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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ron Kind - Working Hard for Lobbyists

Wisconsin's own Ron Kind is key part of the New Democrat coalition.  Apparently, Kind is well aware of where his bread is buttered, and it isn't the dairy state.

The New Democrats: The Coalition Pharma and Wall Street Love - ProPublica
At a Saturday session at the retreat, Rep. Kind acknowledged what had brought the lobbyists and lawmakers together. In these busy legislative times, he said, the New Democrats had become a "powerful voice in policy making," and the business interests in the room were playing a crucial role in informing that voice.

"We're working hard with you to get the policy right," Kind told lobbyists for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and others.
Be sure to remember this the next time someone complains about the anonymous money sources of the Chamber of Commerce.  It's also important to note that the New Democrats developed their money raising muscle before Citizens United.

Beyond that, the entire story is a depressing narrative of just how bad the performance by our Congress is.  It details how industry groups use money to gain access and access to shape the laws of the nation, the ones that affect you and me, to suit their own purposes.  Remember now, these are the New Democrats, and their exploits seem eerily similar to the Jack Abramoff era of GOP dominance.

I think it would be great if we really did throw all the bums out, but I doubt it will happen.

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