In the News
Politico: Citizens: Speech, no consequences
By Richard HasenFormer Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley Smith warns in The Wall Street Journal that boycotts based on political beliefs — made possible by the public disclosure of campaign finance data — “endanger the very commerce that enriches us all.” Even the chief justice of the United States, John Roberts, apparently is being “intimidated” (Kathleen Parker), “pressured” (George Will) and “threatened” (Rick Garnett) by that most powerful force in America (law professor and New Republic legal editor) Jeffrey Rosen.,
LA Times: John Edwards’ prosecution an uphill battle from the start
By DAVID ZUCCHINOAnother watchdog group, the Center for Competitive Politics, said in a statement from its president, David Keating: “The case should never have been brought. … Prosecutors should stop trying to use vague laws to criminalize politics.”
CCP
Compulsory disclosure and “SWATting” – after-the-fact sympathy has little value
By Brad SmithOn the left, a fun new tactic has arisen for trying to silence conservative speakers: “SWATting.” The idea is to call the police, give the home address of a conservative columnist/activist, etc., and report that there has been a shooting at the home and the gunman – who may allegedly be the conservative target himself – is still at large. The goal is to bring a police SWAT team to the target’s door, a terrifying experience that is itself fraught with danger.
Response to Politico article on Super PACs
By Jason FarrellPolitico recently published an article bashing super PACs in the presidential race, so it might be helpful to offer some counterpoints to the assault. As with much of the language against super PACs, this latest piece is heavier on apocalyptic visions and appeals to emotion than facts or reason, but it does offer some specific examples worth mentioning:
Independent groups
Reuters: Senate Democratic “Super PAC” raised $1.9 million since March
By Alexander Cohen and Alina SelyukhMajority PAC, a “Super PAC” helping Democrats fight for seats in the U.S. Senate, raised $1.9 million in April and May, according to disclosure documents released on Thursday.
Politico: John Edwards case shines light on hard-to-enforce campaign finance laws
By Dave LevinthalIf you’re a sketchy or careless politician with an urge to tempt campaign finance law – well, go for it.
TPM DC: Justice Stevens: Citizens United Ruling Will Fall Apart
By SAHIL KAPURTwo and a half years after the landmark Supreme Court ruling that invited a flood of corporate money in U.S. elections, the justice who led the barnstorming dissent says he’s increasingly convinced the decision won’t stand the test of time.
SCOTUS/Judiciary
LA Times: When is a campaign donation a bribe? Supreme Court may decide
By David G. SavageBut this half-million-dollar “bribe” did not enrich Siegelman. Instead, the disputed money was a contribution to help fund a statewide referendum on whether Alabama should have a state lottery to support education, a pet cause of the governor’s.
NY Times: Mining for Influence in Montana
By BRIAN SCHWEITZERMontana’s approach to campaign law began when a miner named William A. Clark came upon a massive copper vein near Butte. It was the largest deposit on earth, and overnight he became one of the wealthiest men in the world. He bought up half the state of Montana, and if he needed favors from politicians, he bought those as well.
Disclosure
USA Today: Fact check: Obama’s ‘truth team’ wrong on GOP donor
By Eugene KielyThe Obama “Truth Team” blames GOP donor Thomas O’Malley’s refinery company for helping to “drive gas prices up this year by curtailing gas production.” But the facts are the exact opposite. The Energy Information Administration credits PBF Energy for preventing a price spike in the Northeast this year by opening a refinery in Delaware — partially offsetting the loss of production from two other Philadelphia-area refineries that have closed.
Candidates and parties
AP: Presidential ad spending hits $87 million
NEW YORK — President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney and their allies so far have spent a jaw-dropping $87 million on TV ads in just a handful of presidential battleground states, an early and unprecedented explosion of spending for a general election still a full five months away.
Lobbying and ethics
The Hill: Report: Sen. Kirk backed three bills benefiting former girlfriend,
By Daniel StraussSen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) sponsored three bills throughout his congressional career that benefited clients of his ex-girlfriend, according to a report.
STATE and LOCAL
California –– AP: In California, it’s Big Tobacco vs Lance Armstrong
By Garance BurkeIt has amassed nearly $50 million to kill an initiative before California voters that has been championed by cycling star Lance Armstrong and supported by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has donated $500, 000 to its campaign.
Montana –– Billings Gazette: Judge indicates Montana campaign law on judicial races may fall
By Mike Dennison
A federal judge Friday indicated he may strike down a long-standing Montana campaign law that bans political parties from spending money on or endorsing nonpartisan judicial candidates.
