In the News
Intelligence Squared: Two Cheers for Super PACs: Money in Politics is Still Overregulated
The product of two court decisions, Citizens United and SpeechNow.org v. FEC, Super PAC spending is on course to make 2012 the most expensive presidential election in history. These supercharged political action committees may spend and receive unlimited amounts of money from individuals, corporations, and unions to advocate for political candidates, as long as they are independent of the candidates’ campaigns. How have Super PACs changed the political landscape? Are they good for democracy?
Northern Illinois University (Debate): The Impact of Citizens United
Brad Smith, Richard Hasen, Matthew Streb
CCP
Media Watch: Six Degrees of Campaign Finance Connections
By Joe TrotterWithout a doubt, Ms. Bennett’s commendable drive to uncover hidden connections resulted from her need to inform the public of what really goes on in DC, and not from the fact that her organization derives revenue from selling information to clients that include defense contractors, energy companies, and the government.
Independent groups
Reuters: Study of US campaign ads finds growing role of outside groups
By Alina SelyukhUnlimited spending driven by Republican groups is responsible for an outsized share of advertising in the 2012 campaign season that feeds the markedly negative stream of ads, according to an academic analysis released on Wednesday.
Associated Press: WHY IT MATTERS: When rich sink huge sums into campaigns, your voice may not be heard
Public disclosure of campaign finances gives voters a look into who’s behind those pricey — and often very misleading — television ads trying to get Obama re-elected or Romney to take his place. But the information is often so vague as to be almost impenetrable. To boot, nonprofit outfits run so-called issue ads that help or hurt candidates, but don’t have to reveal their donors.
Washington Post: New group buys TV ads to help endangered Blue Dog Democrats
By Dan EggenPity the poor Blue Dog. The ranks of self-proclaimed conservative Democrats have been decimated in recent years, victims of increasing polarization in Washington and the sweeping Republican takeover of the House in 2010.
SCOTUS/Judiciary
Associated Press: Republicans ask court to axe Montana’s campaign contribution laws
By Matt GourasHELENA, Mont. — Conservative groups told a judge Wednesday that campaign contribution limits in Montana get in the way of running effective political campaigns.
Casper Star Tribune: Federal court case in Wyoming examines election law and free speech
By Laura HancockThe answer could affect small, grassroots groups across the United States and their ability to exercise free speech.
Candidates and parties
NY Times: Obama Grows More Reliant on Big-Money Contributors
By Nicholas ConfessoreIn the race for cash, Mr. Obama often praises his millions of grass-roots donors, those die-hards whose $3 or $10 or $75 contributions are as much a symbol of the president’s political identity as they are a source of ready cash. But his campaign’s big-dollar fund-raising has become more dependent than it was four years ago on a smaller number of large-dollar donors and fund-raisers.
