2Day in #OpenGov 3/1/2012
Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.
Here is the Thursday’s look at transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.
News Roundup:
Campaign Finance
- Mitt Romney and the super PAC supporting his candidacy spent twice as much in Michigan as his republican rivals combined. So far the Romney machine has spent $38.5 million, easily outpacing the combined totals of the other Republicans remaining in the race. (Politico)
- Reform advocate Lawrence Lessig has argued against repealing the Citizens United decision. Instead he has strongly supported more comprehensive electoral reforms. (iWatch News)
Lobbying
- Retiring Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) will be a hot commodity if she decides to look for her next job on K Street. Her long service, committee experience, and bipartisan reputation could guarantee her lucrative offers. (The Hill)
- Mitt Romney recently received the endorsement of former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot. Racicot has also worked as a lobbyist and president of the American Insurance Association. (National Journal)
International
- Small steps have been taken towards government transparency in Russia over the past few years, including a Freedom of Information Act. (Global Voices)
- China’s top official in Tibet urged authorities to tighten control over the internet and mobile phones. The move comes ahead of Tibet’s annual parliamentary session, amid fears of unrest. (Reuters/Yahoo)
Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 3/1:
House:
- Integrating Homeland Security’s Management Data. Homeland Security. 10:00 am. 311 CHOB. Oversight, Investigations, and Management Subcommittee hearing.
- Status of Government Financial Management. Oversight and Government Reform. 10:00 am. 2154 RHOB. Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management hearing.
Senate:
- Budget hearing for the Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress, and Open World Leadership Center. Appropriations. 2:30 pm. 138 DSOB. Legislative Branch Subcommittee.
Relevant bills introduced:
- None.
Transparency events scheduled for 3/1:
- The Internet as Infrastructure, Mesh Networks and the Drive Towards Universal Access. Internet Society. 9:00-11:30 am. SRI, 1100 Wilson Blvd. Suite 2800, Arlington, VA.
- Campaign Finance in the 2012 Elections: The Rise of Super PACs. Brookings. 9:30-11:00 am. Saul/Zilkha Rooms, The Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC.
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