The Campaign Finance Institute and the Urban Institute are putting on this event on July 19. (Click on the link for rsvp information.) This looks like a terrific event that I’m sorry I will have to miss. Here is the schedule:

What Principles of American Democracy Are at Stake?
Scholars of the Constitution and civil society discuss the tensions inherent in designing campaign finance policy.
* Richard Briffault, Columbia University Law School
* Leslie Lenkowsky, director, graduate programs, Indiana University Center on Philanthropy
* Kay Schlozman, Boston College and American Political Science Assn. Task Force on Inequality
* Michael J. Malbin (moderator), executive director, Campaign Finance Institute
PANEL II (1:30–2:45)
New Research on the Political Activities of Leading Nonprofit
Interest Groups in Recent Election Cycles
CFI staff presents new findings on how interest groups use a mixture of campaign finance vehicles—PACs, 527s, and 501(c)s—in federal elections, and experts discuss the implications for campaign finance and tax policy.
* Steve Weissman, associate director for policy, Campaign Finance Institute
* Frances Hill, University of Miami Law School
* Elliot Mincberg, vice president, People for the American Way Foundation
* Elizabeth Boris (moderator), director, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Urban Institute
PANEL III (2:45–4:00)
Should Changes Be Made in Campaign Finance Tax Policies
Concerning Nonprofits’ Political Activities?
CFI’s Michael J. Malbin engages leading proponents of diverse perspectives in a lively discussion.
* Miriam Galston, George Washington University Law School and ABA Exempt Organizations Committee’s Task Force on Section 501(c)(4) and Politics
* Gail Harmon, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg Law Firm
* Craig Holman, legislative representative, Public Citizen
* David Keating, executive director, Club for Growth (invited)
* Marcus Owens, Caplin and Drysdale Law Firm and former director, IRS Division of Exempt Organizations
* Fred Wertheimer, president, Democracy 21