|
The patriotic confetti, funny hats and teriyaki chicken skewers will be abundant at this summer’s political conventions, but some lobbying firms are opting not to pay for it.
Longtime D.C. lobbying firms Cassidy & Associates and Van Scoyoc have decided to keep their money and stay home.
Citing new ethics rules and a harsher political climate for lobbyists, these two firms, known for lining up federal money and earmarks for their clients, are skipping the Democratic and Republican nominating blowouts altogether this year.
They will not sponsor parties, donate to the host committees of Denver or Minneapolis or pay for any of their employees to attend.
There are several reasons not to go, the lobbyists say. The new ethics rules will shine a bright light on lobbyist-funded soirees, and in an economic downturn, standing out among so many firms and activities at a convention takes a lot of money, which just hasn’t proven to get much bang for its buck over the past few conventions.
Besides, the two candidates vying to be president, Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), are in an arms race over who can be the biggest crusader against lobbyists and special interests. Obama recently upped the ante by announcing he would not take any fundraising donations from registered federal lobbyists (a policy the Democratic National Committee followed with its own ban), and both campaigns have fired several advisers with ties to unsavory special interests.
“The climate this year is really tough,” said Nowlin Waters, a spokesman for Van Scoyoc. “Both of the presumptive nominees have been very critical of the lobbying profession, and the ethics changes make it more difficult this year.”
Gregg Hartley, vice chairman and COO of Cassidy, said the firm significantly downsized its activities during the 2004 conventions and weighed a number of factors before deciding to opt out completely this year.
“Does a presence at the national conventions significantly enhance a client’s legislative agenda?” Hartley said. “Does participation at a convention significantly increase business or business opportunities?”
Hartley also said the new ethics rules and the harsh media scrutiny of lobbyist-sponsored events are all factors in the firm’s decision to bypass the party nominating festivities.
“If you decide to go and spend some money there and you end up being on the front page of The New York Times and getting reamed, you say, ‘Is it really worth it?’ ” he explained.
New ethics rules prohibit lobbyists from throwing parties in honor of a particular lawmaker, such as member of the leadership or powerful chairman. House ethics laws, however, allow events thrown in honor of an entire delegation or caucus.
|
