Conference shines light on campaign donation payoffs, April 26-27

The Center for Responsive Politics and the National Press Club Journalism Institute are teaming up to help reporters find out what all those campaign contributions bought.

The two-day conference takes place from 2 - 5 p.m. Friday, April 26, followed by a reception, and from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Club. Panelists will be announced at a later date.

The cost is $15 for Club members and $25 for non-members. Register here.

While campaign donations get extensive coverage during an election, interest wanes after Election Day, when many of those political donors may seek a return on investment by attempting to influence public policy or land a key government post. The conference is designed to give reporters the tools to inform readers or viewers whether public policy is being decided on the merits, or the money.