OccuList: MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan petitioned Sen. Dick Durbin on protesters’ behalf

Not everyone is convinced, however, that Durbin and Ratigan have good intentions.

“I think this illustrates once again that campaign finance regulation is basically about silencing those with whom the reformers disagree. There’s no scandal here, in my view, but the situation is rich in irony and hypocrisy,” said Smith.

Ratigan’s foundation is operated by former Durbin staffer, and former bank lobbyist, Jimmy Williams. Ratigan and Williams’ website states, ”We are using our ability to influence media outlets as a platform to force this issue to the center of the 2012 elections.  We are using The Dylan Ratigan Show to build this digital wave, so join us.  As the petition grows, the wave grows. Email, Facebook, Tweet — GET MONEY OUT.”

Ratigan’s email was part of a larger thread celebrating New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Oct. 10 announcement that “occupiers” would be permitted to stay indefinitely in Zuccotti Park.

MSNBC did not return TheDC’s request for comment on whether Ratigan knew Durbin had accepted Wall Street money.

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