IRE/NICAR Tipsheet No. 79
Connecting Campaign Contributions and public policy
By: Brooks Jackson

1. Find the money. Who's giving in large amounts?

A. Political Action Committees
B. "Bundled" contributions from individual business executives (or others with common motive)
C. Hidden money, such as "soft" money, state-level contributions, contributions to scholarship funds, favorite charities, bulk purchases of books, etc.
D. "Sweetheart" business deals: real estate sold for less than market value, etc.

2. Find the policy. What do the donors want? Are they getting it?

A. Ask the lobbyists, "What are your legislative priorities?" (Hint: Don't ask: "What are you trying to buy?")
B. Read annual reports. What are companies telling their shareholders about the "legislative environment?"
C. Read hearing records. What did witnesses from the company or trade association say to the Ways and Means committee?
D. Ask congressional staffers. Any "Little old technical amendments" that benefit only one company or group?
E. Understand the industry. How do they make their money? How are they taxed? What government actions threaten their profits?

3. Find details that make the connection explicit or obvious. (in the special-interest world, A+B doesn't always = C).

A. Proximity of large gifts to actions. What was the subcommittee doing on the day of the donation, or just before or after?
B. Boasting by donors, to PAC members, shareholders, etc.
C. Remarks by lawmakers to donors, at conventions, seminars etc.

4. Apply the two basic tests:

A. "SO WHAT?" Explain to your audience why the policy is important to them. Would they have gotten a $100 refund? Did their taxes go up? Were dangerous products allowed on the market?
B. "W.G.F.?" (Loosely translated: Who suffered?) Did the policy result in death, injury, injustice or financial loss to any person or group? Even if your audience isn't affected directly, they can become involved vicariously if the story has identifiable "victims."

5. Avoid the common pitfalls

A. Don't assume all contribution are bribes. Actually, many are shakedowns, many more are given for non-economic motives. Remember: millions of Americans contribute. Only a few deserve to be investigated.
B. Find ALL the money. What is the other side giving? Just because the winning side gave a lot doesn't mean the losing side didn't give a lot, too. Be fair.