Monthly Archives: March 2016

“Philip Morris to SCOTUS: Don’t revisit corporate money in judicial elections”

March 28, 2016, 3:58 pmcampaign finance, campaigns, judicial electionsRick Hasen

Alison Frankel for Reuters: If the Supreme Court is interested in revisiting the issue of campaign contributions and the appearance of judicial bias, it has a vehicle. In January, Illinois state court class action plaintiffs who won a $10 billion… Continue reading

“The Finances of a Second Chance”

March 28, 2016, 3:36 pmcampaign financeRick Hasen

Ciara Torres-Spelliscy writes.

“2015 Lobbying Disclosure: Observations on Lobbyists’ Compliance with Disclosure Requirements”

March 28, 2016, 3:35 pmlobbyingRick Hasen

2015 Lobbying Disclosure: Observations on Lobbyists’ Compliance with Disclosure Requirements. GAO-16-320, March 24 Report: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-320 Highlights: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/676054.pdf

Krishnakumar Remembrance of Beth Garrett

March 28, 2016, 3:31 pmelection law bizRick Hasen

From Anita Krishnakumar: Beth was an absolute gem. She was a powerhouse – but a delightful, charming, generous powerhouse. She was of course an incredible intellect, but what I remember most about her was her unflagging energy, her good humor,… Continue reading

“Supreme Court lets Blagojevich conviction stand”

March 28, 2016, 7:42 amchicanery, Supreme CourtRick Hasen

Bob Barnes for WaPo: The Supreme Court on Monday said it would not review the conviction of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges. The justices without comment let stand an appeals court ruling that said Blagojevich (D) illegally… Continue reading

“Trump threatens lawsuit over delegate allocation”

March 28, 2016, 7:38 amcampaigns, political partiesRick Hasen

NBC First Read: Speaking of delegate fights, Donald Trump upped the ante over the weekend by tweeting the threat of a lawsuit over last week’s maneuvering in Louisiana’s GOP delegate selection. “Just to show you how unfair the Republican primary… Continue reading

Judge Garland’s Opinion in Federal Contractor Contribution Case Makes NYT Profile

March 28, 2016, 7:36 amcampaign finance, Supreme CourtRick Hasen

NYT: His colleagues say that as chief judge, a position he assumed in 2013, he can find a sliver of common ground and build a decision around that. One pointed to a politically charged case that challenged the constitutionality of… Continue reading

“How the G.O.P. Elite Lost Its Voters to Donald Trump”

March 28, 2016, 7:31 amcampaign finance, campaignsRick Hasen

Nick Confessore in the NYT: The distance was magnified by the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in theCitizens United case, which gave wealthy donors rising weight in Republican circles, even amid signs that the party’s downscale voters were demanding more… Continue reading

“Presidential race surges past $1 billion mark”

March 28, 2016, 7:29 amcampaign finance, campaignsRick Hasen

Fredreka Schouten for USA Today.

“Inside the GOP’s Effort to Consolidate the Super PAC Universe”

March 28, 2016, 7:28 amcampaign finance, campaignsRick Hasen

Reid Wilson for Morning Consult: The man who heads the two groups, Steven Law — like Holmes, a former McConnell chief of staff — would use their monetary power to keep vendor costs down and prevent the kind of rampant… Continue reading

“Marco Rubio’s secret (money) legacy”

March 28, 2016, 7:26 amcampaign finance, tax law and election lawRick Hasen

Shane Goldmacher for Politico: No presidential candidate fighting for their party’s nomination has ever benefited from as much undisclosed cash, and watchdogs worry the pro-Rubio group’s unchecked activity serves as a dangerous precedent that will soon become common practice. “It… Continue reading

“Arizona’s Voting Problems Are More Complicated Than They Look”

March 28, 2016, 7:25 amelection administration, The Voting WarsRick Hasen

Smart Tierney Sneed report for TPM.

ELB Podcast Episode 11. Lee Goodman: FEC Commissioner with Libertarian Outlook

March 27, 2016, 4:41 pmcampaigns, federal election commissionRick Hasen

How does a Commissioner on the Federal Election Commission skeptical of regulation enforce the law? Is there a sound basis for limiting foreign money in elections? Why does the FEC deadlock along party lines, and what can be done about… Continue reading