DNC drops ban on lobbyist, PAC money Fredreka Schouten , USA TODAY The
Democratic National Committee has lifted a ban on lobbyists' contributions.
(Photo:
Getty Images) The Democratic National Committee has resumed accepting money
from federal lobbyists and political action committees, largely dismantling
restrictions imposed by President Barack Obama. The move could help boost the
coffers of Democrat Hillary Clinton, who has teamed with the DNC to raise
money aggressively. Her campaign accepts contributions and fundraising help
from lobbyists. Campaign-finance watchdogs Friday denounced the DNC change,
which was first reported by The Washington Post . "This move by the DNC is a
major step in the wrong direction and is in direct conflict with the American
people's deep concerns about the role of influence money in Washington," said
Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21. "The DNC is acting as if the
party is blind to the anger and frustration with Washington that is being
expressed by voters in both parties as the presidential nominating process
unfolds.
Republican front-runner Donald Trump routinely touts his ability to fund his
own campaign as proof he won't be beholden to lobbyists. Vermont Sen. Bernie
Sanders, who is challenging Clinton for the Democratic nomination, also
denounces the current campaign-finance system as he raises money from legions of
small donors. Obama imposed the DNC fundraising restrictions after he secured
his party's nomination in 2008. The ban was part of his well-publicized push
to reduce the role special interests play in Washington. But the DNC has been
retreating from those prohibitions. Last year, the party lifted the ban on
lobbyists' contributions to the national convention after Congress eliminated
public funding for the party gatherings. A few restrictions remain in place,
however: No lobbyists or PAC representatives can attend DNC events that feature
Obama, Vice President Biden or their wives.
