CCP
The Difficulties of Running for State Office
By Joe TrotterMr. Brush sums up: “We have real discrepancies about campaign laws; about what is legal, what isn’t legal, it makes it really difficult to run especially if you’re a candidate like me who isn’t rich and can’t afford a lawyer…I spend about 5-10% of my campaign time just making sure I’ve fulfilled all the campaign requirements for the state.”
CCP Urges Maryland Senate Committee to Reconsider Disclosure Provisions in Campaign Finance Reform Bill
By Sarah LeeAccording to Nese, “in its current form, S.B. 1039 relies upon an unclear and overbroad definition of ‘political committee,’ attempts to regulate independent expenditures in a manner inconsistent with recent federal jurisprudence, and contains disclosure provisions for electioneering communications that could subject donors to disclosure for communications they may not even support.”
Corporate Governance
Reuters: Starbucks shareholders reject political contribution ban
Though Starbucks has not contributed to political campaigns in recent years, directors said a policy forbidding contributions would hobble the company’s ability to promote policies needed to deliver strong results and could put it at a “marked disadvantage” with competitors.
Independent Groups
Politico: NRA fundraising best in decade
By Byron TauThe group raised nearly $1.6 million in February, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings posted Tuesday night. February’s numbers follow a $1.1 million haul in January.
The Atlantic: Campaign Finance: Raise Spending Limits, Increase Transparency
By Jonathan RauchA clean trade would ameliorate both problems. First, pass legislation requiring more disclosure. Democrats have proposed just that, in a law they call, creatively, the disclose Act. Second, pass a law raising today’s overly restrictive caps on direct donations to candidates and parties. Allow contributions of up to, say, $100,000 in congressional races and $1 million in presidential races—enough to make fund-raising much easier for candidates. For years, Republicans have wanted to raise contribution limits.
Politico: RNC, Romney operatives launch firm
By Maggie HabermanThe group, America Rising — which will also include RNC spokesman Tim Miller — will include a limited liability company as well as a super PAC. The LLC will aim to combine research and tracking on Democratic candidates, as well as communications and digital ads, taking on campaigns and other outside groups as clients.
Disclosure
US News: When Scandals Embroil Their Own, Democrats Go Silent
By BRIAN WALSHThen-Senator Barack Obama even held a press conference where he said that scandals such as this were “Republican sins alone” and that they had “shaken the very foundation of the American people’s faith in a government that will look out for their interests and uphold their values.”
Candidates, Politicians and Parties
Mass Live: Ed Markey has long history with campaign finance reform — and special interest money
By Shira SchoenbergBut while Markey has a history of involvement in campaign finance issues, he has also drawn scrutiny for the way he funds his own campaigns – for voluntarily refusing to accept political action committee money and then reversing his decision, and for accepting large sums from industries he regulates. The issues are not identical – Markey is currently opposing spending by undisclosed donors, while PACs disclose their donors. But critics have attacked Markey for railing against special interest money as he takes special interest money himself.
State and Local
Arizona –– Cronkite News: Lawmaker: Raising contribution limits would boost transparency
By Julia Shumway“With PACs and special interest groups dumping hundred of thousands or millions of dollars into races, what good is the little money I can raise with the limits I have to abide by?” said Rep. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, author of HB 2593. “We’ve essentially become spectators within our own campaigns.”
Arizona –– The Republic: Campaign-finance case against Horne recommended for dismissal
By Lindsey Collom and Craig HarrisIn a ruling Tuesday, Judge Tammy L. Eigenheer said the secretary of state was required by law to refer the matter directly to the state Attorney General’s Office and not independent counsel such as Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery.
