Monthly Archives: July 2011

“Elections as a Distinct Sphere Under the First Amendment”

July 20, 2011, 12:20 pmtheoryJustin Levitt

Rick Pildes, with a new piece on elections exceptionalism. From the abstract: This essay asserts that the strongest legal arguments for justifying regulations of election financing, such as electioneering paid for out of a corporation’s or union’s general treasury funds,… Continue reading

Summary judgment in CIF v. Tennant: three intriguing rulings

July 20, 2011, 12:17 pmcampaign financeJustin Levitt

This case is a challenge to West Virginia’s campaign finance laws — mostly disclosure requirements — that has been up to the Fourth Circuit and back, with a few changes to state and federal law in the interim. On Monday,… Continue reading

Quid for the quo

July 20, 2011, 12:13 pmcampaign finance, lobbying, vote buyingJustin Levitt

Evidence of campaign contributions for votes on a gambling bill in Alabama.

More on the c4 denials of party-related nonprofits

July 20, 2011, 12:12 pmcampaign finance, tax law and election lawJustin Levitt

The Times has more on this story, including a connection to similar action in 2003.

“Campaign cash flying from Northeast Florida”

July 20, 2011, 12:12 pmcampaign finance, redistrictingJustin Levitt

An interesting look at one impact of redistricting on campaign finance.

“FEC Fines Former Rep. Grayson, Campaign Over Invitation Asking for Corporate Money”

July 19, 2011, 8:44 pmcampaign finance, federal election commissionJustin Levitt

BNA (subscription required) has the details. Spoiler alert: Rep. Grayson’s name was on a fundraising invite for a state candidate, asking for contributions from an “individual, corporation, PAC, or trust.” Grayson contends that a staffer approved his participation without… Continue reading

1st of 9 Wisconsin recalls to the incumbent Dem

July 19, 2011, 8:37 pmrecall electionsJustin Levitt

In the first of nine recall elections in Wisconsin this summer, looks like incumbent Democrat Dave Hansen (one of 14 who left the state to deprive the majority of a quorum) is headed to victory. Joshua Spivak’s recall blog… Continue reading

“Budget cuts may end mail-in ballots, registration”

July 19, 2011, 7:14 pmvoter registrationJustin Levitt

More from California. I don’t know about “ending mail-in ballots, registration,” but it looks like the budget crunch will push some hefty costs to the counties.

Redistricting Quote of the Day

July 19, 2011, 7:13 pmUncategorizedJustin Levitt

“This is a very political process where there are winners and losers,” said Bob Stern of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles. “And losers tend to sue.” — Stern, on the California citizens’ commission’s efforts to prepare for … Continue reading

The problem with No. 2 pencil

July 19, 2011, 6:38 pmvotingJustin Levitt

Is that it can be erased.

“A President’s Opportunity: Making Military Voters a Priority”

July 19, 2011, 6:36 pmDepartment of Justice, votingJustin Levitt

That’s the title of the new Heritage Foundation report on implementation of the MOVE Act. It was released today in connection with a Military Voting Rights conference at Heritage, with a keynote address by Sen. Cornyn, who also sent off … Continue reading

A new North Carolina redistricting proposal

July 19, 2011, 2:58 pmUncategorizedJustin Levitt

With new impact. Here and here.

Support for an en banc rehearing in Renzi

July 19, 2011, 2:52 pmSpeech or Debate ClauseJustin Levitt

Before we get to a cert. grant in the case against former Rep. Richard Renzi, there’s the matter of potential en banc proceedings. The bipartisan legal advisory group of the House of Representatives (which reflects the House’s official institutional… Continue reading

Redistricting at breakneck speed

July 19, 2011, 2:24 pmredistrictingJustin Levitt

Quick, before the recalls! Wisconsin state Senate passed both state and federal redistricting plans today, and the Assembly plans to take up redistricting tomorrow. More here. Update: Keesha Gaskins points out an intriguing omission in the new redistricting bills.