Kevin Mooney

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Patrick J. Murphy, D-Pa.

WHO: Rep. Patrick J. Murphy, D-Pa. WHAT: Murphy received $10,000 from Rep. Charles Rangel's, D-N.Y., National Leadership PAC, the political action committee of the powerful New York Democrat who is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee that writes tax law. WHY IT'S DIRTY: Rangel is being investigated on multiple issues by the House Ethics Committee, including failure to report income from properties he owns in New York and the Dominican Republic. A company that gave $1 million to a New York school facility that will bear Rangel's name subsequently received lucrative tax breaks, and he has reportedly solicited political contributions on official stationery. WILL MURPHY GIVE...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa.

WHO: Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa. WHAT: Murtha received $10,000 from Rep. Charles Rangel's National Leadership PAC, the political action committee of the powerful New York Democrat who is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee that writes tax law. WHY IT'S DIRTY: Rangel is being investigated on multiple issues by the House Ethics Committee, including failure to report income from properties he owns in New York and the Dominican Republic. A company that gave $1 million to a New York school facility that will bear Rangel's name subsequently received lucrative tax breaks, and he has reportedly solicited political contributions on official stationary. WILL MURTHA GIVE IT BACK? Murtha...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa.

WHO: Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa. WHAT: Altmire received $10,000 from Rep. Charles Rangel's National Leadership PAC, the political action committee of the powerful New York Democrat who is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee that writes tax law. WHY IT'S DIRTY: Rangel is being investigated on multiple issues by the House Ethics Committee, including failure to report income from properties he owns in New York and the Dominican Republic. A company that gave $1 million to a New York school facility that will bear Rangel's name subsequently received lucrative tax breaks, and he has reportedly solicited political contributions on official stationary. WILL ALTMIRE GIVE IT BACK?...

Continued...

 

ACORN's corporate donors backing off

Corporations that have given ACORN millions of dollars over the years are now cancelling their donations in the wake of videotape revelations of employees of the infamous community organization giving advice on mortgage fraud, tax evasion, prostitution, and child sex slavery. Bank of America is reviewing its grant program, while Citigroup is waiting for results of official investigations in the scandal. JP Morgan Chase had previously ended its relationship with ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. Banks and other financial institutions have given millions of dollars and other forms of support to ACORN for decades in response to boycott threats from the...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I.

WHO: Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Kennedy received the following dirty money: Communications Workers of America (PAC), $2,500 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC), $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $5,500 in 2008 election cycle; $4,500 in 2006 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC), $1,500 in 2006 election cycle. The Service Employees International Union (PAC), $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $9,500 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Union (PAC), $5,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $4,500 in 2006...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. John Larson, D-Conn.

WHO: Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Larson received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. The American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. The Service Employees International Union (PAC) $3,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,500 in 2006 election cycle. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2010 election cycle; $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $14,000 in 2006...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif.

WHO: Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Sanchez received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $3,500 in 2008 election cycle; $6,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $6,000 in 2010 election cycle; $8,000 in 2008 election cycle; $7,000 in 2006 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,500 in 2006 election cycle; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. United Steelworkers...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo.

WHO: Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Perlmutter received the following dirty money: Communications Workers of America (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $2,000 in 2010 election cycle; $4,500 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. The American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,500 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $2,500 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2010...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Ca.)

WHO: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Ca.), a co-sponsor of The Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Schiff received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $500 in 2008 election cycle; $1,500 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $3,100 in 2008 election cycle; $1,500 in 2006 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: Multiple officers and members of these...

Continued...

 

ACORN wants another $6 million despite scandals

An ACORN affiliate has just submitted applications for over $6 million in government funding, despite the controversial videos of the organization’s workers aiding a child prostitution “promoter.” Employees with the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now (ACORN) in Washington D.C., Baltimore and Brooklyn told uncover investigators posing as a pimp and a prostitute how they could circumvent the law. ACORN has already fired four of the workers. But it claims the tapes have been “doctored” and “edited.” A third video implicating the ACORN workers was released today. Meanwhile, the ACORN Institute, one of many ACORN affiliates, has...

Continued...

 

Dirty money watch: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y.

WHO: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: McCarthy received the following dirty money: Communications Workers of America (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,500 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $4,000 in 2010 election cycle; $6,000 in 2008 election cycle; $9,000 in 2006 election cycle. The American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. The Service Employees International Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle; $7,500 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) - UPDATE

WHO: Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.), a co-sponsor of The Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Schwartz received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $2,000 in 2010 election cycle; $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $4,000 in 2006 election cycle. The American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $3,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $7,500 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2008...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.)

WHO: Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.), a co-sponsor of The Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Rothman received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,500 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. The American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,500 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $10,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Susan Davis (D-Ca)

WHO: Rep. Susan Davis (D-Ca.), a co-sponsor of The Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Davis received the following dirty money: Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $1,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2008 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) $3,000 in 2008 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: Multiple officers and members of these unions, including division presidents, secretary-treasurers and business managers, have been convicted since 2001 of felonies ranging from...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY)

WHO: Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Slaughter received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $3,500 in 2008 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $5,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 cycle....

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.)

WHO: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Nadler received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $3,500 in 2010 election cycle; $7,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $7,000 in 2008 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election...

Continued...

 

Union bosses get major role in Obamacare management

Union officials are likely to fill key positions on committees making major decisions if President Barack Obama's government-run health care reform proposal becomes law, according to a new study by the National Right to Work Committee. Sections 123 and 2251 of H.R. 3200, the version of Obamacare being pushed by House Democratic leaders, are of particular concern, according to NRTWC, because they could put union-backed appointees on new government committees that recommend mandatory health insurance benefits provided by private insurers, and personnel policies the bill describes as necessary "to ensure quality and adequacy" of the nation's health care workers. Such provisions...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.)

WHO: Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.), a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: Murphy received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle. Boilermakers Union $5,000 in 2010 election cycle; $11,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,100 in 2006 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $3,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. The Service Employees International Union (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $10,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)

WHO: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check) WHAT: McCollum received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,500 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,500 in 2006 election cycle. The Service Employees International Union (PAC) $4,500 in 2008 election cycle; $2,500 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $10,000 in 2008...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.)

WHO: Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) WHAT: Miller received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL MILLER GIVE IT BACK: Miller...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas - UPDATED

WHO: Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas WHAT: McCaul received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $3,000 in 2008 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL McCAUL GIVE IT BACK: McCaul’s Communications Director...

Continued...

 

Dirty Money Watch: Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.)

WHO: Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.), a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, (aka Card Check) WHAT: Kanjorski received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $2,500 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. The Service Employees International Union (PAC) $4,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2010 election cycle; $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $4,000 in 2006 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: Multiple officers and members of...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Ca.)

WHO: Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Ca.) WHAT: Matsui received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $4,000 in 2008 election cycle; $3,000 in 2006 election cycle WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL MATSUI GIVE IT BACK: Matsui did...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif.

WHO: Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) WHAT: Lewis received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL LEWIS GIVE IT BACK: Lewis did...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Dirty Money Watch

WHO: Rep. Tim Holden, D-Pa. WHAT: Holden received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $4,000 in 2008 election cycle; $4,000 in 2006 election cycle WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL HOLDEN GIVE IT BACK: Holden did not...

Continued...

 

Trial lawyers seek return on contributions to Senate Democrats

In February, just two months before he became a Democrat, Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania made a passionate plea for a special tax break for plaintiffs' trial lawyers. His bill, S 437, would allow trial lawyers to deduct immediately on their taxes up-front expenses they incur when investing in contingency lawsuits. The tax break is reportedly worth $1.6 billion to trial lawyers. If Specter’s amendment passes, this single provision would more than repay the legal industry for its roughly $762 million in political contributions to Democrats...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Tim Holden (D-Pa.)

WHO: Rep. Tim Holden (D-Pa.) WHAT: Holden received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $4,000 in 2008 election cycle; $4,000 in 2006 election cycle WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL HOLDEN GIVE IT BACK: Holden did not...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)

WHO: Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) WHAT: Wicker received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL WICKER GIVE IT BACK: Wicker did not respond to The Examiner's...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ca.)

WHO: Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ca.) WHAT: Gallegly received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL GALLEGLY GIVE IT BACK: Gallegly did not respond to The...

Continued...

 

DIRTY MONEY WATCH: Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo.

WHO: Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo. WHAT: Emerson received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $3,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL EMERSON GIVE IT BACK:Emerson...

Continued...