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.
Star-Banner (FL) — Disclosure is a second major problem. In the Citizens United ruling, Justice Anthony Kennedy said disclosure rules would allow voters to assess whether candidates were being bought. What he didn’t count on was Congress and the FEC dragging their heels. Most super PACs haven’t reported on their contributions and expenditures for six months, and the next deadline is after next Tuesday’s Florida primary. Some other political committees are organized to avoid any disclosure. For now, fast and full disclosure is the best option for ensuring some integrity of the system.
Holland Sentinel (MI) — With modern technology, there’s no reason voters should have to wait three months, or even one month, to find out who’s behind the candidates. Contributions should be posted immediately on public websites. The political insiders know where the money is coming from and so should you. [...] If we’re going to allow unlimited contributions, we need unlimited disclosure as well. Voters deserve full transparency, and Congress needs to enact meaningful disclosure laws to ensure they get it.
The Olympain — The Sunlight Foundation has crafted a bill that Congress should consider, a first step in restoring some sanity and transparency to these dark campaigns that are only going to grow in frequency and fervor as the November election draws closer. The bill would: • Disclose donors who fund campaign expenditures by super PACs. • Require real-time, online disclosure of all reports in formats that anyone interested could understand. • When a television or radio ad runs, require disclaimers and identify the primary sources of funding for the ad. • Require all candidates and committees to file with the Federal Election Commission. At the very least, voters have the right to know who is paying for these federal election campaigns and advertising.
The Spokesman-Review (WA) — In his majority opinion, Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy noted that the tools were available for the citizenry to be informed about who is backing candidates, and that this disclosure would serve as the counterbalance to lifting finance limits. However, Congress has not enacted legislation to force donors out of the shadows in a timely manner. Under the current system, many super PAC donors choose to remain anonymous. [...] As this presidential campaign shows, Congress needs to take another run at a law that mandates timely disclosure for everyone. If not, American democracy will continue to be the butt of the joke.
The Daily Astorian (NY) — Because of a loophole in the law, PACs don't have to disclose their donors or donations in a timely manner. That's something Congress must fix. Transparency at least gives the public an idea of who or what is controlling a PAC's spending. Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, during Wednesday night's Columbia Forum, said that he and colleagues will pursue legislation as well as constitutional amendments. A bill that would require disclosure of donors to the super PACS has come within one vote of proceeding. It will be brought back.
Washington Post — The Sunlight Foundation's Lobbying Tracker in Capital Business:
The Herald (Everett, Wash.) — Now the nonpartisan, nonprofit Sunlight Foundation is trying to force some transparency and accountability onto super PACs. It has proposed that Congress enact rules that would ensure timely disclosure of donors who fund independent expenditures and electioneering by super PACs. Top funders of campaign ads would be listed in the ad, forcing them to stand behind their message and informing voters whether corporate, union or some other special interest is delivering it. [...] Congress should act with urgency to put these sensible rules in place. Otherwise, this year's races for the presidency and Congress stand to become a record free-for-all of irresponsible, unaccountable mudslinging and distortion.
State Journal-Register (IL) — The court assumed technology would ensure that citizens could follow the money and judge both donors and candidates accordingly. It hasn’t worked out that way. Congress has not acted to close the disclosure loopholes so deftly exploited by those who benefit from the Citizens United decision. [...] Congress needs to act now to enact strict disclosure laws that will hold supporters of Super PACs accountable for the messages they put out. Its failure thus far has made a bad Supreme Court decision a disaster.
Washington Post — The Sunlight Foundation's Lobbying Tracker in Capital Business:
Santa Rosa Press Democrat — Disclosure is a second major problem. In the Citizens United ruling, Justice Anthony Kennedy said disclosure rules would allow voters to assess whether candidates were being bought. What he didn't count on was Congress and the FEC dragging their heels. Most super PACs haven't reported on their contributions and expenditures for six months, and the next deadline is almost two weeks after Saturday's primary in South Carolina. Some other political committees are organized to avoid any disclosure. For now, fast and full disclosure is the best option for ensuring the integrity of the system.
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