Make sure to check out this profile on Common Cause in the Post today: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/09/AR2011020906162.html?sid=ST2011020906396 Campaign Finance/Fair Elections Why lobbying as the new campaign finance reform You should read this. “Now that the Court has placed roadblocks along that path, pragmatic reformers need to move in new directions; they need to find ways to harness politics to fix politics.  It may be time to acknowledge that money will inevitably be part of the system unless the Court radically changes course.  Our goal, then, should be figuring out how to use its attractions to create the right kinds of incentives for politicians.” The PAC problem This Washington Post op-ed derides the GOP 2012 candidates use of state PACs to boost their fundraising networks. Congress Rep. Chris Lee resigns after reports of Craigslist flirtation For the oddsmakers that bet scandal-ridden Rep. David Rivera (R-Fla.) would be the first one out—you (and me) were all wrong. Greens claim GOP is doing industry’s bidding in battle over EPA rules The Hill picks up our report on yesterday’s energy committee hearing. Can Darrell Issa meet Barack Obama’s standard?, by Rep. Elijah Cummings The ranking member on House Oversight Committee criticizes Rep. Issa’s one sided pro-corporate approach on looking at regulations. “To date, the committee has requested information only about the costs of regulation and not the benefits.” K Street takes lawmakers to school Energy lobbyists are concerned that they don’t have the freshmen Republicans in their back pocket, so: “They’re scrambling to win over the newbie lawmakers with finely tuned talking points, briefing books — and of course, campaign contributions for Republicans, some of whom already are facing tough races just two years out.” Boehner aide behind “Pledge to America” heads to lobby shop The guy who wrote Speaker Boehner’s Pledge to America last year is now making a pledge to his pocketbook, heading to K Street. House Republicans battle turmoil in their ranks Speaker Boehner is having a heck of a time keeping his caucus together, with 3 floor votes going unexpectedly south this week. House Democrats say Justice Thomas should recuse himself in health-care case “Seventy-four House Democrats have signed a letter to Clarence Thomas asking the Supreme Court justice to recuse himself from any deliberations on the constitutionality of the national health care overhaul, arguing that his wife's work as a lobbyist creates "the appearance of a conflict of interest."” K Street donors not so kind to members’ charities “Lobbyists appear to be significantly cutting back on the money they give to support the favored charities of Members of Congress, one of the long-standing ways firms have curried favor with powerful Members.” Public Citizen’s Craig Holman: “I suspect it is because the lobbying profession has come under much greater scrutiny and negative publicity of the last couple years.” Other ACLU, lobbyists’ lawyer in elections-law suit seek nearly $4 million from state Those who brought the minor parties suit against the Connecticut public financing system are seeking to be paid back by the state for their fees. Tom DeLay lawyers seek a retrial In an expected move, Tom DeLay is seeking a new trial on the grounds of “misapplication of the state’s election code.”