As this thread started out with the Chamber of Commerce, I thought that an update would be in order.

Chamber Benefiting From White House Criticism .

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is on track to exceed last year’s fundraising by more than $10 million, thanks in part to the Obama administration’s decision to target the pro-business group, according to the organization’s president.

President Tom Donohue told Politico.com that even though a few companies have left the chamber over its opposition to President Obama’s domestic policies, the organization is actually benefiting from its place in the White House crosshairs.

“There are some longstanding members that wanted to step up and help more,” he told Politico.com. The public friction with the White House comes in the midst of a $100 million fundraising campaign for the chamber.

The White House, while claiming that it hasn’t tried to encourage any business to part ways with the chamber, has been cutting the business group out of the loop by dealing directly with member executives. Obama and his aides have criticized the group publicly for its opposition to legislation dealing with climate change, health care and financial regulation.

Does this mean that Steve Jobs got a phone call from Berry himself, or was it passed along through iGore?

Josten said he was glad Emanuel accepted the invitation to speak and said the address will give him the chance to “hear back” from chamber members.

The speaking engagement marks a bold move for Emanuel, who has referred to the chamber as one of his biggest fears in Washington.

  Any fear in Washington, is a friend of mine. Go Chamber of Commerce.

[Moved back here because it has nothing to do with Global Warming]