The FBI has subpoenaed various records and documents from Rep. Visclosky’s (D-IN) offices in relation to the previously raided PMA Group lobbying shop. I have attached two databases that highlight the earmarks that Rep. Visclosky obtained for clients of PMA. The campaign contributions from those clients are included in the FY08 database, but not yet on FY09. In FY08 Rep. Visclosky obtained $23.8 million for PMA clients; in FY09 he obtained $10.6 million.

We are only looking from the outside but it is apparent that the FBI is ratcheting up the pressure and scrutiny on those linked to the PMA group. Earmarks have been a consistent thread running through this investigation – whether they were to a company like Kuchera Industries in Rep. Murtha’s district or clients of the now defunct PMA Group. Congress has taken some steps to increase transparency in earmarks, indeed we couldn’t have created those databases with earmark sponsors and beneficiaries a few years ago, but the concerns of potential pay-to-play remain as long as spending decisions are made on the basis of political muscle.