Independent groups
NY Times: ‘Super PACs’ Supply Millions as G.O.P. Race Drains Field
By Nicholas ConfessoreThe Republican presidential candidates are running low on campaign cash as expensive primaries in states like Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania loom, leaving them increasingly reliant on a small group of supporters funneling millions of dollars in unlimited contributions into “super PACs.”
RBR: McDowell goes to bat for broadcast on political files
by Dave SeylerDuring a hearing on the FCC budget held by the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell broached the topic of putting TV political advertising files online, and noted that while transparency was a laudable goal, there are a lot more issues involved, not the least of which is loading broadcasters with up to $140K in annual compliance costs.
Campaigns & Elections: Shop Talk: A new era in campaign finance
by Shane D’AprieThis issue’s shoptalkers: Marc Elias, chairman of the political law group at Perkins Coie; Robert Lenhard, former chairman of the FEC and member of the election and political law practice group at Covington & Burling; Neill Reiff, a founding member of the D.C.-based firm Sandler, Reiff, Young & Lamb; Michael Toner, former chairman of the FEC and partner at Wiley Rein; and Jason Torchinsky, partner at Holtzman Vogel.
iWatch: Pro-Romney super PAC returns donation from charity
by Rachael MarcusLast July, the pro-Mitt Romney super PAC “Restore Our Future” accepted a check for $100,000 from the Rod and Leslie Aycox Foundation, a nonprofit with the same tax status as a charity or hospital. That’s a no-no according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Candidates and parties
USA Today: Obama outraises his Republican opponents in February
by Fredreka SchoutenHere’s a look at how much cash and debt the five leading presidential candidates have accumulated as of Feb. 29. Total receipts include contributions from individuals, loans, political action committee (PAC) contributions and other income. Small contributions include unitemized contributions of up to $200.
Politico: Mitt Romney campaign runs debt-free
by Kenneth P. VogelMitt Romney raised $12 million last month – nearly twice his haul from the previous month – and finished the month with $7.3 million in the bank, according to a report filed Tuesday night with the Federal Election Commission.
Washington Post: Mitt Romney supporters rally in February, donating $18 million
by Dan EggenMitt Romney’s supporters rallied in February to shore up his struggling presidential bid, giving a combined $18 million to his campaign and to a super PAC that is paying for a barrage of ads attacking his Republican challengers, according to new disclosures filed Tuesday.
