Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including crowdsourcing, big money in Indian elections, and investigations in Kansas.

National News

• The U.S. government has boosted its use of crowdsourcing since 2011. (E Pluribus Unum)
• Lobbying is down, but money is flowing through less regulated “PR” firms that run ads and pursue other outside strategies. (The Hill)
• The Federal Acquisition Regulation gives contracting officers leeway to make decisions and innovate, so long as they don’t break any laws. (Federal Computer Week)
• Individuals giving huge sums to election campaigns have amassed great power, and have also turned into props, used by their opponents to raise huge sums from other rich patrons. (POLITICO)

International News

• India is trying out a new campaign finance rule in their ongoing elections. Corporations are allowed to donate to political parties, so long as they disclose their giving. The election is shaping up to be the second most expensive in world history. (The Economist)
• Government and media participation is vital to successful open data and freedom of information efforts, a fact illustrated by similar websites in Armenia and Georgia. (Tech President)

State and Local News

• Associates of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback are being investigated for potential fundraising and lobbying violations. Brownback has denied wrongdoing, but his aggressive political team has come under fire. (New York Times)

Today

• Data and Goliath: How the Internet affects power and how power affects the Internet. Institute of World Politics. Thurs. 5/8. 10:00 – 11:30 am. 1521 16th Street NW, Washington, DC.

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