed to collect unlimited sums from individuals. Democratic-leaning 527s have accepted tens of millions of dollars from such wealthy backers as investor George Soros and insurance mogul Peter B. Lewis….

Republicans were excited at the prospect of crippling these groups. “We strongly commend these efforts as an important step towards much-needed reform,” said a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee.

(WaPo, NYT, AP)

The NY Times and The Hill both report that there is some division among House Republicans on the issue of reform. (The Hill, NYT)

Business Lobbies to Ease Anxiety About Foreign Investment

From Roll Call:

On the heels of the fight over allowing a Dubai company to operate key U.S. ports, pro-trade business groups are urging Congress not to hinder international corporate investment.

The groups involved in the lobbying push include the Business Roundtable, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Emergency Committee for American Trade, the United States Council for International Business and the Organization for International Investment, among others.

(Roll Call)

Abramoff Pleads for a Little Help from His Friends

Jack Abramoff’s request for letters from friends and acquaintances for his sentencing has been bouncing around the web for a little bit, but since it’s now landed in the Washinton Times, I can believe that it’s legitimate. (Washington Times)

Pakistan’s Lobbyists

Yesterday, I noted a story in a Pakistani magazine that reported that Pakistan’s lobbyists had successfully gotten unfavorable portions pulled out of the 9/11 Commission’s report. This blog has a follow-up on the lobbyists Pakistan was using during the time frame. (Wot is it Good 4)

Covered Yesterday

Katherine Harris is staying in the race for Senate and putting in $10 million of her own money…(link)

Reform the Republican Way…(link)

Grover Norquist, Money Launderer and Taxman…(link)

Cunningham Felon Involved in Domestic Spying…(link)

Mehlman Bamboozles on Foreign Leaders’ Paying Lobbyists to Meet with Bush…(link)

April is Former Administration Official on Trial Month…(link)

FBI Surveillance of non-violent protest groups…(link)

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