HSUS Lobbyist Lawsuit

On Tuesday, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) petitioned the New York State Commission on Public Integrity to investigate lobbyist Richard Berman for potentially illegal activity. The two groups allege that Berman and his organization, the American Beverage Institute, have been involved in illegal lobbying practices, including failing to register and report accurate funds. Berman has made a career of representing and lobbying for controversial causes, including downplaying the life-threatening consequences of drunk driving to bolster alcohol sales and publicly campaigning against legislation that would penalize persons convicted of driving while intoxicated.