In the News
Learn Liberty (IHS): Should the Government Track Your Political Activity?
By Brad SmithProfessor Brad Smith asks you to imagine the following scenario: at the height of the War on Terror, the government passes a second PATRIOT Act. This law would require you to report all your political activity to the government, including the campaigns you support. In addition, the government would then make a list of your political activity available to anyone — potential employers, creditors, and even your neighbors. Does this sound like an invasion of your privacy?
Reason: Attention NYC Reason Readers: Jacob Sullum Debates Campaign Finance Regulation in Manhattan
This week Senior Editor Jacob Sullum will participate in an Intelligence Squared debate about campaign finance regulation. The resolution: “Two Cheers for Super PACs: Money in Politics Is Still Overregulated.” Arguing in favor, along with Sullum, will be David Keating, president of the Center for Competitive Politics. Prior to taking that position, Keating founded SpeechNow.org, which brought the case that, together with FEC v. Citizens United, paved the way for super PACs, political committees that can collect unlimited contributions as long as they use the money exclusively for independent spending.
Independent groups
NY Times: Corporate Contributions and Disclosure
EditorialThe Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling in 2010 let loose a flood of unlimited independent spending in political campaigns. It has also inspired a wave of lawsuits seeking to overturn the reasonable campaign finance restrictions that remain on the books in various states.
National Journal: Look-Alike Sites Funnel Big Money to Mystery PAC
By Shane GoldmacherThe websites have the trappings of official campaign pages: smiling candidate photos and videos, issue pages, and a large, red “donate” button at the top. Except that proceeds from the shadow sites go not to the candidates pictured, but to an obscure conservative group run by an Arizona activist.
Politico: Rahm Emanuel suspends super PAC fundraising
By Kenneth VogelEmanuel, facing criticism from Republicans, on Monday cancelled a planned appearance at a Chicago fundraiser for a super PAC backing Democratic house candidates and suspended his fundraising on behalf of Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign.
Candidates and parties
Politico: For Obama, joy from fundraising win is short-lived
By Dave LevinthalFor President Barack Obama, it’s some elusive good news on the campaign finance front. But don’t expect an extended celebration.
Lobbying and ethics
Washington Post: How Washington’s revolving door spins
By Robert Schmidt and Jesse HamiltonIt had been two days since U.S. lawmakers negotiated all night to finish rules that would reshape the business of Wall Street. That 20-hour session left legislators, aides, lobbyists and regulators exhausted. Almost no one had a grip on all the details.
Politico: Linda McMahon files ethics complaint vs. Chris Murphy
By John BresnahanGOP Senate candidate Linda McMahon has filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics against her opponent, Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy, alleging that Murphy violated House rules related to a home equity loan obtained from a bank he once represented as a private lawyer.
