Two lessons from the 2014 election cycle: More money came from fewer people, and more of their money went to conservative causes.
Continue readingThe Political One Percent of the One Percent: Megadonors fuel rising cost of elections in 2014
In the 2014 elections, 31,976 donors — equal to roughly one percent of one percent of the total population of the United States — accounted for an astounding $1.18 billion in disclosed political contributions at the federal level.
Continue readingKeystone XL: Senate caught between big donors
A handful of moderate Democrats could decide the bill's fate. A vote in either direction could trigger special interest attacks on the campaign trail.
Continue readingJoint fundraisers ballooning after McCutcheon decision
Months since the rule change we have seen a fundamental shift in the ways candidates and parties raise money as joint fundraising committees grow and candidates and parties take advantage of the new money limits.
Continue readingYour submission is accepted: FEC’s digital gatekeeper bars few
An issue with the Federal Election Commission's web forms is leading to missing campaign finance data for the public.
Continue readingOpenGov Voices: Visualizing the U.S. budget and other civic tools
Data is only useful when people who need it can use it to make decisions. Making data transparent means not just releasing it to the public, but giving the public tools to understand it.
Continue readingKoch-affiliated groups gobble up airtime at more than 100 TV stations
As of July 10, according to data from Sunlight’s Political Ad Sleuth, groups linked to Charles and David Koch have bought advertising time at least 106 different stations from Miami to Anchorage, Alaska.
Continue readingWho’s underwriting President Obama’s political nonprofit?
Since the beginning of the 2014 campaign cycle, 14 donors — from a hedge fund manager to a gay rights activist to a venture capitalist — have given $100,000 or more to President Obama's uncampaign committee, Organizing for Action.
Continue readingThe influence battle for your child’s lunch
Food processing companies' dollars flow to the campaigns for members on the Appropriations' agriculture subcommittee, some of whom are trying to delay new regulations for healthier school lunches.
Continue readingToday at Supreme Court: Influence heavyweights battle over access to TV airwaves
The Supreme Court today takes up two cases questioning the government's right to regulate the TV airwaves, and plenty of money and influence is involved. Sunlight profiles some of the key players.
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