Dems cite poor White House communications

• Tweet

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Democrats in Congress complain of a communication gap between the Obama administration and lawmakers that often leaves them out of the loop on key issues.

Roll Call reports Democrats say the administration often goes to the media before Democrats while members of Congress receive little advance notice on White House proposals and sometimes little information before events in their districts.

The Hill said Democrats are seeking more attention from the White House as the 2012 campaigns swing into full force, Roll Call said.

Some Democrats say White House staff communication with congressional Democrats was stronger with former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel than William Daley, the current chief of staff.

"Since Rahm left, the only way many of us hear anything is leadership goes down to the White House and they come back to Caucus and tell us what was said," said Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore." But there's very little direct contact, very little outreach on any of the major issues we've been dealing with in this Congress. I would say it's either indifference or irrelevance or whatever. I don't know what the point is."

Roll Call said White House concerns about leaks could partly explain the lack of advance notice on issues.