Geithner to issue new lobbying rules

[Joanne98]

Source: AP


WASHINGTON (AP) — Under orders to move quickly on the faltering economy, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is expected to unveil new rules Tuesday to limit special-interest influence involving the $700 billion financial rescue program.

The new rules are designed to crack down on lobbyist influence over the rescue program, according to an administration official with knowledge of the changes.

This official, who spoke to The Associated Press on grounds of anonymity because the new rules had not yet been announced, said that they went farther than restrictions the Bush administration imposed.

The new rules will restrict the contact officials can have with lobbyists in connection with applications for funds from the bailout program, the official said. This official said the rules, which are aimed at making sure political influence is not a factor in awarding rescue money, will take as a model the limits that are imposed on political lobbying of the Treasury Department on tax matters.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ha0T93Iyn1OtJBWk2hjKiCUiKvYQD95VFGLO1

[Baby Snooks]

1. Rules?

There should be no lobbying at all. The lobbyists do not represent the interests of the American people. Sorry. Not the lobbyists that Congress listens to anyway. But then Congress only hears the sound of their campaign cash registers as the lobbyists make sure the cash registers ring. It's all about the money, honey. What Georgette Mosbacher wrote once in her "reflection" on "Texas Goes To Washington." It is indeed all about the money. And it's time to cut it off. All of it.

No corporation should be contributing to political campaigns. Even through PACs.

No attorney should be contributing to political campaigns. Particularly judicial campaigns. Even through PACs.

As for Geithner, well, a man who doesn't know the tax law or how much he owes in taxes has no place serving as Secretary of the Treasury.

Obama's table, again, leaves much to be desired.

[stillcool]

2. we're all lobbyists..