Ethics in the News | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

Obama Administration Backs Bush White House on Cheney Interview

pbjork — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 14:48:28 -0400

2 Jul 2009 // When it comes to the Bush White House's decision to withhold from the public Dick Cheney's interview with FBI agents investigating the CIA leak case, the Obama administration says its predecessor did the right thing. And it's fighting hard to do the same.

Inouye's bank-relief call raises brows

pbjork — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:14:26 -0400

2 Jul 2009 // WASHINGTON » Hardly a bank bailout hearing goes by in Congress without a lawmaker raising a question on behalf of constituent banks that have applied for federal assistance from the government's financial bailout fund.

Sanford Confidant Davis Confers with Sanfords, Staff

newsig — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:11:00 -0400

2 Jul 2009 // Sen. Tom Davis, Gov. Mark Sanford's former chief of staff, said Wednesday he has spoken with both the governor and First Lady Jenny Sanford about the governor's future. Davis, in a statement, said only after those conversations and conversations with Attorney General Henry McMaster and SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd will he take a public position on Sanford's future.

[Philadelphia] Attorney, Firm To Pay $155,000 Penalty To FEC

newsig — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 08:54:17 -0400

2 Jul 2009 // Allentown attorney John Karoly will have to pay $155,000 to settle allegations that his law firm illegally funneled money to the presidential campaign of former U.S. Representative Dick Gephardt of Missouri, according to the Federal Election Commission.

McCain and Feingold Use ‘Hold’ to Pressure Obama on FEC Picks

newsig — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 22:59:01 -0400

1 Jul 2009 // Campaign finance mavens John McCain, R-Ariz., and Russ Feingold, D-Wis., are joining forces once again – this time to block President Obama’s nomination of labor lawyer John J. More»

Melanie Sloan Discusses Transparency in the Obama Administration on CNN's The Situation Room

pbjork — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 22:30:04 -0400

South Carolina Democrats Join Calls For Sanford To Resign

pbjork — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:03:20 -0400

1 Jul 2009 // The South Carolina Democratic Party added its voice today to growing calls on Gov. Mark Sanford to resign today, citing Sanford's "stream of confessions" and "immoral and reprehensible behavior" as distractions from state business.

Poe’s Campaign Fined $25,000 by FEC

pbjork — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:02:15 -0400

1 Jul 2009 // The campaign committee of Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) recently agreed to pay a $25,000 fine to the Federal Election Commission for failing to properly report receipts, disbursements and cash-on-hand figures during the 2004 cycle, according to an enforcement agreement released Thursday.

Drug Industry Lobbying Efforts, Campaign Funds Tilt Toward Democrats

newsig — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:29:33 -0400

1 Jul 2009 // The pharmaceutical industry, which has long invested heavily in federal lobbying, is now on course to smash its previous records as it tries to shape the health care overhaul pushed forward by Democrats.

After Call From Senator's Office, Small Hawaii Bank Got U.S. Aid

newsig — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:03:44 -0400

1 Jul 2009 // Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's staff contacted federal regulators last fall to ask about the bailout application of an ailing Hawaii bank that he had helped to establish and where he has invested the bulk of his personal wealth.