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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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7

Democrats Dodge Obama's Lobbyist Ban

Money unwelcome at dinner with prez, OK at meeting tomorrow

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(Newser) – Congressional Democrats have found a way around President Obama’s refusal to appear at events where lobbyists can make campaign contributions, Politico reports. Lobbyists won’t be able to donate at tonight’s fundraiser with Obama, but they’ll be more than welcome to do so tomorrow morning, at a specially convened “Issues Conference.” The invitations to the $5,000-a-head event all but spell out its ban-dodging mission.

“Please note that the Friday Issues Conference is NOT subject to lobbyist restrictions,” the e-mail reads, the sentence bolded for emphasis. Lobbyists aren’t happy. “It’s almost like the ugly girl that you want to call late at night—but don’t want to be seen with on a date,” said one. Nor are Democrats pleased; the ban will make their dinner far less lucrative than its Republican counterpart.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the new comprehensive regulatory reform plan yesterday at the White House.
President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the new comprehensive regulatory reform plan yesterday at the White House.   (AP Photo)
Democrats have found a way to take lobbyist cash after all.
Democrats have found a way to take lobbyist cash after all.   (Shutterstock)
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It’s kind of like going to Los Angeles and then excluding the entertainment industry. Well, then you’re going to have a lame event. - A senior Democrat, on excluding lobbyists from a congressional fundraising dinner

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7 comments
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Citrixguy
Jun 18, 09 10:44 AM CDT
More lies and half-truths from King BHO Reply
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-3
Reader65069154
Jun 18, 09 11:20 AM CDT
A slight variant from his normal "do as I say not as I do", we've moved to "ignore the man behind the curtain". Reply
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0
Fondue
Jun 18, 09 12:21 PM CDT
I think both of you are missing the point, either intentionally or out of an inability to understand English. Congressional Dems are not the president. Two different and completely separate branches of the government. Reply
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
godawgs
Jun 18, 09 1:34 PM CDT
Right but he said that lobbyist wouldn't run Washington anymore. So he won't appear at events with them, have them in his cabinet, etc...the issue is he is breaking that promise on a daily basis anyway. He has former lobbyist's in his cabinet and he does listen to those special interests that he said he wouldn't on the campaign trail. Now we don't want to here about how W did it for his 8 years or whatever comment you are going to make. This is about the President not living up to another campaign promise, and his own party getting around rules that the president put in place. So as reader said it is do as i say not as i do.
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IN RESPONSE:
Poludamas88
Jun 20, 09 6:08 PM CDT
True he is breaking promises in some sense, but it would impractical and naive to think he could have done otherwise. The president does not have unlimited power and so he must maneuver within the system and current networks of power to slowly enact his changes. Lobbyists have been a huge part of Washington, and one mans will isn't going to change it in a matter of months. Just because he is against it doesn't mean he has a totally shun it, fight fire with fire as they say.
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