Trump aides considering "half-blind" trust for Trump's conflicts of interest, says POLITICO. The arrangement would allow Trump or his family to "reap some of the legal benefits of a blind trust," but also give them insight into how the Trump businesses are doing. "Critics say the plan could allow Trump or members of his administration to continue to draw income from their businesses." Read more
"The future of campaign finance reform is at the state and local level," says the Huffington Post. Portland, OR recently passed campaign finance reform and joined South Dakota, Missouri, Berkley, CA and Howard County, MD in boosting the "power of small donors to counter the dominance of big money." "There will also be more efforts at the state and local levels to enact public financing systems or lobbying reforms." Read more
Lobbyists suggest a road map for working with Trump. Lobbyists told POLITICO that to influence Trump one must realize that Trump is - most comfortable among fellow business leaders, swayed by stature and influenced by his family. "Trump’s family is perhaps the best way in, for those who can swing it. His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has been a conduit for Washington power brokers since early in the campaign." Read more
Priorities USA super PAC re-brands post-election. The super PAC that spent almost $200 million supporting Clinton is now going to become the "permanent center of opposition" to Trump. "Some of Priorities USA’s major donors already are lining up behind the group. The organization has $10 million in commitments, and big contributors such as Chicago investor J.B. Pritzker have expressed interest," says the Washington Post. Read more
Gambling industry is betting on Trump's presidency, says AP. The industry has already sent a wish list to Trump asking for fewer regulations. The VP of the Gaming Association said, “President Trump, his administration and Congress will unquestionably implement policies that will directly impact our industry for years to come." Read more
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