White House Calls Lobbying Rules “Tough But Fair”

The White House has told critics of its restrictions on contacts between lobbyists and federal officials on the economic-stimulus package — including two nonprofit groups — that it believes the rules are “tough but fair,” says Norm Eisen, the White House ethics adviser.

Writing on a White House blog, Mr. Eisen reported on a meeting he held with representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and the American League of Lobbyists.

Mr. Eisen says he told them the rules — which say registered lobbyists may communicate with administration officials about specific stimulus projects only in writing — seek to “make sure that lobbyist communications are as transparent as possible, and that stimulus decisions are based on the merits.”

While the representatives agreed with the objectives, he said, “They took exception to some of the specifics of the restrictions and we had an honest exchange about our differences.” He added that the White House had also heard from supporters of the restrictions during a 60-day comment period.

The three groups that met with Mr. Eisen argue that the rules discriminate against lobbyists since they don’t apply to other people who may have enormous pull in Washington — thanks to campaign contributions, for example.

“The right to petition the government is a constitutionally protected activity,” says a letter the groups sent to Gregory B. Craig, the White House counsel. “To state that one class of individuals may not participate in the same manner as all others is clearly a violation and discriminates against an entire group.”

See The Chronicle‘s coverage of the conflict over the stimulus rules and separate rules limiting the ability of lobbyists to get administration jobs.