Politics

Sunrise (2/7/11)

By Paul Blumenthal

EGYPT ENVOY'S BUSINESS TIES TO EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT

--Independent: "Frank Wisner, President Barack Obama's envoy to Cairo who infuriated the White House this weekend by urging Hosni Mubarak to remain President of Egypt, works for a New York and Washington law firm which works for the dictator's own Egyptian government. ... So why on earth was he sent to talk to Mubarak, who is in effect a client of Mr Wisner's current employers? ... Patton Boggs states that its attorneys "represent some of the leading Egyptian commercial families and their companies" and "have been involved in oil and gas and telecommunications infrastructure projects on their behalf". One of its partners served as chairman of the US-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce promoting foreign investment in the Egyptian economy. The company has also managed contractor disputes in military-sales agreements arising under the US Foreign Military Sales Act. Washington gives around $1.3bn (£800m) a year to the Egyptian military."

DEM CONVENTION CONTRIBUTION LOOPHOLE?

--Pajamas Media: "Brad Woodhouse, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, called the new restrictions on money ?unprecedented,? saying it ?is another sign that things are continuing to change under President Obama?s leadership and that this will, in fact, be the ?People?s Convention.?? ... There are loopholes, however.  The Tatler has learned that the DNC will accept money from corporate charities and foundations.  The maximum contribution is $100,000 per foundation and $100,000 per individual, as long as the individual is not a federally registered lobbyist.  Unions don?t seem to have any limitations.  Corporations also will not be barred from holding unofficial events and parties. ... So conceivably the Walmart Foundation or the Goldman Sachs Foundation could make a donation to finance the people?s convention.  But the dirty money from Walmart or Goldman Sachs would be prohibited."

HALEY BARBOUR'S MONEY MACHINE

--Politico: "His main fundraising tool is a political action committee registered in Georgia ? which has no limits on individual or corporate donations. The PAC is chaired by Henry Barbour, Haley?s nephew and a top-level Republican powerbroker in his own right ? he was the key behind-the-scenes player in getting Reince Priebus elected RNC chairman. ... In just the last year, 147 people and corporations have given a total of $523,174.52 to Barbour?s Georgia PAC ? an average of more than $3,550. ... Nine donors ? two individuals and seven corporations ? have given Barbour $295,000 over the last year through the Georgia PAC. If the PAC were federal, and covered by FEC guidelines, the most nine donors could have given Barbour over the last year is $45,000, as individual contributions are capped at the national level."

ABRAMOFF FIGURE FACES TWO YEARS

--Politico: "Federal prosecutors are seeking a two year prison sentence for Michael Scanlon, a one-time aide to former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) who played a key role in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal."

FUNDRAISING PARTIES TODAY

--Rep. Tammy Baldwin is hosting a fundraiser for her birthday.

--Rep. Linda Sanchez is also hosting a fundraiser for her birthday.

Full post as published by Sunlight Foundation on February 07, 2011 (boomark / email).