Dean & Edwards have taken more $$$ from Lobbyists in Pres. Campaign

[jadesfire]

AP: Lobbyists Upset by Campaigning Barbs

By SHARON THEIMER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - One group watching Democratic presidential candidates criticize each other for taking lobbyist donations wants them to stop portraying lobbying as a dirty word.

The American League of Lobbyists sent the Democratic candidates letters Tuesday defending the profession and asking them to "accurately describe this necessary and essential part of the public policy process" when talking about it on the campaign trail.

Lobbying is protected by the First Amendment "and one of the major ways that politicians are held accountable to the people," league president Deanna Gelak wrote. "Lobbyists represent all points of view on the major issues that confront the country.

Candidates Howard Dean and John Edwards have criticized front-runner John Kerry for accepting campaign contributions from lobbyists, calling him a friend to special interests.

An analysis by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics in Washington found that Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, accepted the most campaign money from lobbyists over the past 15 years of anyone in the Senate: about $638,000.

However, an Associated Press review of the candidates' 2003 presidential campaign finance reports found Dean and Edwards among those who accepted lobbyist contributions.

Dean received at least $8,300 from donors identifying themselves as lobbyists; Edwards, at least $6,200; and Kerry, at least $4,500.

Among other Democrats in the race, Joe Lieberman's presidential campaign raised at least $40,200 from lobbyists. Wesley Clark, a former lobbyist, collected at least $6,100.

The lone Republican candidate, President Bush, raised at least $294,000 from lobbyists, his reports show.

The nonpartisan league isn't endorsing any candidate. It is commenting because "we feel it's our responsibility to promote the reputation and professional ethics of government affairs professionals," Gelak, a lobbyist, said in an interview.

The Washington-based league represents more than 500 lobbyists, including those who work for trade associations, corporations, public-interest groups, labor unions and law and lobby firms.

[creativelcro]

1. 5k ? Are you joking ? What difference does it make

when you compare it to millions of dollars ?

[EXE619K]

2. Wow! you mean a whopping $8300?

That's enuff money to git me a used Chevy at the local chop shop!

[maxr4clark]

3. People who live in glass houses

shouldn't throw stones. At least, not at the DNC's favorite candidate.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

6. Clean hands are clean hands

Dean should have used his head before going on this attack route.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

8. has he ever

used his head?

[cavebat2000]

4. In terms of money raised Dean is still the least %

think about that

[spooky3]

5. sadly, this is the kind of story that makes Repubs

laugh at us for painting ourselves into a corner.

We need to keep eyes on the prize.

[Hoppin_Mad]

7. Joe wins by a landslide ! Way to go Joe ! -nt-

[Moderator]

9. This is a dupe.

Please continue here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=259246&mesg_id=259246

Thanks,
DU Moderator