Category Archives: campaigns

Updated Analysis: Grimes Campaign Suing over McConnell “Election Violations” Mailer

October 31, 2014, 3:34 pmcampaigns, chicanery, The Voting WarsRick Hasen

So reports The Daily Beast. UPDATE: TPM has the complaint. It alleges a violation of KRS 119.155, which makes it a crime to, among other things “intimidate[] or attempts to intimidate any voter so as to prevent him… Continue reading

“Georgia, North Carolina midterms: Race matters”

October 31, 2014, 3:32 pmcampaigns, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

AP reports.

Sen. McConnell Sends “Election Violation Notice” Mailers to Voters

October 31, 2014, 2:37 pmcampaigns, The Voting WarsRick Hasen

Dems yell vote suppression. It is pretty low tactic, but will it really deter anyone from voting.

“Lousy Judgment: This year’s scary election ads will destroy any lingering confidence in the judicial branch.”

October 31, 2014, 1:25 pmcampaign finance, campaigns, judicial electionsRick Hasen

Dahlia Lithwick and I have written this piece for Slate. It begins: If you really think about it, who among us hasn’t been accused on television of coddling child molesters? A few years ago, in the spirit of Halloween, we… Continue reading

“House District 114 election to go forward but case will be argued later”

October 31, 2014, 1:25 pmcampaigns, election administrationRick Hasen

Post and Courier: “The S.C. Supreme Court has overruled the state Election Commission and will let the House District 114 race go forward Tuesday. However, the results may not be the final say, as the justices will allow all… Continue reading

How to Use Negative Ads to Preserve the Status Quo

October 31, 2014, 12:05 pmcampaigns, lobbyingRick Hasen

Another Rick Berman nugget: “You get in people’s minds a tie. They don’t know who is right. And you [, the energy industry, win] all ties because the tie basically insures the status quo.” As a reader wrote: “Or in… Continue reading

“Surge of Last Minute Outside Spending Hits State Supreme Court Races”

October 31, 2014, 10:47 amcampaign finance, campaigns, judicial electionsRick Hasen

Brennan Center: With less than a week until Election Day, special interest groups have dramatically increased TV ad spending to influence state Supreme Court races in Illinois, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, and Ohio. Outside groups have spent nearly $2.1 million… Continue reading

Two on Nasty Judicial Election in Ohio

October 31, 2014, 9:47 amcampaigns, judicial electionsRick Hasen

Columbus Dispatch: “An Ohio State Bar Association committee claims Democrat John P. O’Donnell has crossed the line with a TV commercial attack on his opponent, Republican Justice Judith L. French. O’Donnell’s first TV ad attempts to link French’s acceptance… Continue reading

Read the Entire, Eye-Opening Rick Berman Speech on Undisclosed Money to Influence Public Opinion

October 31, 2014, 9:42 amcampaigns, lobbyingRick Hasen

Following up on this quote of the day, the NYT has posted it here. There is lots in here that didn’t get in Eric Lipton’s excellent story, including how Berman demonized the Humane Society.

“Democratic Donors Prepare for Disappointment”

October 31, 2014, 8:08 amcampaign finance, campaignsRick Hasen

Ken Vogel writes for Politico.

“State Attorney General Candidates Cite Concerns Over Political Donations”

October 31, 2014, 7:56 amcampaign finance, campaignsRick Hasen

NYT reports.

“Campaigning to Extend, Or End, One Party Rule”

October 31, 2014, 7:55 amcampaigns, political partiesRick Hasen

NYT reports.

“They’re Not Allowed to Talk. But Candidates and PACs Are Brazenly Communicating All the Time.”

October 31, 2014, 7:23 amcampaign finance, campaignsRick Hasen

Key National Journal piece: The Tillis memo shows just how brazen politicians and their allies have become. What started as vaguely outlining ad buys through the media and posting minutes-long “B-roll” footage of a candidate on their website has entered… Continue reading