Influence and AccessA Guide to Corporate Tracking Money in Politics

There are two things that are important in politics.The first is money and I can't remember what the second one is.-- Ohio political boss and U.S. Senator Mark Hanna, 1895

Tracking the Money In

• Campaign Contributions• Personal Financial disclosures• Lobbying disclosure forms• Non-Profit/527’s• Property/Real Estate• Advertising/Consulting• Super Pacs

Tracking the Money Out• Federal/State/Local Contracts• Earmarks/Tax benefits/Regulations• Vote for/against legislation• Revolving Door (Jobs, consulting, hiring spouse,

former staffers)• Trips and Gifts• Letters of Support• Appointments• Giving to Foundation/nonprofit linked to

lawmakers

Tools for Analysis

• www.fec.gov• www.Opensecrets.org• http://www.taxpayer.net/• http://www.usaspending.gov/• http://soprweb.senate.gov/index.cfm?event=

choosefields• http://www.votesmart.org/• http://www.citizen.org/congress/

Tools for Analysis

• http://www.mec.mo.gov/EthicsWeb/CampaignFinance/CampaignFinance.aspx

• http://www.followthemoney.org/• http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/• http://www.icij.org/Content.aspx?

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