Independent groups
The Hill: AARP to Obama: Stop citing us
By Elise Viebeck“AARP is a nonpartisan organization, and we do not endorse political candidates nor coordinate with any candidate or political party.”
Guardian: How British companies pour cash into the American elections
By Simon BowersSome 14 of the top 50 most active foreign-controlled PACs have parent groups listed in London, according to Washington group the Centre for Responsive Politics. This makes the UK the biggest hub for non-US multinationals seeking to exert influence at the US ballot box on 6 November. Despite this, some FTSE 100 groups continue to tell shareholders in annual reports and elsewhere that they do not make political donations.
NY Times: The Cacophony of Money
EditorialTwo-thirds of the $50 million spent on Mitt Romney’s behalf in Ohio has come from outside “super PACs” and other so-called independent groups, and yet Mr. Romney has lagged behind in all of the major Ohio polls. Hundreds of millions in third-party spending from unlimited checks, much of it from undisclosed donors, has also failed to give Mr. Romney a clear lead in any of the other swing states.
SCOTUS/Judiciary
NY Times: Impartial Justice at Risk
EditorialThe success of right-wing forces two years ago in ousting three Iowa Supreme Court justices for participating in a unanimous ruling that allowed same-sex marriage has inspired similar efforts there and elsewhere in the country this fall.
NWPR: Oregon Supreme Court Affirms Unlimited Campaign Contributions
By Chris LehmanIn 2006, Oregon voters approved caps on campaign contributions. Political donations from corporations and unions were outlawed altogether. But for the caps to kick in, Oregon needed a Constitutional change. And a separate measure to do that at the same time was not passed by the people. So the state never enforced the caps.
Disclosure
USA Today: Column: Two steps forward, two steps back
By Lisa GilbertThe Federal Election Commission gave up on forcing disclosure of political donors. Time for Securities and Exchange Commission to step up.
Candidates and parties
ABC News: Presidential Debate Transcript
But you make a very good point, which is that the place you put your money just makes a pretty clear indication of where your heart is. You put $90 billion into — into green jobs. And I — look, I’m all in favor of green energy. $90 billion, that would have — that would have hired 2 million teachers. $90 billion.
Washington Examiner: Was Obama rattled by developing donor scandal story?
By Paul BedardAccording to the sources, a taxpayer watchdog group conducted a nine-month investigation into presidential and congressional fundraising and has uncovered thousands of cases of credit card solicitations and donations to Obama and Capitol Hill, allegedly from unsecure accounts, and many from overseas. That might be a violation of federal election laws.
Washington Examiner: Report: Obama.com solicits foreign contributions for prez
By Paul BedardThe Government Accountability Institute today released details of an eight-month probe into fundraising by the presidential candidates and all House and Senate candidates that also shows that the president’s outreach and fundraising have targeted websites in Chinese, Arabic, Thai, and Korean. Generally, donations from foreign nations are illegal.
Washington Post: Obama close to raising $1 billion after near-record September tally
By Dan EggenPresident Obama’s reelection campaign, which only two months ago fretted that it was losing the money race to Republican challenger Mitt Romney, said Saturday that it was on the cusp of raising $1 billion for the 2012 election after posting its strongest fundraising month of the year.
NY Times: Campaigns Use Social Media to Lure Younger Voters
By JENNA WORTHAMIn 2012, it is not enough for candidates to shake some hands, kiss a baby or two and run some TV ads. They also need to be posting funny little animations on the blogging site Tumblr.
Washington Post: Congress members back legislation that could benefit themselves, relatives
By Kimberly Kindy, David S. Fallis and Scott HighamA Wyoming congresswoman co-sponsored legislation to double the life span of federal grazing permits that ranchers such as her husband rely on to feed cattle.
