Al From: Working to "help the Republican President enact his fiscal agenda"

This started out being part of the regular Rundown, but it definitely deserves its own post. This is absolutely fucking ridiculous.

From The Washington Post: In the "well, that explains a lot" category, check out what team DLC founder and CEO Al From is playing for...

"After brief pleasantries on the phone the other day, Thomas J. Donohue got down to business with a top health insurance executive. 'We're in a new year and a new time," Donohue said smoothly. "Can we put you on the list and get your money?'

"The executive said yes, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was $100,000 richer. So, in effect, was President Bush's push to rein in trial lawyers and lower taxes.

"The chamber is at the forefront of a quiet revolution in business lobbying. Corporate groups now raise big money to advance broad issues, largely to help the Republican president enact his fiscal agenda. ...

"The chamber has hired the Swiss Guard of paid consultants from both political parties. Several showed up at a recent dinner hosted by Donohue at the chamber, including Al From, chief executive of the Democratic Leadership Council.

"Donohue is careful to say, 'We're not an arm of the Republican Party. We need to engage the moderate Democrats.'"