archive
It's All Politics
'Social Welfare' Organizations Play Big Role In Presidential Politics
July 7, 2012 Some of the heaviest advertisers are groups financed by anonymous donors. They're not organized as political committees, but as "social welfare" organizations. One of those groups, led by GOP strategist Karl Rove, is rivaling the campaigns themselves for ad money spent so far in the election.
The Two-Way
Romney, Republicans Pulled In More Money In May Than Obama, Democrats
June 7, 2012 For the first time in this campaign, the GOP challenger has collected more than the incumbent. Romney and his party brought in more than $76 million. Obama and the Democrats raised about $60 million.
Planet Money
Why Does The Mortgage-Interest Tax Deduction Still Exist?
June 6, 2012 If you own a home in the U.S., if you have a mortgage, you can deduct the interest you pay on that mortgage from your taxes. It's a popular, well-entrenched policy. But according to one policy adviser in Washington, "the mortgage-interest deduction ... makes no sense."
Planet Money
On The Million-Dollar Trail Of A Mystery SuperPAC Donor
April 26, 2012 The superPACs raising money to support the presidential candidates have few restrictions. But they do have to reveal who donated money. So what happens when a donation comes from someone trying to avoid public scrutiny?
Planet Money
When Lobbyists Pay To Meet With Congressmen
April 20, 2012 "...the fundraiser has 35,000 bucks in checks sitting in her pocket right now. And we're going to talk about public policy while we take the checks."
Planet Money
Why Lobbyists Dodge Calls From Congressmen
April 19, 2012 We imagine the lobbyist stalking the halls of Congress trying to use cash to influence important people. But often, the Congressman is stalking the lobbyist, asking for money.
Planet Money
The Most (And Least) Lucrative Committees In Congress
April 6, 2012 See which committees do the most (and which do the least) to help lawmakers raise money for re-election.
Planet Money
Where Money Meets Power In Washington
April 4, 2012 "Political fundraiser" has a fancy ring to it — tuxedos, famous singers, billionaires. In fact, most political fundraisers aren't that glamorous.
Planet Money
Take The Money And Run For Office
March 30, 2012 We imagine lobbyists stalking the halls of Congress, trying to influence lawmakers with cash. But often, it's the other way around: Members of Congress stalk lobbyists, looking for contributions.
Planet Money
On Tour With Nancy Pelosi, Fundraising Rock Star
March 30, 2012 In the last decade, Pelosi has raised close to $300 million for Democrats. We recently traveled with Pelosi on a fundraising trip.
Planet Money
Senator By Day, Telemarketer By Night
March 30, 2012 Lawmakers have two jobs: making laws, and raising money. "I think most Americans would be shocked ... if they knew how much time a United States Senator spends raising money," says Sen. Dick Durbin.
Planet Money
A Former Lobbyist Tells All
January 27, 2012 On the podcast today, we get a glimpse from inside the room where money changes hands. Jimmy Williams used to lobby for the National Association of Realtors. He tells us about the ridiculous issues he's lobbied for, the flow of campaign money he supplied, and how he wants to change the system now.
