Chris Frates is a correspondent with the CNN Investigations unit. Named to the position in September 2013, Frates reports exclusive, in-depth stories for all CNN platforms and programs. He is based in the network's Washington Bureau. Before coming to CNN, Frates served as a national correspondent at the National Journal, where he covered congressional leadership and the intersection of money, politics and policy. While at the National Journal, Frates founded and managed Influence Alley, a microsite that covered the ties between Congress and K Street. Prior to joining the National Journal, Frates served as a reporter at Politico, where he launched and authored Politico Influence and Politico Pulse, daily emails that brief readers on the lobbying industry and health care reform, respectively. Prior to his time with Politico, Frates was a reporter for the Denver Post. During his time there he covered the Colorado Statehouse and was among the breaking news team recognized as a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. Frates received his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland.