GOP Launches Offensive on Pro-Union Bill

Former Jay Boehner employees drummed up $850K plan

(NEWSER) - So John Boehner's old employees are at least trying to profit from Occupy. Sam Geduldig and Jay Cranford, partners at a well-known Washington lobbying firm, are two authors of a proposed $850,000 scheme to drum up negative stories about Occupy Wall Street and any politicians who support it—in other words, Democrats. The firm, Clark Lytle Geduldig & Cranford, sent the offer to the American Bankers Association, MSNBC reports. More»

That way, they're not seen in visitor logs

(NEWSER) - Apparently Barack Obama’s opposition to lobbyist influence isn’t as strident as advertised. Obama’s aides still consult with lobbyists, Politico reports—they just do it across the street from the White House. These chats, held in meeting rooms just off the White House campus, aren’t recorded in the visitor logs that have, under Obama’s orders, become public knowledge. “They’re doing it on the side,” said one immigration reform lobbyist, adding, “It’s better than nothing.” More»

(NEWSER) - From now on MSNBC will alert viewers that commentator Richard Wolffe also serves another boss—a high-powered Washington public relations and lobbying firm, where he works as a strategist. Executives made the decision following complaints that Wolffe may have pushed agendas for his clients under the guise of being an objective analyst, reports Politico. “We should have disclosed Richard's connection" to the firm Public Strategies, said an NBC News spokesman. “We will do so in the future.” More»

Senate Dems ditch pro-labor bill's most controversial provision

(NEWSER) - The so-called "card-check" bill no longer includes its namesake card checks. Labor-friendly Democratic senators have agreed to ditch a central part of the union-organizing measure to ensure its passage, the New York Times reports. The controversial provision would have required employers to recognize a union when a majority of workers simply signed forms saying they wanted to join. Businesses lobbied hard against it, and moderate Dems threatened to bolt. More»

GOP senator's threat to kill bill means Dems won't have to pick sides

(NEWSER) - Republican Sen. Arlen Specter’s choice to oppose a bill to ease unionization will let President Obama and congressional Democrats avoid a tough choice between labor and business interests, Politico notes. Obama had promised to sign the Employee Free Choice Act, but would have infuriated businesses whose support he needs. Dems “have to be very pleased,” a business insider says. More»