All posts by Justin Levitt

Turning to D.D.C. for preclearance

July 19, 2011, 10:57 amredistrictingJustin Levitt

Stateline’s report on an intriguing apparent trend, in which states file for preclearance simultaneously with the DOJ and with the federal district court in D.C. Seems to me like this would just add to the burden on DOJ, and thereby… Continue reading

“Fair Elections Ohio Turns in First 1000 Signatures for HB194 Referendum”

July 19, 2011, 10:34 amelection administration, petition signature gatheringJustin Levitt

The next phase of the debate over Ohio’s new omnibus election law. Here is the opponents’ list of grievances.

“GOP scores early gains as redistricting plans emerge”

July 18, 2011, 11:25 pmredistrictingJustin Levitt

The Washington Times reports on a Brookings panel assessing the latest political impact of congressional redistricting (video here).

“FEC Audit Report Says Edwards Campaign Should Repay $2.4 Million in Public Funds”

July 18, 2011, 11:18 pmcampaign finance, John EdwardsJustin Levitt

BNA’s report (subscription required) begins: “The 2008 presidential campaign of former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) should have to repay over $2.4 million to the U.S. treasury from the federal matching funds the campaign received, according to a draft audit report… Continue reading

“Reince Priebus accuses Obama of ‘an apparent crime'”

July 18, 2011, 7:32 pmDepartment of Justice, ethics investigationsJustin Levitt

The rhetoric gets ratcheted up in Politico’s latest over Obama’s fundraising video, apparently shot in the Map Room of the White House. More from The Hill and the Wall St. Journal.

“Prisoner Census Data Likely to Shake Up Redistricting Efforts”

July 18, 2011, 4:11 pmredistrictingJustin Levitt

More on New York’s continuing battle to implement last year’s law correcting where incarcerated individuals are counted for redistricting purposes.

Spending money to rubbish political candidates

July 18, 2011, 3:47 pmcampaign financeJustin Levitt

Thanks to the Kiwis for giving me a new favorite way to describe what super PACs may do.

“PACs Might Not Always Help”

July 18, 2011, 12:32 pmcampaign financeJustin Levitt

Eliza’s report on multiple ostensibly pro-Romney PACs. It’s a good reminder that PACs independently supporting a candidate might actually not be “on message,” even if the PAC isn’t run by Stephen Colbert.

No (c)(4) status for entities connected to parties

July 18, 2011, 11:12 amcampaign finance, tax law and election law, UncategorizedJustin Levitt

The IRS has released rulings denying 501(c)(4) status to three different organizations, on the grounds that the organizations’ activities are “conducted primarily for the benefit of a political party and a private group of individuals, rather than the community as… Continue reading

“Ehrlich aides plead not guilty to robo-call charges”

July 18, 2011, 10:45 amchicaneryJustin Levitt

Trial in the case is currently scheduled for September 22.

“Did ethics staff taint Maxine Waters probe?”

July 18, 2011, 10:40 amethics investigationsJustin Levitt

That’s what Politico is asking. Update: CREW wants to investigate the investigators.

NPR on voter ID

July 18, 2011, 10:39 amvoter idJustin Levitt

Pam Fessler reviews the latest.

Wiley Rein’s latest Election Law News

July 18, 2011, 10:36 amcampaign finance, lobbyingJustin Levitt

The latest issue, as usual, is chock-full of useful campaign finance and lobbying updates.

More “first-quarter” fundraising reports

July 18, 2011, 2:28 amcampaign financeJustin Levitt

There’s been plenty more analysis over the weekend of the latest FEC filings. The Fix tallies presidential winners and losers; Politico does the same for congressional races. USA Today follows McCain’s “elite” fundraising corps. The Note finds less enthusiasm for… Continue reading