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'Social Welfare' Organizations Play Big Role In Presidential Politics

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.

'Social Welfare' Organizations Play Big Role In Presidential Politics

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Why Does The Mortgage-Interest Tax Deduction Still Exist?
Alex Brandon/AP

Planet Money

Why Does The Mortgage-Interest Tax Deduction Still Exist?

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."

Why Does The Mortgage-Interest Tax Deduction Still Exist?

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On The Million-Dollar Trail Of A Mystery SuperPAC Donor

Some superPAC donors are hiding from public scrutiny. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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iStockphoto.com

Planet Money

On The Million-Dollar Trail Of A Mystery SuperPAC Donor

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?

On The Million-Dollar Trail Of A Mystery SuperPAC Donor

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When Lobbyists Pay To Meet With Congressmen
Charles Dharapak/AP

Planet Money

When Lobbyists Pay To Meet With Congressmen

"...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."

When Lobbyists Pay To Meet With Congressmen

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Planet Money

Why Lobbyists Dodge Calls From Congressmen

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.

Why Lobbyists Dodge Calls From Congressmen

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Where Money Meets Power In Washington
iStockphoto.com

Planet Money

Where Money Meets Power In Washington

"Political fundraiser" has a fancy ring to it — tuxedos, famous singers, billionaires. In fact, most political fundraisers aren't that glamorous.

Where Money Meets Power In Washington

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I'm Calling To Ask For Your Contribution

Invitations to fundraisers for members of Congress frequently mention which committees they serve on. Sunlight Foundation/Political Party Time hide caption

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Sunlight Foundation/Political Party Time

Planet Money

I'm Calling To Ask For Your Contribution

On today's show, we reveal which Congressional committees are a fundraising goldmine. And which committees actually make it harder for Congressmen to raise money.

Listen to Podcast

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Senator By Day, Telemarketer By Night

"I think most Americans would be shocked..." - Sen. Dick Durbin. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images hide caption

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Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

Planet Money

Senator By Day, Telemarketer By Night

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.

Senator By Day, Telemarketer By Night

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Planet Money

A Former Lobbyist Tells All

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.

A Former Lobbyist Tells All

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Jack Abramoff On Lobbying

Jack Abramoff in 2004. He's the one on the right. Dennis Cook/AP hide caption

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Dennis Cook/AP

Planet Money

Jack Abramoff On Lobbying

The former lobbyist is out of prison and available for interviews. We talk to him — not about his crimes, but about the legal lobbying that goes on every day.

Jack Abramoff On Lobbying

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Inside Washington's Money Machine
Phil Dokas/Flickr

Planet Money

Inside Washington's Money Machine

On today's show, we go inside the rooms in Washington where the daily grind of campaign finance — Congressmen, lobbyists, money — takes place. At least, we try to go inside the rooms.

Inside Washington's Money Machine

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