Campaign Finance

• Supreme inconsistencies: Former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who retired two years ago, attacked the current court of being inconsistent, even incoherent, in their post Citizens United rulings. Stevens wrote the dissent in Citizens United. (New York Times)
• More money, more problems? Some of the biggest super PAC donors are upset over the attention that their largess has brought them. Simply wanting to “do their part for democracy”, these men, who have helped keep more than one presidential hopeful in the running, don’t understand the scrutiny being placed on them by the media. (Politico)
• Behind closed doors: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has figured out how to avoid disclosing their donors in the wake of a recent court ruling. They’re going to be more direct. By advertising specifically for or against specific candidates they think they can circumvent the ruling, which would have required disclosure of the financing behind “issue ads.” (Washington Post)

International

• Whistleblower world tour: Around the world corruption, mistrust, and a lack of adequate legal protections keep potential whistleblowers from speaking out. A recent workshop addressed these issues and discussed potential solutions. (Transparency International)
• Secret City: A major construction project designed to bring gambling, entertainment, and events to Spain has numerous civil society groups up in arms. They claim that the Spanish government has violated numerous laws related to access to information and public participation. (Access-Info)
• Ontario looks at its lobbyists: Ontario Integrity Commissioner Lynn Morrison is proposing chances to the province’s lobbyist registration laws, including eliminating a 20% rule and instituting new reporting requirements. (Lobby Comply)