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Obama Ad Touts Lobby Reform
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ShareJuly 31, 2007 2:44 PM
ABC News' Rick Klein Reports: Sen. Barack Obama has launched a new television ad touting his record in reforming lobbying and ethics laws, opening a fresh -- and subtle -- front in his ongoing battle with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The new ad from Obama, D-Ill., points out that he is refusing to accept contributions from political action committees and registered lobbyists. He is also hammering at that same message with signs he’s hanging at his campaign offices in Iowa: "Not Paid for by PAC or Federal Lobbyist Money."
"They think they own this government," Obama says in the ad, which is set to start running in Iowa Wednesday. "But we're here today to take it back."
Though the ad does not mention Clinton, D-N.Y., by name, it is clearly meant to draw a contrast between the two Democratic front-runners. Clinton is benefiting substantially from her deep ties to the Washington establishment in her run for president, while Obama casts himself as an outsider who would bring a fresh approach to politics.
Clinton has raised more than $413,000 directly from registered lobbyists and their family members so far this campaign -- by far the most of any presidential candidate in either party, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks campaign-finance data.
Obama -- who has raised more money than Clinton for the primary campaign -- has received just $60,000 from lobbyists and their families, according to the center's calculations. His campaign has also returned some $55,000 Obama aides later learned came from federally registered lobbyists; he has promised to return all such money, but the campaign is not returning donations from the family members of lobbyists.
In addition, 10 of Clinton's "HillRaisers" -- supporters who have committed to raising $100,000 or more for Clinton's presidential campaign -- are federally registered lobbyists. They represent interests including trial lawyers, Indian tribes, airlines, and cable companies.
The Clinton campaign declined to comment about Obama's new ad. Bill Burton, an Obama campaign spokesman, said the ad was not designed to disparage Clinton or any other Democratic candidate.
"The advertisments help to educate Iowans about Obama's record of achievement in fighting for reform and changing politics," Burton said.
Though Obama has returned all money he's received from lobbyists registered with the federal government, he has accepted donations from state-level lobbyists. His campaign has received more than $120,000 from individuals who are currently or who once were registered to lobby the state government in Illinois.
Peverill Squire, a political science professor at the University of Iowa, said Obama is trying to create an impression that he is a different kind of politician.
"He needs to draw distinctions with Senator Clinton, and he needs to do it relatively quickly," Squire said. "He wants to tout the notion that he's the different Democrat this time, that he's the one that represents change. I don't think it will change too many votes, but he's hoping more for a cumulative effect."
July 31, 2007 in Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (9)
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"Though Obama has returned all money he's received from lobbyists registered with the federal government, he has accepted donations from state-level lobbyists."
Wow, revolutionary!
Barack Obama
"a different kind of politician"--
taking money from a different kind of lobbyist.
A better question is: how is he fighting for earmark transparency? That is where the real paybacks to special interests are. If we want to "get the money out of politics," then first we have to get the politics out of money, particularly how it is stealthily spent!
Posted by: carl | Jul 31, 2007 3:07:30 PM
I applaud this and support it, but if your going ot do it then ALL lobbying money state or federal must be refused.
Posted by: ddaryl | Jul 31, 2007 3:53:05 PM
Carl, Obama is one step ahead of you. He is the only major candidate who has publicly disclosed his earmark requests. He challenged the others to do so, none followed suit. He has also set forth a sweeping plan for additional transperancy in government for his administration if elected.
Posted by: BillS. | Jul 31, 2007 3:56:51 PM
This political gadfly will say and do anything to get elected. Thank God he has zero management experience and won't ever be seriously considered. I don't support Hillary but for once she is correct this man is a very naive person.
Posted by: Sam | Jul 31, 2007 4:03:29 PM
This ad clearly illustrates what a total HYPOCRITE BO is. For the short-attention-span BO supporters, please look at the Brian ROss report of 16 July, in which he states:
Away from the bright lights "and high-minded rhetoric of the campaign trail, Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., has quietly worked with corporate lobbyists to help pass breaks worth $12 million."
Further details of BO's hypocrisy are detailed in Ross' column.
In addition to his "flak"-ignorance, and shady real-estate deals with his Partner-in-Crime Rezko, BO is the poster-boy for the Culture of Corruption.
Posted by: ALEX H. | Jul 31, 2007 4:06:34 PM
Sam-Obviously, you're wrong. He's being seriously considered by millions of Americans as we speak. How else would he have so much support so fast? He's shattered numerous campaign records, racial divides, and Hillary's foothold on the nomination. I wouldn't underestimate this guy if I were you....it seems he has already proven to be more than expected.
Posted by: Cat | Jul 31, 2007 5:23:46 PM
Sam, you are way off and totally out of context. That story was nothing and the comments exposed how Barack was working on bringing jobs to the US, not doing anything unethical. Is the Senator supposed work against "breaks" when they create much needed jobs just because a lobbyist is involved. Give me a "break".
You Obama haters crack me up. Just can't muster a compliment when one is clearly due.
Posted by: BillS | Jul 31, 2007 5:34:19 PM
Look at his voting record then talk.
Posted by: Sam | Jul 31, 2007 7:23:28 PM
Obama has my total support. He is the candidate who will represent ALL americans. He has a specific plan to bring reform to Washington. Hillary is so owned by big business, including big drug companies. She is as crooked as a snake!
Posted by: dijo | Aug 1, 2007 10:26:46 AM
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