CCP
Super PAC apps: The intersection of disclosure and technology
By Sarah LeeCredit must be given to the creators of this ingenious piece of technology, created with the help of a developer called TuneSat. The app is much like the popular Shazam, using “audio fingerprints” that immediately provide the user with search results of the name and performer of a song they may hear over the speakers at a coffee shop or club. Except in the case of the super PAC app, the device is pointed at a TV.
Independent groups
Washington Post: Plan B on Citizens United?
By Ruth MarcusPushing constitutional amendments tends to be the province of Republican presidents: to mandate balanced budgets, for instance, or to make abortion illegal.
NY Times (Blog): Emanuel to Raise Money for Democratic ‘Super PAC’
By NICHOLAS CONFESSORERahm Emanuel, the mayor of Chicago, said on Wednesday that he had stepped down from his honorary position as co-chairman of President Obama’s re-election campaign to help raise money for Priorities USA Action, a super PAC founded by two former Obama aides.
SCOTUS/Judiciary
Wall Street Journal: Eighth Circuit Blocks Minnesota Campaign Finance Law
By Joe PalazzoloA federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked a Minnesota campaign finance law that it said overburdened corporations that want to spend money to influence elections.
Corporate Governance
Roll Call: Reform Advocates Take to Subways to Force SEC Disclosure Rule
By Eliza Newlin CarneyActivists opposed to secret money in politics have stepped up a pressure campaign aimed at the Securities and Exchange Commission, targeting two major Washington, D.C., Metro stops with billboards and street demonstrators urging the SEC to adopt a new corporate disclosure rule.
Disclosure
Philadelphia Weekly: Fact Attack: A New App Watches Political Ads Like a Hawk
By Michael FichmanFollowing campaign money has never been easier—or more important. This year has seen an unprecedented flood of negative campaign ads in swing states like Pennsylvania. In the super PAC era of politics, voters may wonder about the veracity of mean-spirited advertisements sponsored by Orwellian-sounding entities.
Candidates and parties
Politico: Charlotte donor perks include events with Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton
By Kenneth VogelCHARLOTTE, N.C. – Donors to President Barack Obama’s campaign will have exclusive access to events with Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden this week at the Democratic National Convention.
Parties Raise Record Cash After ’Soft Money’ Ban: BGOV Barometer
By Jonathan D. SalantA decade after Congress barred the political parties from taking corporate, union and unlimited individual donations, the Republican and Democratic parties are raising more money than ever.
Lobbying and ethics
Denver Post: Colorado’s ethics commission reminds political conventioneers of gift limits
By Tim HooverColorado Republicans and Democrats attending their respective national conventions – and getting SWAG bags and other freebies – need to remember Amendment 41.
