Congress/2012
Issa’s trade show visits blur congressional, personal business 
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) seems to be mixing his work as a board member of a company he founded, DEI Holdings, with his work as a member of Congress. Money line: “But the trip highlights the thin line between Issa’s corporate and Congressional activities.”

As health insurers’ profits swelled, so did campaign coffers
HCAN put out a report yesterday on the massive profits the top health insurance companies made in 2010, just as they were trying to kill off reform. We added the lobbying and campaign cash numbers.

Barack Obama reelection starts cash chase
“President Barack Obama’s 2012 fundraising team has begun nailing down major cash commitments from top donors during a coast-to-coast “listening” tour — the surest sign to date that the vaunted Obama money machine is back in business.”

Newt Gingrich wants to party like it’s 1995
And the Center for Responsive Politics provides a rundown of Gingrich’s fundraising history.

House Appropriator: we know how to get around earmark ban
The House banned earmarks, so House members are just going to the White House for their pet projects.

Lobbying battle on tap over proposed changes to workplace-safety rules
“Business and labor are preparing to wage a lobbying battle over a new rule expected later this year that could have a profound effect on how health and safety are handled in the workplace.”

Boeing, EADS upped lobby spending
Boeing got the contract—but both spent millions on lobbying.

GOP lawmakers call for probe into possible “threats” against Thomas, Scalia
Rep. Louie “hate crimes legislation will lead to legalizing pedophilia” Gohmert (R-Texas) wants to investigate Common Cause for “inciting” violence. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) is all about it too. Fox and Politico are the only outlets to cover the story.

Other/States
Invitation to GOP fundraiser stirs some concern

Push for Voter Owned Elections in Oklahoma
Fair Elections in Oklahoma? They’re trying!

Group: Jindal biz backers giving to wife’s charity
CREW has jumped into the game in Louisiana after the Times reported yesterday on the charity of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s wife.

Campaign debts dogging Lowden
Sue Lowden (a millionaire), who ran in the Republican primary in Nevada for Senate this year, seems to be having trouble paying off her campaign debt. As one lawyer says, she’s “probably driving around in her Bentley with a load of chickens in the back as barter to settle her campaign debts.”