PDC talks of Internet's influence

Group discusses whether e-mails are lobbying expenses

By Brad Shannon | The Olympian • Published November 15, 2008

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The state Public Disclosure Commission is taking a go-slow approach to regulating the use of low-cost Internet tools in campaigns and lobbying.

Political operatives are making more and more use of e-mail, social networking sites, Web sites and the like, but the commission did not broach the topic until a month ago. Last week, PDC staffers followed up with an informal roundtable discussion with lobbyists, a prominent blogger and others who try to influence public policy.

At issue is how online communications — which can range from a Web site with information to a blizzard of e-mails sent to a legislator from members of an interest group — should be reported as a lobbying expense, if at all.

Also in the shadows of the debate: whether highly partisan bloggers who advocate for a candidate or issue should ever be considered lobbyists, and whether their expenses are lobbyist expenses.

Blogger David Goldstein, who writes from a partisan Democratic view at www.horsesass.org, urged the commission to keep its hands off the Internet. Michael Reitz of the conservative Evergreen Freedom Foundation was just as concerned about interfering with free speech of outspoken people in what he calls "the new town square" of the Internet.

The PDC waded into a similar issue a year ago about campaigning via the Internet, but it backed away from writing regulations. Its five members did offer a few guidelines, but it took a hands-off approach to partisan bloggers such as Goldstein who might champion a candidate but are not paid for doing so — except, perhaps, for donations from readers or "tips" sent as thanks.

Growth of groups

Lobbyists who already report their expenses have noticed an increase in the use of e-mail or Web sites by groups that do not register with the state.

Steve Gano, a contract lobbyist with high-profile clients that have included Wal-Mart, gave a hypothetical example of a large group that might engage in nearly invisible lobbying by avoiding any physical contact at the Capitol but would hire someone to do low-cost e-mail campaigning that would not be reported.