CCP
New Mexico Disclosure Bill Could Chill Political Speech in the State
By Sarah LeeALEXANDRIA, Va. – Center for Competitive Politics’ Director of External Relations Matt Nese submitted comments today to the New Mexico Legislature on Senate Bill 15, which proposes to create broad and burdensome disclosure requirements for individuals and organizations that make communications to the public that merely mention the name of a candidate in a specified time period before a primary or general election. The comments were submitted ahead of a hearing on the legislation this morning by the House Voters and Elections Committee.
Independent Groups
CNN: Why we’re raising money to support Obama agenda
BY Jim MessinaWhile Organizing for Action is a nonprofit social welfare organization that faces a lower disclosure threshold than a political campaign, we believe in being open and transparent. That’s why every donor who gives $250 or more to this organization will be disclosed on the website with the exact amount they give on a quarterly basis. We have now decided not to accept contributions from corporations, federal lobbyists or foreign donors.
Washington Times: Super PACs are here to stay
By Matthew PetersenWhat are we to make of such assessments? First of all, contrary to the arguments that super PACs were ineffectual in 2012, these groups substantially affected the presidential race by keeping it closer than it might have been otherwise. At the end of April 2012 — the month when the Republican nomination contest effectively ended — Mr. Romney was short on cash following a bruising primary battle and was about to face a spate of negative ads by President Obama’s campaign and its allies that lasted throughout the summer. Heavy spending by GOP-leaning super PACs during this span helped keep Mr. Romney’s campaign afloat until it could replenish its campaign coffers. Without those outlays, Mr. Romney may well have been a dead man walking by Labor Day.
NY Times: Charity Takes Gun Lobby Closer to Its Quarry
By Mike McIntireThe occasion was the “Changing of the Guard” reception and dinner for the incoming leadership of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, which counts more than 250 members in the House and Senate. Hosting the gathering was a little-known but well-connected organization, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
The Hill: Draft Hillary group hires Clinton’s former attorney
By Cameron JosephReady for Hillary, a super-PAC formed by Hillary Clinton supporters to convince her to run for president, has brought in her former attorney Jim Lamb as their general counsel.
Candidates, Politicians and Parties
NY Times: Republicans, Led by Rand Paul, Finally End Filibuster
By ASHLEY PARKER1:27 a.m. | Updated WASHINGTON — A small group of Republicans, led by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, stalled the Senate on Wednesday by waging a nearly 13-hour old-school, speak-until-you-can-speak-no-more filibuster over the government’s use of lethal drone strikes — forcing the Senate to delay the expected confirmation of John O. Brennan to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.
Slate: Mitch McConnell’s Latest Attack Ad Is Actually Pretty Funny
By Josh VoorheesTPM this morning flags Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s latest attack ad, which takes aim at a whole host of possible challengers the Kentucky Republican could face in a general election battle next year, including actress Ashley Judd and Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes.
Lobbying and Ethics
USA Today: Ex-Sen. Jon Kyl joins D.C. firm’s lobbying group
By Catalina CamiaCovington & Burling announced Wednesday that Arizona’s Jon Kyl, who retired from Congress in January,has joined its public policy and government affairs practice.
State and Local
Arizona –– Arizona Republic: Horne, employee ask judge to toss campaign-funds case
By Lindsey CollomLa Sota referred to testimony Montgomery gave before the state House Judiciary Committee in February on a bill that would increase campaign contribution limits tenfold, citing his comments about “unconstitutionally low contribution limits.” Montgomery said current limits give citizens incentive to “find other avenues to participate in the election process.”“That gives us the rise of independent expenditure committees,” Montgomery said. “We’re going to see more money spent through the independent expenditure process if we do not allow individual citizens to participate more fully and exercise their rights to free speech.”
Minnesota –– MPR: Bill allowing larger political contributions passes House committee
By Tom ScheckThe House Elections Committee approved a wide-ranging elections bill that would increase contribution and spending limits for candidates for statewide office and the state Legislature. It would also require additional disclosure from independent groups that spend money to influence elections.
