2Day in #OpenGov 5/22/2012

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NEWS ROUNDUP

Campaign Finance

  • Super PACs get Congressional: As Super PACs shift their focus to Congressional races more conservative groups continue to dominate in fundraising and spending, although Democratic groups have picked up their pace, according to new financial disclosures. (Roll Call $)
  • Chamber shuts doors on disclosure: Despite a recent court decision that would require disclosure of secret donors funding “issue ads” the Chamber of Commerce remains confident that they will not have to disclose their funding sources. The Chamber is currently pushing its most aggressive campaign plan ever. (Politico)
  • Super PACs becoming toys of the rich: Wealthy individuals are overwhelmingly taking advantage of the recent Supreme Court rulings that led to the creation of Super PACs. So far they have focused their donations on influencing the results of primary elections, possibly changing the direction of America’s two major parties. (Roll Call $)

Lobbying

  • From industry lobbyist to committee staff: The Senate Banking Committee is preparing to hold several hearings in response to J.P. Morgan’s recent multi-billion dollar trading losses. The Committee’s staff director, Dwight Fettig, was registered to lobby for the financial giant in 2009. (Republic Report)
  • LinkedIn joins K Street: Professional networking site LinkedIn hired Monument Policy Group to lobby on Internet and technology issues in April. The move is LinkedIn’s first foray into Washington. (The Hill)

Technology

  • Internet not ready for democracy: A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded that the prospect of moving elections online is too risky due to lingering security concerns. (Federal Computer Week)
  • Can’t make the debate? Ask questions online: The Alexandria, Virginia Democratic Party is teaming up with online civic engagement platform ACTion Alexandria to include questions that were posted online in a primary debate for a City Council election. (Tech President)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED

  • S. 3204. A bill to address fee disclosure requirements under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, and for other purposes. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • S. 3196. National Womens’ High-Growth Business Bipartisan Task Force Act of 2012.  “(B) Report – The Chief Counsel for Advocacy shall — (i) submit a report containing the results of each study under subparagraph (A) to the Task Force, the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate, and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives; and (ii) make each report submitted…available to the public online. Referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
  • S. 3201. Graduate Medical Education Reform Act of 2012. Including Section 3. Increasing Graduate Medical Education Transparency.  Referred to the Committee on Finance.

HAPPENING TODAY 5/22

SCHEDULED TOMORROW 5/23
Job Opportunities: 

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