Isn't this a conflict?

While I was reading up on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's latest lobbying plans, I noticed that their "Outlook 2007: State of American Business" event this Friday, featuring Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and chamber prez Tom Donohue, is co-sponsored by Congressional Quarterly.

Given the gobs of money that the chamber spends lobbying Congress ($60 million in 2004 and 2005 just on legal reform alone!), should the ever-so-balanced media outlet really be getting so chummy with these guys?? After all, it's hard to imagine CQ co-hosting an event with the trial lawyers...

Comments

[g.]

looking at the .pdf it seems like CQ is pretty much staying out of the content end of this thing. reporters and editors are moderating the panels -- it might be that CQ was asked to participate in that capacity and the marketing department got all hot and bothered to put their name on the thing. but that does not necessarily mean that they are getting "chummy" or that CQ put any cash into the event...