The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "lawmakers turned lobbyists" ...
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Statehouse Revolvers
The Center for Public Inegrity's investigation found that in 2003, 2004 and 2005, "nearly 1,600 former lawmakers were registered as lobbyists at some point." Inevitably, these were often the most well-connected lobbyists.Supplemental material includes local reactions from across the country.
Tags: lobbyists; lawmakers; lawmakers turned lobbyists; politics; revolving door
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Congressional Corruption
The Wall Street Journal turns its eyes on the United States Congress, examining "how special-interest spending and out-of-control lobbying fed cronyism and corruption in 2006." The newspaper looked at how "earmarks" were "an invitation to corruption," how "Republicans and Democrats alike steered millions in public funds to their friends and family for personal and political gain." The Journal also looked at the relationships that can influence people as the worlds of lobbyists and lawmakers intertwine.
Tags: Congress; lobbyists; political corruption; political cronyism; earmarks
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Public Servants or Profiteers?
Insight investigates the practice of former members of Congress turning into lobbyists. Many lawmakers quit the job for which they have been elected, and join special-interest law and lobbying firms, the story reveals. Some take with them not only knowledge, experience and privileged access to decision-maker, but also treasures of congressional documents. Event though former congressmen are banned from lobbying for one year after they formally leave the Capitol Hill, there are many loopholes in this ban, the Insight finds. The reported controversies are exemplified with the cases of Norman Mineta, a California Democrat, Bill Gradison, an Ohio Republican, Bob Michel, an Illinois Republican, former House Speaker Tom Foley, a Washington Democrat, Alex McMillan, a North Carolina Republican, William Ford, a Michigan Democrat, and J. Roy Rowland, a Georgia Democrat, and many others.
Tags: politics; politicians; influence; lawmaking; money and politics; Lockheed Martin Corp.; Hogan & Hartson; White House; civil rights