Watchdog.org has become one of the most important journalism organizations in the country. Even before the economy turned sour, newspapers began suffering financial hardship, forcing many to shut their doors and those remaining open have drastically cut staff to stay afloat. Reporters covering state capitals and local government are rarely seen and investigative journalism has become almost non-existent. Watchdog.org and their state-based news groups have filled this void.
In November 2009, they uncovered federal stimulus funds being allocated to non-existing congressional districts. Every newspaper and news program in America reported the Watchdog.org findings. Their work has been recognized by everyone from the New York Times, Associated Press and Fox News. Google News now recognizes their work and recently they have been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.