Every election season, campaigns will boast about how much they have spent on television political advertising. As we go into this political season, it’s important that reporters ask the follow up question: How many ads did that amount buy?
Continue readingThe difference between super PACs and dark money groups
We hate to complain when we’re hearing great discussion about money in politics, but we’re worried that conflating super PACs and "dark money" could further confuse voters on this important issue.
Continue readingSatirical super PACs: Don’t try this at home
Before you start advocating for a better tomorrow, tomorrow with your own super PAC, remember that there are rules to follow — and breaking them can lead to real consequences.
Continue readingClimate group features Pope Francis in new Iowa TV ads
NextGen Climate, a super PAC backed by the billionaire Tom Steyer focused on climate change, plans to begin airing political TV ads in Iowa tomorrow featuring images of Pope Francis.
Continue readingCitizens United is a revolving door problem
Before considering an amendment to combat Citizens United, perhaps there's another approach to limit the ability of well-heeled special interests to give to political organizations that act as surrogates for politicians.
Continue readingInfluence Analytics 2014: IRS political regs, Keystone XL & cigars draw most comments
Sunlight's Docket Wrench helps identify the federal regulations that drew the most public comment in 2014 -- and who is driving the traffic. Here's hoping 2015 brings more agency participation in regulations.gov!
Continue readingWest Virginia ‘outside’ group run by state GOP committee members
Two GOP party leaders appear to be behind an 'outside' group that spent $1.4 million helping to elect Republicans to state offices in West Virginia.
Continue readingCampaign intelligence: Pop-up PACs
This week's Campaign Intelligence finds "pop-up PAC" season starting: Start spending late enough and you won't have to disclose donors until just before the election — or maybe after.
Continue readingMichael Bloomberg pours millions into abortion fight
New FEC documents from Women Vote!, a Super PAC affiliated with Emily's List, show the former Mayor gave the group a $2 million cash infusion in July.
Continue readingMayday PAC sheds light on largest donors
About 57 percent of the $7.8 million disclosed online is anonymized. The committee's next FEC release — with more complete data — won't be public until Oct. 15.
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