NRA, takes lower profile in this year’s high-stakes midterm campaign a sign of shifting dynamics of gun debate as GOP fights to maintain grip on Congress.
Political Lobbying articles on Democracy Chronicles
Political lobbying is a legal practice of petitioning the government enshrined in the Constitution but has been supersized in the modern era by well-financed lobbies having outsized impact on government decision making. Efforts to highlight and correct the oversized impact that the powerful few have over government will be highlighted in this section. Also see our sections on American democracy and Money Politics.
Saudi-hired Lobbyists Give Millions To Influence Congress
U.S. lobbyists on Saudi Arabia’s payroll gave more than $2.3 million to political campaigns as they mounted a massive influence operation.
Dark Money Dominating State Supreme Court Races
Outside groups continue to pour money into state supreme court campaigns, television advertising spending so far totaling $5 million this election season.
Gun Lobby in Election Spending Race With Gun Control Lobby
U.S. gun-control advocates have outspent gun-rights groups by more than 40 percent on next month’s congressional elections, reversing long dominance of NRA.
Profile of a Powerful Political Donor: Sheldon Adelson
Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has never been more powerful. The Trump administration has advanced his ideological and financial interests.
How Gun Law Lobbying is Playing Out in Midterm Elections
Democrats campaign for tougher guns laws in midterm elections because of recent mass killings including deadly shooting at a Florida high school in February.
FEC Still Refusing to Enforce Laws Banning Foreign Election Spending
CommonCause urged that the FEC to release report requested by Congress regarding the Commission’s role and efforts to keep foreign money out of US elections
How Refugee Advocate Groups Are Lobbying US Congress
President Trump will make a decision that will hit tens of thousands of refugees. Advocates lobbying members of Congress on Capitol Hill wants 75,000.
Bill Proposes Greater Accountability For New York Prosecutors
In 2013, ProPublica published a series of reports finding that New York prosecutors are never punished for misconduct which lands innocents in prison.
Trump Clashes With Koch Brothers, Key Republican Political Donors
Billionaire industrialists lashed out at Trump for imposing tariffs on foreign imports and not controlling the government’s burgeoning long-term debt