Les élus du Tea Party et l'argent de Washington

Les élus du Tea Party et l'argent de Washington

Candidats, ils faisaient campagne contre le système et contre la corruption régnant à Washington. A peine élus, ils en profitent déjà, comme le montre cet article du Washington Post. (lien).

«Dozens of freshmen lawmakers have held receptions at Capitol Hill bistros and corporate townhouses in recent weeks, taking money from K Street lobbyists and other powerbrokers within days of their victories. Newly elected House members have raised at least $2 million since the election, according to preliminary Federal Election Commission records filed last week, and many more contributions have yet to be tallied.

»“The lobbyists are all saying, 'Welcome to Washington; let me help pay off your debt,'" said Nancy Watzman, who tracks political fundraisers for the Sunlight Foundation, a watchdog group. "It's particularly interesting when so many of this year's freshmen were running against Washington. But as soon as they get elected, they come to Washington and put out their hand."

»But GOP officials and legislative aides defend the fundraising push as simple pragmatism: the cost of winning office in Congress is high, especially during a midterm election that saw record expenditures on scores of competitive races. Many new House members are scrambling to take care of debts from 2010 so they can turn their attention to the next cycle, according to aides and campaign-finance experts.»

Sylvain Michelet