By Sarah LeeALEXANDRIA, Va. – SCOTUSblog on Wednesday named James v. FEC as the petition of the day, which is given to cases that raise “one or more questions that have a reasonable chance of being granted.” The Center for Competitive Politics (CCP) represents the plaintiff, Virginia James, who is challenging the aggregate limit on candidate contributions.
On this week’s episode of POLITICO’s podcast “The Scrum,” our reporters talk cash and its impact on 2013’s biggest battles. Outside spending has shaped political fights ranging from gun control and immigration reform to Senate confirmations. Former Sen. Chuck Hagel made it to the Pentagon despite an outside spending push, while an NRA-friendly candidate in Illinois fell because of one.
By Aurora HellerFriday marked the last day of the Virginia Journal of Social Policy and the Law’s triennial symposium. The title of this symposium was “Theory and Practice.” The five-day event sought to bridge the gap between the academic and the real world, the theoretical and the practical. Michael Gilbert, an associate professor at the Law School who teaches courses in Election Law amongst other subjects, and Joseph Birkenstock, currently of Caplin & Drysdale and former chief counsel of the Democratic National Committee, concluded the week’s events with a talk entitled “Fact and Fiction: The Role of Super PACs in the 2012 Elections?”
By Kenneth P. VogelThe pro-Mitt Romney super PAC Restore Our Future failed to disclose $700,000 it paid to a fundraiser who had drawn criticism during the 2012 presidential campaign for charging excessive fees.
By Meghashyam Mali“They will not get away with attacking my wife in this campaign,” said McConnell during a speech to Republican supporters in Winchester, Ky., according to reports.
By Tarini PariThe super PAC opposing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell that drew attention earlier this week for posting racist tweets raised only $1,000 in its first month, new campaign finance reports show.
Candidates, Politicians and Parties
By James R. CarrollSuch high-profile events are keeping the media spotlight on Judd, who is considering a bid against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. And that spotlight has elevated the race — which is more than 20 months away — to marquee status.
By MATTHEW KAMINSKI
His emergence has given members of an endangered species—the California Republican—faint hope about one day again winning a prominent race in the state. Fred Davis, a Hollywood-based ad man who worked for the George W. Bush and John McCain presidential campaigns, opened a Super PAC in November called Better Way L.A. to support the James campaign. Texas billionaires Harold Simmons and John Arnold sent large checks. Former Mayor Richard Riordan endorsed Mr. James.
By Michael BarbaroHis voice rising in anger, Mr. Liu listed his grievances: “Three years of investigating. They wiretapped my phones for 18 months. They reviewed a million documents and messages. They interrogated thousands of my supporters. And yet, what do they have to show for it? It’s time to put up or shut up already. Because I have an election to win!”
By ROSS RAMSEYIt is legal during legislative sessions for state officeholders to raise money for their favorite charities from the same people who are prohibited from donating to their political campaigns in that same time period.