Monthly Archives: September 2013
11th Circuit Reverses Case for Likely Trial on Constitutionality of Alabama Ban on PAC-to-PAC Transfers
Unpublished opinion:
In sum, we conclude that the district court—given the material issues of fact that exist—erred in holding that the State’s interest in preventing corruption or the appearance of corruption was insufficient as a matter of law to… Continue reading
“Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied; Texas Correct to Appeal Reversal of DeLay Conviction”
Public Citizen has issued this press release.
“Why Was Tom DeLay’s Conviction Tossed? Corporate love set him free.”
My new Slate jurisprudence Essay begins:
Some liberals are no doubt disappointed to hear that a Texas appellate court today, on a 2-1 vote, reversed the conviction of former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. They shouldn’t be. There were… Continue reading
Reactions to DeLay Verdict
Tom DeLay Conviction Reversed 2-1 By Texas Appellate Court
Big news from Texas.
You can read the majority and dissenting opinions. The majority requires a judgment of acquittal based on legally insufficient evidence, not a new trial.
There could be further appeals.
I expressed concerns about political prosecutions of… Continue reading
“Everyday heroes etched in Supreme Court history”
USA Today:
Shaun McCutcheon is fast becoming a household name — at least in lofty legal and political circles. “A lot of people know me,” the 46-year-old electrical engineer from Alabama says with obvious satisfaction.
McCutcheon’s name sits atop… Continue reading
“IRS Suspends Examinations Of Exempt Organizations’ Political Activity”
Bloomberg BNA:
All Internal Revenue Service examinations of exempt organizations for possibly engaging in too much political activity are on hold until the agency reviews its processes, Acting Commissioner Daniel Werfel said.
The revelation came during a Sept. 18… Continue reading
Hello Cincinnati!
The Presidential Commission on Election Administration (Bauer-Ginsberg) is in Cincinnati for a hearing today and tomorrow.
Catch the live webstream at supportthevoter.gov.
“In Virginia, Slow Going So Far on Rights Restoration for Felons”
“Judge rules Montana campaign disclosure law constitutional”
AP: “A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Montana’s requirement that political committees disclose their campaign spending is constitutional. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen sided with the state in a new decision, and dismissed a case brought last year by… Continue reading
“Campaign Watchdog to Get New Blood, but Other Fixes Await”
“Tea party wants socialist treatment”
“Donors’ Funds Sidestep Law, Aiding Christie”
NYT:
Mr. Christie’s close relationship with the association provides a playbook for how carefully choreographed independent spending campaigns can undermine the rules meant to curtail the political influence of government contractors; New Jersey’s pay-to-play law strictly limits the participation… Continue reading