Barack Obama Returns Lobbyists' Contributions

[Imagevision]

<snip> Obama's presidential campaign has returned more than $50,000 in political contributions after discovering the donors were lobbyists. Obama, who has pledged to change the ways of Washington, has repeatedly said he will not accept money from lobbyists or from special interest political action committees.

"I am concerned about the role of lobbyists and campaign donations generally in our politics," Obama told The Associated Press while campaigning in Florence, S.C. "That's part of the reason I don't take PAC money and I'm not taking federal lobbyist money in this campaign."

"Giving back these donations is part of our best efforts to ensure we stay true to our commitment to not take money from federal lobbyists," campaign spokesman Bill Burton said.

"As we've said and as this illustrates, this policy isn't a perfect solution to the problem of money in politics and special interest sway in Washington," Burton said of the decision to return the funds. "But it is an important symbol of the kind of administration that Obama will have in the White House."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070413/obama-lobbyists

[NormanYorkstein]

1. good for Obama

That's called "leadership" as opposed to a lot of talk about lobbyists, followed through with no action.

[patrice]

2. +1

I'm keeping track of my issues, by candidate.

[malaise]

9. +2

Very good news.

[patrice]

11. Yeah, I was thinking that IS sort of a weighted issue. n/t

[Imagevision]

3. This should send a sign to lobbyist's, they can't buy real estate in the White House

[TankLV]

4. If a repuke was the subject, you'd all be still calling for their head...

But aparently Obama can do no wrong with you Obamabots...

[NormanYorkstein]

5. for returning tainted money?

?

[TankLV]

6. for accepting it in the first place...

[NormanYorkstein]

7. so far Obama's the only one to make it an issue at all

If a Republican says he won't take lobbyist money, I'd give him credit for it.

[Labors of Hercules]

12. As if he knows every time someone donates money to his campaign?

It's not like they're handing him a check in person... The campaign has to research each donation and return the ones that are inappropriate. That's the way it works. :eyes:

[Warren Stupidity]

10. Obamabots?

Did somebody get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

[patrice]

13. What you've said is evidence of your bias.

Your assumption is evidence of your slavery to the whole political party paradigm. Most free individuals are happy to see anyone reject special interest money. You're not happy about this, so apparently you are not free of the old party addiction.

Something NEW is happening. Free yourself; join us.

[Dawgs]

14. Are you defending Republicans, or do you just hate Obama?

I can't tell.

[Imagevision]

8. Well, let's just say it could be a step in the right direction...

[Rex]

15. Score one for someone who gets it!

That's why he has my support.