Paying for Influence: The Washington Post reports that interest groups have spent five times as much on the congressional elections as they did on the last midterms, and they are more secretive than ever about where that money is coming from. So far groups outside the Democratic and Republican parties have spent $80 million.
Dotting 'T's and Crossing 'I's: With some of the nation's largest lenders admitting that there have been crucial missteps on how foreclosures have been handled, The New York Times reports that it's now likely that additional lenders and loan servicers will halt foreclosure proceedings and may have to reconsider past evictions. So far, GMAC Mortgage, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have found problems with their foreclosure proceedings.
Free Trade is No Good? The Wall Street Journal reports that an increasing number of Americans have soured on free trade agreements. In the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, more than half of those surveyed, 53%, said free-trade agreements have hurt the U.S. That is up from 46% three years ago and 32% in 1999.
Partner Compensation: The Downturn's New Touchy Subject: The Recorder has a Q&A with Kristin Stark, a San Francisco-based consultant with Hildebrandt Baker Robbins, about what partners are saying as recovers creeps along at a snail's place. Partners are reporting that much of real estate remains down, while litigation has been flat and M&A activity is modestly reviving. Also, partner pay has been a hot topic of discussion -- and a source of tension -- in some firms.
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