In the News
InForum: Former ND GOP chairman challenges law banning campaigning on Election Day
By Marino Eccher“The answer that the legislators have given us is, ‘Yeah, we know it’s unconstitutional, but we like it,’ ” he said.
Forbes: Citizens United: Are Shareholder Revolts in the Offing?
By Richard LevickBut there’s no gainsaying that the CPA/Zicklin Center report touched a political nerve if only because the narrative has shifted, from debate about Citizens United itself to a discussion of how corporate stakeholders will or will not hold public companies accountable for their decisions. On the right, former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley Smith has averred that shareholders “regularly defeat” proposals to compel donation disclosures. In the same breath, however, Smith laments that “many corporations are feeling pressure from faux ‘shareholder rights’ groups to adopt such policies, or to exit the political arena entirely.”
CCP
CCP’s North Dakota Challenge Piques Interest
By Joe TrotterThe Center for Competitive Politics, representing former North Dakota Republic Party Chairman Gary Emineth, filed a lawsuit challenging a North Dakota ban on campaigning on election day.
Independent groups
TPM: ‘Misleading’ Mailer Sets Lugar Loose On Indiana Super PAC
By Tom Kludt“There’s nothing in [Lugar’s] statement that contradicts or is in variance to what we said in the mailer,” Bopp said. “We did not say in the mailer that we consulted with Lugar or that it was authorized by him. In fact, this is an independent expenditure and was not authorized by any candidate or any candidate’s committee. And that’s said on the mailer. Furthermore, we never said in the mailer that Lugar is campaigning for Mourdock. What we’re referring to is a statement Lugar made the night of the election, which is that he hoped Mourdock would win so that his friend Mitch McConnell would become majority leader.”
Seattle Times: Seattle Times Co. launches ad campaigns for McKenna and gay marriage, draws criticism
By Jim BrunnerThe company’s move — which drew quick criticism from some journalism and political experts — began with a full-page newspaper ad in support of McKenna’s campaign for governor. The ad, on page B6 of Wednesday’s editions of The Seattle Times, touts McKenna as “an easy way to end the gridlock that threatens to cripple state government,” and promotes the two-term attorney general’s talking points on funding education and creation of private sector jobs.
The Hill: Bloomberg forms own super-PAC
By Mario TrujilloNew York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is forming a super-PAC to spend some of his personal fortune helping centrist candidates win election to Congress.
Candidates and parties
Politico: GOP’s problems exposed in struggle for Senate
By DAVID CATANESE and MANU RAJUIn 2010, when Republicans stumbled on what had been a clear path to winning control of the Senate, GOP operatives comforted themselves with a defiant vow: Just wait ’til next time.
Associated Press: Dem convention used corporate cash, despite pledge
By Jack GillumRALEIGH, N.C. — The Democratic National Convention relied on at least $5 million in corporate donations, despite repeated pledges by top party officials only to use money raised from individuals.
Politico: DNC host committee owes $8 million
By Tarini PartiThe host committee for the Democratic National Convention owes nearly $8 million after it fell short of its fundraising goal for the September event.
The Oregonian : Charlie Hales ‘adjusts’ campaign contribution limits to take more money from unions
By Beth SlovicIn an interview with City Hall Watch, Hales rejected the idea that he was backtracking on his limit of $600 per person or entity and instead called his new rule an adjustment.
Lobbying and ethics
Washington Examiner: D.C. ethics board expects to open doors to public Nov. 5
By Abby HamblinThe head of the District’s new Board of Ethics and Government Accountability said Wednesday that it expects to open its doors to the public on Nov. 5 — after working to perform a daunting amount of logistics in a short period of time.
