Campaign Finance

• Many of the defense companies that have donated to the state legislature campaign of Patricia McKeon, wife of Buck McKeon the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, are entering into local California politics for the first time. (Republic Report)
• The influence of big money on the 2012 elections has cast a light on the dysfunction of the FEC. (Politico)

Government

• The Obama administration pledged to be the most open and transparent in history. While some progress has been made, critics cite FOIA issues, whistleblower prosecutions, and spotty compliance with open-government plans as examples of the administration’s failure to live up to its promises. (Politico)
• The EPA is joining the ranks of federal agencies who have migrated their websites to the Drupal open source content management. So far 130 federal agencies, 20 House offices, and several dozen state governments have adopted Drupal, with more expected to join. (Federal Computer Week)

• Switzerland, often cited as a model democracy, does not currently have a specific open government data policy. (Open Knowledge Foundation)
• The Securities and Exchange Commission charged three executives from the Noble Corporation with violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for their participation in a bribery scheme aimed at obtaining oil permits in Nigeria. (Sahara Reporters)
• The UK is currently running beta testing on their new government web portal GOV.UK. The portal looks likely to set a new standard. (Gov Fresh)