Peter Overby http://news.stlpublicradio.org en IRS Official's Silence Riles House Committee Members http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/irs-officials-silence-riles-house-committee-members On Wednesday, Lois Lerner, the IRS official overseeing the tax-exempt organizations office, refused to testify during a hearing on Capitol Hill, and was attacked by some Republicans on the House committee. Her brief appearance was the beginning of a five-hour session marked by angry outbursts and allegations of political motives. Thu, 23 May 2013 08:38:00 +0000 Peter Overby 26650 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org Some Lawmakers Want Big-Budget Groups Included In IRS Debate http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/some-lawmakers-want-big-budget-groups-included-irs-debate <p>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l2s_q_kfrU</p><p>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdYjp8-RMwA</p> Thu, 16 May 2013 22:01:00 +0000 Peter Overby 26473 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org Why Lobbying Is Now Increasingly In The Shadows http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/why-lobbying-now-increasingly-shadows While ideological gridlock continues to immobilize Capitol Hill, another of Washington's institutions is morphing behind the scenes.<p>The lobbying industry is becoming more secretive — reversing a trend that dates back to the 1990s. And campaign money now looms ever larger as a critical element in the persuasion business.<p>Ever since Congress strengthened the lobbying disclosure laws in 1995, most lobbyists have routinely registered and filed their quarterly disclosures of clients, issues and fees. Fri, 03 May 2013 07:24:00 +0000 Peter Overby 26050 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org Why Lobbying Is Now Increasingly In The Shadows For Some Conservatives, It's Homecoming Week http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/some-conservatives-its-homecoming-week The American conservative movement has its homecoming this week: the Conservative Political Action Conference, where everyone from politicians to peddlers is out to inspire the faithful.<p>Last year, one of the headline speakers was former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who harked back to the second-ever CPAC in 1975, when Ronald Reagan laid out a vision for a conservative Republican Party.<p>She invoked his image of a banner of bold colors, not pale pastels.<p>"And ever since then, CPAC has been the rally for conservative action, and that's why I am glad to be here today with all of Mon, 11 Mar 2013 01:51:00 +0000 Peter Overby 10061 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org For Some Conservatives, It's Homecoming Week After Tough 2012, Conservative Koch Brothers Regroup http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/after-tough-2012-conservative-koch-brothers-regroup The network of political groups headed by conservative industrialists David and Charles Koch spent millions of undisclosed dollars in last year's elections. Now, after failing to help Republicans win the White House or the Senate, the Koch brothers are re-examining the network, its goals and strategies.<p>The Koch brothers rank among the most influential money men in conservative circles. Twice a year, they convene other wealthy conservatives to strategize and pledge money. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:48:00 +0000 Peter Overby 9759 at http://news.stlpublicradio.org After Tough 2012, Conservative Koch Brothers Regroup