Fine line when lobbyists, lawmakers mingle

WASHINGTON -- On a recent cool, spring day, lobbyists, members of Congress and outdoor industry representatives donned hunting vests and headed to a shooting range in the suburbs of the nation's capital.

The occasion: The annual "congressional shootout" to benefit a foundation tied to the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.

The invitation-only competition, which pitted Democrats against Republicans in skeet and clay-target shooting, is one of the myriad gatherings congressional caucuses and the not-for-profit groups connected to them have staged or will stage this year that give lobbyists and lawmakers another opportunity to interact.

Others include a four-day conference next month in Tunica, Miss., organized by the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute. The agenda includes policy forums, a golf outing, and a concert by hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash. A recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation event included a golf and tennis tournament at a Virginia resort and spa.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, meanwhile, is planning its conference in September. Sponsors can underwrite private receptions, luncheons and comedy performances, ranging from $2,500 to $250,000.

"These corporations and lobbyists lavish favor on elected officials so they can come back later on and get access," said Bob Edgar, a former Democratic congressman from Pennsylvania who is president of the watchdog group Common Cause.

Under ethics rules passed in 2007, lobbyists must report their contributions to non-profits connected to federal lawmakers twice a year. Spending in the first half of 2009 won't become public until later this month, but interviews show the donations have continued to pour in.

The Nuclear Energy Institute, for instance, is among the sponsors of the Tunica gathering, planned for Aug. 13-16.

The event is organized by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and chairman of its leadership institute, a non-profit that helps blacks get elected.

Hannah Simone, a Nuclear Energy Institute lobbyist, called the conference a "great opportunity to talk" to members of the Congressional Black Caucus who "have been really supportive of nuclear energy."

Lanier Avant, Thompson's chief of staff, said the goal is to involve a broad group in discussions about policy and economic development. The money raised helps pay for programs, such as a "boot camp" held at Morgan State University in Baltimore for candidates and campaign aides.

"If there is a trade association or a company or labor union that wants to participate, they are welcome," he said. "If there's an individual who wants to attend, they are welcome, too."

Esther Aguilera, of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, said donors are drawn to the group's mission — providing scholarships, internships and fellowships — and the growing clout of Latinos. "The Latino community is a hot customer and consumer base," she said.

The May shootout for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation was also a fundraiser. The group, which promotes hunting, is independent of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus. No lawmakers hold foundation offices, but they join in activities.

Eighteen former and current members of Congress competed in the shootout, according to a foundation news release. Foundation President Jeff Crane said the event doesn't grant lobbyists special access to lawmakers.

"A good lobbyist has got access to members of Congress, no matter how you stack it up," he said. "They are down meeting with them on official business. They go to fundraising events. There is a whole host of things they can participate in. This is just one of the many different ways they may take advantage of it."

Sportsmen's Caucus member Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, said there was no "shop talk" at the shootout.

Some sponsors say they do press their agenda.

An association of rent-to-own stores donated $50,000 worth of equipment and, in exchange, sent six of its members to a June golf and tennis tournament organized by the spouses of Black Caucus members, said Richard May of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations.

The industry has battled with federal lawmakers, such as Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., over proposed federal regulation.

May said the group's donations supported education programs. However, he said, "the ability to be at places where we are able to be with members or others to explain our industry and demonstrate our contribution to society is an added benefit."