Groups say stimulus lobbying rules are too strict

Two prominent watchdog groups are joining with a lobbyists trade association in asking the Obama administration to rescind lobbying restrictions surrounding stimulus funds. On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and the American League of Lobbyists will release a letter they are sending to White House Counsel Gregory Craig asking him to rewrite new rules for the stimulus package. The Administration's rules, adopted March 20, say "An executive department or agency official shall not consider the view of a lobbyist ... concerning particular projects, applications, or applicants for funding under the Recovery Act unless such views are in writing." Lobbyists contends the new rules are far too restrictive and may impinge on their First Amendment right to petition their government.