It's not about right and wrong it's about how much power and money you have.

I don't know what, but something has to be done about these lobbyists. Obviously they are going to shower money on whomever is in charge in the hopes of having their interests looked after. There cannot be any quid pro quo for campaign contributions, we must ensure congressional votes are not bought. If we cannot restrict the money lobbyists give to politicians can we make them give it anonymously?

I just wanted to add a little bit to this story to make it more consistent with ABC's usual reporting:

This is all President Bush's fault. Democrats are perfect. We should turn our attention to banning all guns and withdrawing our troops from the Middle East.

anyone want to start a new country?

The social parasites that populate Washington, D.C. don't want reforms because it would interfere with the fiscal blootletting. Why can't they put the next pay raise to a vote in the next election. In truth the bums honestly believe the population is a bunch of mindless sheep. They are mostly right. Where do you fit in?

I am *shocked* that Democrats are taking in more money than Democrats! I thought the media said that only Republicans were corrupt, and Democrats were perfect. What happened? I agree, it's not a complete MSM story, until Bush is blamed for something, Republicans are called corrupt, and Democrats are praised.

Both parties are corrupt! All lobbyists should be banned from Washington D.C.! Congress needs term limits! Feifdoms grow up around long-term Congressmen! America needs political competition!

God Bless America!

Ron Graham

Constitution Party

Jackson, Mich.

I agree with Sean - something needs to be done about people and corporations donating their own money to give their ideas a political voice. The majority of people should dictate to a private business how it should spend its money, and what type of cause should and can be supported.

In fact, I'm willing to run for this very position. Let's call it "Supreme Dictator for Life." I promise to be a benevolent one - I may only have to put down a few thousand rabid dissenters in the course. But overall, I'll be nice and people will love the gilded cages I give them.

I used to think that a lobbyist agenda was counterproductive to real democracy, but I've come to think that perhaps it's simply not such a bad concept. We all have interests, be it personal or professional/economic. Why shouldn't we be able to give voice to those interests?

I'm in the entertainment/media industry; maybe there are issues that pertain to my interests in that regard that I want my elected representative to voice. Take the example illustrated in the story above. Either (or any) party should be able to accept contributions from groups who want thier cause to be furthered on their behalf.

Play the game or sit on the sidelines...

I thought Nancy Pelosi and the Democrates were going to change the way the House and Senate did business and bring Ethics into the legislature, or was that only while they were running for office. This special intrest campaign money is just another reason not to trust Democrat's

This doesn't surprise me one bit. This can be viewed as a blessing in disguise because we have over a year and a half to find out who can be bought.

After all, you cannot be bought if you're not for sale in the first place.

It's when that purchase affects us that we should keep our eyes open.

Anyway you cut it......is called "being on the take", bribery, or deception. Special interest money......pork barrel projects attached to legislation......over 70% of farm subsidies awarded to around 25% of the farmers.......subsidy checks being sent to addresses in New York City and other large cities. And finally...............grants & subsidies for wetlands projects built on a plateau.

The Congress and The Senate are only in office for their own benefit. Not for the good of the country or The People. It will not change until they are answerable to The People for their raises and pensions and bebefits

Got lots of cash ?......you too can be a lobbyist and hire a politican to roll your pork barrel..... its the American way.

To those commenting here that the Dems are corrupt because the special interest money is coming their way: It's not about the money coming in. It's about what they do for it. If they use their influence in return for money, that is wrong. That's what the Abramoff scandal was about. Contributions are legal. Obviously the republicans don't see the difference.
Just receiving political contributions is not "being on the take" if you don't do anything wrong for it.
I agree that our system needs to be changed, but don't automatically accuse Democrats of being like the republicans, just because they receive contributions.