The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has rolled back restrictions introduced by Presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008 that banned donations from Federal lobbyists and Political Action Committees. The ban was a symbolic way for Obama to put his stamp on the party, when he promised voters “we are going to change how Washington works.” At the time, lobbyists and corporate advocates in Washington complained about the ban and other limitations imposed by the new administration.
The decision was viewed with disappointment by good government activists who saw it as a step backward in the effort to limit special interest influence in Washington. Some suggested it could provide an advantage to Hillary Clinton’s fundraising efforts.
“It is a major step in the wrong direction,” said longtime reform advocate Fred Wertheimer. “And it is completely out of touch with the clear public rejection of the role of political money in Washington,” expressed during the 2016 campaign.
The change in the rules, already apparent to leading Washington lobbyists, was quietly introduced at some point during the past couple of months.
Last summer the DNC announced it was lifting a ban on lobbyist contributions to convention-related expenses. At the time, DNC officials said the move was necessary because Congress had eliminated about $20 million in Federal funding for the quadrennial party gatherings.
For the most part, they said, the DNC has returned to business as usual, pre-2008. The DNC has even named a Finance Director specifically for PAC donations who has recently emailed prospective donors to let them know that they can now contribute again.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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