Monthly Archives: September 2011

Federal District Court Calls Out Supreme Court on Its Shoddy Statutory Interpretation of the VRA in the NAMUDNO Case

September 21, 2011, 9:24 amstatutory interpretation, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

From today’s opinion in the Shelby County case, I was gratified (but somewhat surprised) to see the following passage in the district court’s discussion of NAMUDNO: On appeal, however, the Supreme Court reversed and remanded. In a decision that has… Continue reading

Breaking News: Federal District Court, in 151-Page Opinion, Upholds Constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act

September 21, 2011, 7:44 amVoting Rights ActRick Hasen

In a comprehensive and careful 151-page opinion, a federal district court in Shelby County v. Holder has upheld the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act against constitutional challenge. Though there are other cases pending raising the… Continue reading

“Independent Spending in California, 2005-2010”

September 21, 2011, 7:34 amcampaign financeRick Hasen

The National Institute on Money in State Politics offers this report. A synopsis: “Political spending practices in California were unaffected by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v FEC ruling. Although the ruling permitted corporations and unions to spend… Continue reading

“Election Spending Keeps Rising. Thank Jim Bopp”

September 21, 2011, 7:31 amcampaign financeRick Hasen

Bloomberg reports.

“House Democrats push legislation to overturn Citizens United ruling”

September 21, 2011, 7:28 amcampaign financeRick Hasen

The Hill reports.

“Department of Justice to fight Texas redistricting map “

September 20, 2011, 5:42 pmDepartment of Justice, redistricting, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

The Fix reports.

“Jimmy Carter Talks 2012 Elections, Calls Supreme Court ‘Citizens United’ Decision One Of The ‘Stupidest’ Ever”

September 20, 2011, 5:32 pmcampaign financeRick Hasen

Here.

“Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch; Proposed Amendments Limiting Gifts From Registered Lobbyists and Lobbying Organizations”

September 20, 2011, 2:40 pmcampaign finance, legislation and legislatures, lobbyingRick Hasen

Notice and comment period for proposed rules (h/t Mark Elias).

Sen. Schumer Sends Letter to AG Holder on NVRA (Motor Voter) Enforcement

September 20, 2011, 1:58 pmUncategorizedRick Hasen

Read it here.

Federal District Court in Wisconsin Strikes Down Wisconsin Disclosure Law as Unconstitutional As Applied to Local Ballot Measure

September 20, 2011, 1:51 pmcampaign financeRick Hasen

See this decision in Hatchett v. Barland. I think if the government chooses to appeal this ruling to the 7th Circuit, it it has a pretty good chance of obtaining a reversal. Here is the text of an email… Continue reading

“Congressional Millionaires To Weigh Obama’s Proposed ‘Buffett Rule'”

September 20, 2011, 1:41 pmcampaign finance, legislation and legislaturesRick Hasen

This item appears at the Open Secrets blog.

“DIRECT DEMOCRACY: THE CAUSE OF CALIFORNIA’S PROBLEMS —OR THE SOLUTION?”

September 20, 2011, 1:39 pmdirect democracyRick Hasen

Interesting event in Los Angeles on October 5.

Polling By Resurgent Republic Finds Widespread Hispanic Support for Voter ID Laws

September 20, 2011, 1:37 pmvoter idRick Hasen

Here: “When asked if they support or oppose “laws that would require registered voters to present photo identification, such as a driver’s license, in order to cast their vote,” support is overwhelming: 88 percent in Florida, 71 percent in… Continue reading