Sunlight Foundation

Philadelphia Inquirer — Congressional Democrats say they are working on a bill that would require super PACs to file reports more frequently and unmask hidden "issues advocacy group" donors. As a guide, the Democrats should look at a proposal from the nonpartisan Sunlight Foundation, which calls for political groups to file disclosures within 24 hours of a contribution or expenditure.

Star Tribune — While the main mission is to keep the act moving forward without substantially weakening it, Congress should also leverage this momentum to enact other safeguards. The Senate is weighing an amendment that would speed up the Senate's campaign finance disclosure process by requiring this information to be filed electronically. There's also growing support for an anti-corruption amendment that would strengthen federal prosecutors' ability to pursue politicians who seek compensation for wielding their influence. Both measures are worthy additions to the STOCK Act. Passage of all three won't cure the congressional trust deficit, but it's a healthy start.

Star-Telegram — The court in Citizens United rightly approved requirements for public disclosure of donors' names and other information. Unfortunately, political professionals have found a way around that by funneling money first through nonprofit corporations not subject to disclosure requirements. It's time to overhaul campaign finance. Again.

New York Times — Under the federal lobbying law, Newt Gingrich can legitimately claim that he is not a lobbyist. That alone demonstrates how much the law needs to be changed. [...] With a better lobbying law, the work of these consultants would also be disclosed. Whenever a lobbying contact is made with a lawmaker or bureaucrat for a client, a form should be filed showing all the people who worked for the client, how much they are paid, and what work they did regarding a law, an earmark, or a regulation.

The Daily Times (DE) — We have transparency, technically, but without meaningful disclosure of anything. Knowing who is promoting what -- or what is promoting who -- is relevant information for voters. [...] While Congress cannot overturn a Supreme Court ruling -- one of the checks and balances built into our Constitution -- legislative reform, laws requiring full disclosure of electioneering activities or public financing of elections are options that might help. A constitutional amendment would be the most effective long-term solution, but not easy to achieve.