The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Senator Mitch McConnell" ...
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The McConnell Machine
The Herald-Leader investigates U.S. Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, whose campaign fundraising has reached impressive levels to the tune of $220 million, largely on behalf of fellow Republican senators. As the 2006 mid-term elections approached, McConnell was seen as a likely contender for Senate Majority leader, should the Republicans retain control (they did not, and he is now Senate Minority Leader). Anticipating this news, the Herald-Leader "examined McConnell's 22-year record of aggressive fundraising, cozy ties with top donors and related actions in the Senate." The newspaper found that McConnell benefited from his "influence over a little-known foreign aid committee; his marriage to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, who regulates his corporate donors; and a former McConnell chief of staff turned Washington "gatekeeper lobbyist," whose clients tend to receive appropriations earmarks and helpful legislation from McConnell." McConnell has gained a reputation as an opponent of campaign-finance reform.
Tags: Campaign finance; Mitch McConnell; Elaine Chao; Senate Minority Leader
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U of L Foundation
A classic case of negotiating over public records, this series of stories chronicles the legal battle between the University of Louisville and the Courier-Journal. Since filing suit in 2001, the newspaper maintained that the public needs to know the donors who contribute to the McConnell Center for Political Leadership, which was founded by Senator Mitch McConnell. The donor list to the McConnell Center includes some of the largest corporate names in Kentucky, names that also rank among the top donors to McConnell's political campaigns. The stories even uncovered legislative attempts, by Sen. McConnell and his allies, to block access to foundation documents. In November 2004 the courts ruled in favor of the newspaper.
Tags: FOIA; University funding; University of Louisville; McConnell Center for Political Leadership; Senator Mitch McConnell; donors to campaigns; donations to universities; public records; data negotiation; political fraud