Saltzman heads to Airlines - The Wisconsin cash aftermath - Ogilvy, Chevron dustup continues - Ben & Jerry's co-founder wants you to (illegally?) stamp money with anti-Citizens United slogans Presented by Philip Morris International

With Abby Phillip

PI SCOOP… SALTZMAN HEADS TO AIRLINES: Josh Saltzman, the top aide to Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), is joining the Airlines for America trade group as VP of global government affairs. He comes on after 12 years on Capitol Hill, most recently as Sessions’s chief of staff, serving as his chief policy and political aide and primary liaison with Republican leadership offices. “Josh has a proven track record of working cooperatively with leadership and with members of both parties and will be a strong addition to our growing advocacy team that is drawn from the White House and top Hill leadership staffs,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas Calio. Sessions also praised Saltzman: "Josh is a smart, loyal and trusted professional whose service has been a tremendous asset to my office. While I will miss his experience, skill and leadership, Airlines for America could not have hired a more hard-working or dedicated advocate."


THE WISCONSIN CASH AFTERMATH: Welcome to a new norm for big-state elections, where massive, national-level groups play an outsized, even overriding role. Roughly $66 million was spent on the recall in Wisconsin — a state with 5.7 million people. Sure, in 2010, several prominent gubernatorial elections, including those in California, Ohio and Florida, attracted significant dollars from national political interests. “But they’re not going to hold a candle to this recall election,” said Denise Roth Barber, managing director of the nonpartisan National Institute on Money in State Politics. “This kind of recall spending could be what we see regularly in future races that have national implications.” And while the left drove the recall, it was Republican Gov. Scott Walker (He survived the recall, if you’ve been living in a bomb shelter.) and conservative forces who won the day on the cash front — in a battle that wasn’t even close.

Walker spent $29.25 million through May, roughly 10 times the amount by Democrat Tom Barrett ($2.93 million), according to the tally from the nonpartisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. The amount of reportable money that poured in from outside organizations was also dramatic — $18 million from conservative groups like the Koch brothers-backed Americans for Prosperity, the American Majority Action, Campaign to Defeat Barack Obama, FreedomWorks for America, the National Rifle Association and the Tea Party Patriots. From the left, groups such as the AFL-CIO, the Democratic Governors Association, the Human Rights Campaign, MoveOn.org and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund spent roughly $15.5 million. States should be alarmed, said Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. "We're little more than a pawn on a national chessboard," he said. "This is something we've never seen before."

More on the recall aftermath from Jim VandeHei, Robin Bravender and David Catanese: http://politi.co/Kie52F

OGILVY, CHEVRON DUSTUP CONTINUES: The brouhaha over an Ogilvy Public Relations employee attending an Amazon Watch lunch and allegedly talking about Ogilvy PR and Ogilvy Government Relations' client Chevron is continuing to cause problems at the firm. Chevron, which had separate contracts with Ogilvy Public Relations in California and Ogilvy Government Relations in Washington, was upset over what it perceived as a conflict of interest in Felipe Benitez allegedly discussing the company in public. But instead of assuaging the client's concerns, Ogilvy PR's Christopher Graves had a heated conversation with Chevron that resulted in the oil and gas company terminating both contracts, according to a source intimately familiar with the matter. WPP execs also were involved in the snafu. WPP is the holding company that owns the trio of Ogilvy companies— advertising firm Ogilvy & Mather, Ogilvy Public Relations and Ogilvy Government relations.

"We were innocent bystanders. It was a drive-by shooting," the source told PI. To be sure, Chevron was no small client for the lobby shop, which originally signed them in 2004, billing about $600,000 a year for the firm. Last year, Chevron was the lobby shop's second largest client.

An Ogilvy spokesperson sent PI a statement when questioned on the incident. "Chevron informed Ogilvy & Mather of its decision to end its relationship with Ogilvy Government Relations because of a perceived conflict with Ogilvy PR," the spokesperson said. "As this is primarily a personnel matter, we are unable to provide further detail."

How the matter was handled hasn't sat too well with top rainmaker Wayne Berman, who is responsible for bringing in the majority of the lobby shop's business. "From a client relation's standpoint, it is unthinkable," the source said. The situation has created grave concern about how other clients could be affected by the Ogilvy companies and WPP. So far, it appears that Berman is staying put. Stay tuned.

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Now back to the show …

BEN & JERRY’S CO-FOUNDER WANTS YOU TO (ILLEGALLY?) STAMP MONEY WITH ANTI-CITIZENS UNITED SLOGANS: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream co-founder Ben Cohen is planning next month to distribute rubber stamps, for use marking U.S. currency, that feature the slogans such as “corporations are not people,” “money is not speech” and “not to be used for bribing politicians.” The stamp giveaway, which will begin with an event July 4 in Philadelphia, is being coordinated in conjunction with the Occupy Wall Street movement and political group Move to Amend, which is advocating for a constitutional amendment that overturns the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. “This action will be a way for citizens to express their outrage at the ties between big money and political corruption," said Move to Amend spokesman David Cobb. “Politicians rubber stamp legislation that benefits profit over people. We are rubber stamping money to remind lawmakers that they serve ‘We the People,’ not ‘We the Corporations.’”

But isn’t defacing currency illegal? Generally speaking, it sure is, according to Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. Anyone convicted of defacing currency — virtually no one ever is, to be sure — “shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both,” the code states. Currency defacement also falls under the jurisdiction of the Secret Service, so there’s that to contend with, too. Cobb, however, tells PI that because the statute requires specific intent to deface currency in order to take it out of circulation, their campaign should be in the clear. “We want this currency to circulate,” he said. “We are not concerned that we would be convicted if prosecuted.”

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LOBBY DAY STARTS WITH CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST: The National Network to End Domestic Violence hosted a breakfast event this morning at the Washington Court Hotel attended by a handful of members of Congress. The organization is kicking off its annual lobby day for the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act, which is still embroiled in some controversy. In attendance, according to a PI tipster, were Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.) who arrived bright and early at 6:45 a.m., Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa).

Brown got a standing ovation when talking about his wife and daughters, and offered some personal remarks about two of his four stepfathers, who he said were abusive and manipulative.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who also delivered remarks, was introduced by a home-town advocate who reminded the crowd that Leahy told Heath Ledger "we're not afraid of you thugs" in his Batman cameo.

"I'd like to think of my mark as getting VAWA thru," Leahy responded.

CASEY TO RAISE FORK, CASH: Sen. Bob Casey (R-Pa.) is holding a breakfast fundraiser at Charlie Palmer Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Cost to attend: $2,500 to co-host and $1,000 to come as a guest.

BROYDRICK SIGNS RATINGS COMPANY: Egan-Jones Rating Company has brought on Broydrick & Associates to lobby on its behalf. William Broydrick is manning the account lobbying on financial services issues like independent ratings and SEC regulations.

NAM KICKS OFF ANNUAL MANUFACTURING SUMMIT: The National Association of Manufacturers begins its 2012 Manufacturing Summit today with nearly 400 manufacturers expected in town for a series of events over the next two days. House Budget Committee Chairman Rep . Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) talked tax issues when he addressed the NAM executive board on Tuesday and on Wednesday, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) will deliver the keynote address at the Summit luncheon. The manufacturers are expected to meet with members of Congress on tax, energy and workforce issues throughout the summit.

SIERRA CLUB FIGHTS FOR WIND TAX CREDIT: The Sierra Club launched a new campaign to push for the renewal of the production tax credit for wind, set to expire at the end of the year. “Wind Works” will tout the job creating potential of wind energy and its contribution to public health. The Sierra Club plans to devote “significant resources” to the campaign through paid media and grassroots organizing. “The ‘Wind Works’ campaign is the Sierra Club’s move to the next level, in advocating for renewable energy jobs and ensuring America transitions to a clean energy economy,” said Dave Hamilton, director for clean energy of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign.

THE NEW FRONTIER …THE DEBATE OVER POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE: Should there be more disclosure of political intelligence firms operating in Washington? They’re technically not lobbyists, but a breakfast panel this morning agreed that they often act like them on behalf of corporations and hedge funds. The event organized by influence research platform First Street and Women in Government Relations featured The Cypress Group’s J. Patrick Cave, Heather Podesta of Heather Podesta + Partners, Robert Walker of Wiley Rein, and Michael Mayhew of Integrity Research Associates.

The rise in political intelligence gatherers drew scrutiny after a "60 Minutes" story brought light to the potential for insider trading among members of Congress and their staff and eventually resulted in Congress passing the STOCK Act. “Congress got it right. The irony of it is that it’s a law that confirms a law — but that’s important,” said Cave, a registered lobbyist who also does work for political intelligence clients.

Podesta said the STOCK Act won’t be the last of the scrutiny the growing industry may face. In response, the political intelligence firms will continue to evolve their business to keep up. “The bill clearly had a chilling effect on the industry,” Podesta said. “We are in a cooling off period as people reassess the situation. We can expect things to morph because the information is so valuable.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Are media organizations — BGOV, POLITICO Pro, the National Journal and others — engaged in political intelligence business? Half the panelists seemed to think so. Cave and Mayhew, an expert on the industry, agreed that burgeoning media services designed to give subscription-only information about Congress and regulators should be regulated. Podesta and Walker both worried that such restrictions could result in a chilling effect on freedom of the press. “When you talk about a chilling effect in that area — that would be a big price to pay.” Walker said.

INFLUENCE INDUSTRY MUD BUGGING OUT FOR LANDRIEU: The question isn’t so much who from the influence industry is coming to the 11 th annual Crawfish Fest fundraiser in honor of Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), but who isn’t. Among the many hosts for the event, which begins at 6 p.m. Thursday in downtown D.C., are the political action committees of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Bridgestone Americas, CompTIA, Cox, Dow Chemical, General Electric, L-3 Communications, Monsanto, National Association of Broadcasters, Fox / News America, Viacom and Wal-Mart, as well as the American Pilots Association and American Sugar Cane League. See the invitation here: http://bit.ly/LvTEPQ

WARNER SEEKS SOURCES OF CAMPAIGN CASH: The Source, an intimate high-end eatery not so far from the White House, plays host this afternoon to Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) for a lunch fundraiser where the minimum suggested donation is $1,000. See the invite here: http://bit.ly/LlhFMZ

GROCERS LOBBY BOLSTERS GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATIONS: The National Grocers Association has named Hayley McConnell director of communications and Kailee Tkacz a government affairs manager. McConnell had worked at CRC Public Relations, while Tkacz, whose work will include developing policy positions and grassroots efforts and bolstering lobbying activities, comes from the American Legislative Exchange Council. “Hayley's expertise and Kailee's skills will be an asset as NGA continues to increase the profile of the independent grocer in Washington and throughout the country," said association President and CEO Peter Larkin. Additionally, the association has named Christine Cunnick, previously director of communications, director of marketing and promotions. In recent years, the National Grocers Association has spent from $260,000 to $370,000 annually on federal lobbying efforts. And it is on pace this year to hit $300,000, congressional disclosure records indicate.

CHARITY BASH DRAWS INFLUENCE SET: A gaggle of K-Streeters and other influence industry notables gathered Tuesday night on the rooftop of downtown D.C.’s Beacon Hotel to benefit the Dress for Success program, which provides professional clothing and career support for poor women. The asset management firm Carlyle Group, which typically spends from $500,000 to $1 million annually on federal-level lobbying, was a sponsor, as was former White House Office of Management and Budget and House Government Reform Committee official Barbara Kahlow. Host committee members included Heran Getachew and Alexander Hills of IBM, Kristi Guillory of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Julia Debes of U.S. Wheat Associates.

TRIO OF COLORADO REPUBLICANS FORM JOINT FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE: Republican Reps. Scott Tipton and Mike Coffman have joined House candidate Joe Coors in forming the Colorado Congressional Majority Fund. The federal joint fundraising committee may raise cash in support of any of the three candidates, distributing money to them at its discretion so long as disbursements adhere to federal campaign finance limits. The Colorado Republican Committee is also a member of the new joint fundraising committee.

NEW POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE REGISTRATIONS:

Infinium Capital Holdings LLC of Chicago — Treasurer: Gregory Francis Eickbush

Developing Communities Initiative of Houston — Treasurer: Shefa Hoten

Liberty Unleashed of Sunrise, Fla. — Treasurer: Jae Kim

Slam Dunks, Fireworks and Eagles SuperPAC of Washington, D.C. — Treasurer: Daniel Bassali (super PAC)

Indiana Republican Assembly Super PAC of Beech Grove, Ind. — Treasurer: JD Miniear (super PAC)

Oklahoma Conservative Values Delegates of Oklahoma City — Treasurer: Lukus Collins (super PAC)

Progressives for Prosperity of Burlingame, Calif. — Treasurer: Remy Smith (super PAC)

American Veto of Telluride, Colo. — Treasurer: Jerry P. Davidian (super PAC)

Together We Thrive of Carmel, Ind. — Treasurer: Christopher Zullo (super PAC)

NEW LOBBYING REGISTRATIONS: Nada.

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