FEC approves shopping rewards program that benefits pols - Medical lobby rounds in Van Hollen's ward - Rangel feeling the love - Huckabee throws weight around in Iowa Presented by Philip Morris International

FEC APPROVES SHOPPING REWARDS PROGRAM THAT BENEFITS POLS: Buying groceries or Christmas presents could soon help boost your favorite political candidate, after the FEC today deemed it legal for a company to use a shopping rewards program to translate purchases into political contributions. Our own Robin Bravender, reporting from the FEC mothership at 999 E Street in downtown D.C. explains that the FEC green-lighted California-based Social Financial Inc. to move ahead with a “ GivingSphere” platform that would let consumers earn cash rebates from retail purchases and convert them into donations to their favorite political candidates, committees or parties.

Customers could also earmark cash for charities, civic organizations and educational groups through online GivingSphere accounts. Read the GivingSphere’s statement on the matter here: http://bit.ly/su0E3m. And read Dave’s scoop from last month on GivingSphere’s activities here: http://politi.co/oEK2Ic.


BREAKING … OCCUPY JOHNNY’S HALF SHELL? Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and downtowners attending a lunch fundraiser this afternoon for Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) at Johnny’s Half Shell had an unexpected greeting: protesters standing outside chanting and handing out fliers targeting Shelby. The group, which included Marvin Silver of Americans for Financial Reform, were encouraging people to ask Shelby “Which side are you? The 1 percent or the 99 percent?” Silver told PI that the protesters wanted to “put pressure on him specifically for his support of Wall Street and what he is doing to prevent Richard Cordray’s Senate confirmation.

While the protesters handed out about 100 fliers, Silver said Shelby and his staff did not take one. “We were disappointed in that, but we managed to bring attention to the issue,” Silver said.

Shelby’s spokesman did not respond to an email request for comment by deadline.

MEDICAL LOBBY ROUNDS IN VAN HOLLEN’S WARD: The American Medical Association is out with a new mailer targeting Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in his own congressional district as the supercommittee member enters the final days of debt-cutting negotiations that could significantly affect the health care industry. “Call Congressman Van Hollen at 888-434-6200 and tell him to start working on a fiscally responsible plan to save Medicare,” the mailer states. “Washington’s finder pointing and partisan gridlock could jeopardize healthcare as we know it.”

The phone number listed in the ad rings to an automated system in which callers are prompted with AMA talking points before being asked to enter their Zip codes and given the option to connect to either their senators or House members. See the mailers here: http://politi.co/sonG0v, and here: http://politi.co/sC6M9r

The AMA has been on a lobbying tear of late, spending $7.24 million during the year’s third quarter on federal-level efforts, compared to $2.37 million for the same period in 2010. The AMA recently told PI that it’s aggressively attempting to convince congressional supercommittee members to repeal the Medicare physician payment formula.

A good Thursday to you, PI faithful, as today we note the 140th anniversary of one of the nation’s most powerful lobbying forces — the National Rifle Association. It’s also the 49th anniversary of the dedication of Dulles International Airport. An exhaustive, comprehensive PI survey of two lobbyists this morning indicates that K Streeters would rather brave a gantlet of low-level congressional staffers, un-bathed Occupy Wall Streeters, starving tigers and angry ninjas en route to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport than trek out to Loudoun County, Va.’s finest landing strips.

We’re much more accommodating. So, please email us at [email protected] and [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter, too. We’re at @apalmerdc and @davelevinthal.

Now back to today’s influence news …

RANGEL FEELING THE LOVE: Anna and John Bresnahan have the story of Rep. Charles Rangel's (D-N.Y.) comeback nearly a year after he was censured on the House floor. The proof: Nearly all members of the Democratic leadership headlining a Wednesday night fundraiser for dean of the New York delegation, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Money quote from veteran K Streeter Chuck Brain of Capitol Hill Strategies: “He didn’t have anything to come back from … Charles Rangel has been the same Charles Rangel. He hasn’t missed a beat.” Click here for the full story: http://politi.co/uooSjN.

** A message from the National Retail Federation: True or False: Under federal law, it’s okay to collect taxes for businesses on Main Street but let Oak Street businesses get a free pass. Answer: True. And Congress is letting it happen. Learn more at www.RetailMeansJobs.com/SalesTaxFairness. **

HUCKABEE THROWS WEIGHT AROUND IN IOWA: Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee is teaming with conservative organization Citizens United — best known for the eponymous Supreme Court decision that last year altered the nation's campaign finance landscape — to host an event about abortion next month in Iowa. All presidential candidates are being invited to speak, with the big question being — will one-time abortion rights supporter Mitt Romney show? Dave has the story here: http://politi.co/rSuo8I

HURRY UP AND WAIT ON TRADE SHOW PROPOSAL: The U.S. Office of Government Ethics has extended, by a month, the comments period for a proposed rule that would strictly limit government employees’ participation at trade shows and gatherings, which are often sponsored by organizations that lobby the federal government. And one top D.C. lobbyist is pleased with the lobbying efforts of lobbyists, which at least in part has prompted the White House to go andante on the situation. “OGE is clearly surprised by the pushback they’re getting,” American League of Lobbyists President Howard Marlowe tells PI. “It’s not only more than they thought but coming from places they didn’t expect, especially the professional trade associations.” OGE will now accept comments until Dec. 14.

FIRST TEE VIEWING PARTY: Comcast, Microsoft and Genentech are sponsoring First Tee’s President’s Cup Viewing Party at 7:30 tonight at Microsoft’s Washington office. K Streeters involved in First Tee, which aims to aide younger people through the game of golf, include: National Beer Wholesalers Association EVP Mike Johnson; Kathryn Rand of FedEx; Stephen Replogle of Walmart; Jim Richards of Cornerstone Government Affairs; and Judy Ostronic of Direct Impact.

A POST-CAIN WEEK FOR RESTAURANT GROUP: After several weeks consumed by scandal, the National Restaurant Association is endeavoring to remind people that it’s a lot more than just the organization that used to be led by Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, who may or may not have sexually harassed several women during his tenure in the 1990s as the association’s CEO. To wit: A detailed press release this afternoon entitled “ National Restaurant Association voices concerns over proposed health care regulations at IRS hearing.” This follows last night’s association missive slugged: “National Restaurant Association: House passes business tax credit to hire jobless veterans, measure now moves to President’s desk .”

GET 10 PERCENT OFF YOUR POLITICAL DONATION? Barack Obama’s presidential campaign is out today with a deal promising 10 percent off any purchase of $10 or more from the Obama 2012 online merchandise store. What potential consumers won’t read until reaching the fine print is such purchases are considered campaign contributions. So, if you simply want to donate $100 bucks to Obama instead of $90 plus some t-shirts, go the check-writing, credit card swiping route.

ANTI-OBAMA GROUP MAKING VIDEO: The conservative Campaign for Working Families spent $600 this week on “video production” for a video meant to oppose Barack Obama’s reelection, federal records indicate.

AUDIO … PI ON AM: Dave talks with Mitch Carr of KRLD-AM 1080 in Dallas and breaks down how Rick Perry’s fundraising plays into his larger presidential primary fortunes. Listen to the interview here: http://bit.ly/txmZoU

THURSDAY AFTERNOON INFLUENCE READS:

Justice Department records indicate a dramatic rise in the enforcement of Foreign Agents Registration Act enforcement, a new report written by Jake Wiens of the Project on Government Oversight indicates: http://bit.ly/tPtsa

Kashmir Hill of Forbes explores whether Internet lobbying can be just as effective as cash spent in D.C.: http://onforb.es/vFCCmD

Michael D. Shear of The New York Times notes that presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, who lately has been denying that he ever actually lobbied for mortgage giant Freddie Mac, has a curious ally: Barack Obama. Read here: http://nyti.ms/tfhSGf

Speaking of Newt, Gingrich’s poll numbers may be up, but does his campaign cash flow indicate he’s a “paper tiger” candidate? Michael Beckel of OpenSecrets.org reports: http://bit.ly/thqgwC

NEW POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES:

People for Ending Poverty PAC of Washington — Treasurer: Arley Johnson

California Nations Indian Gaming Association Federal PAC of Los Angeles — Treasurer: Dana W. Reed

RECENT LOBBYING REGISTRATIONS: Nada.

** A message from the National Retail Federation: Inaction by Congress has perpetuated a distorted, archaic policy for sales tax collection that puts small Main Street merchants at a disadvantage over those who aren’t required to collect sales tax. Whether you work on Main Street or Oak Street — sales tax fairness benefits us all. Learn more at www.RetailMeansJobs.com/SalesTaxFairness. **

Follow us on Twitter Theodoric Meyer @theodoricmeyer