For my story last Sunday, I did a piece on the health care reform debate. In the course of it, I took a look at local Congressman Todd Platts' campaign contributions, via the Website www.OpenSecrets.org, which is run by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics.
Frankly, there wasn't a lot to see. Yes, his top contributor was the CEO of a hospital association who lives in Alexandria, Va., whom Platts said became aware of his campaign through an extended network of supporters.
All this might look suspicious if not for the fact that the dollar amount was $4,600. Yeah, I wouldn't mind having an extra $4,600 in my wallet. But in campaign dollar terms, that's nothing. It might cover the pizza for volunteers at a phone bank night, as long as you skimp on the toppings.
Platts makes a point of not taking money from Political Action Committees, which is admirable. Of course, he can afford to do that. He's a popular, well-known incumbent in a heavily Republican district, so he's not likely to end up in a race that will require major spending.
What the heck, I'll still give him points.
For me, the fun part of working on that story was the excuse to poke around in OpenSecrets.org. I always find those peek-under-the-hood looks at campaign finances to be interesting. Well ... to a point.
When I first start that kind of digging, it's an adrenaline rush. I'm a fearless guardian of the public trust storming the citadels of power, with the searing light of truth as my guide and my weapon!
What invariably kills that mood is the sheer banality of what I encounter on my mythic quest.
For example, let's take a look at the finances of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Her top donor, with $18,400, is Akin, Gump, Strauss Hauer & Feld. That's a lobbying firm whose clients include AT&T, Mobil Oil and the Motion Picture Association of America.
Allright! Now we're cooking with gas!
We're talking about some big-money lobbyists whose influence extends into oil, telecommunications and even mass entertainment. This is some "Manchurian Candidate" stuff here -- enough to make a conspiracy theorist salivate.
Then I look at her second biggest donor, with $10,000. It's the American Dental Association.
Yep. A bunch of dentists. Suddenly the thrilling international conspiracy vibe I've been enjoying is swirling down the spit sink.
Unless ...
You know, maybe the dentists do have a hidden agenda. They certainly have the means.
"Has the nitrous oxide taken effect? Excellent. Now, Mr. Gates, tell me all about that confidential national defense strategy."
They have enforcement tactics, too. Ever see "Marathon Man?"
OK, now I'm creeped out.
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