NEWS ROUNDUP:
- Questions raised after CRS report pulled: Democrats are raising questions about why a nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) report was pulled after some objections from Republicans. The report found no correlation between top tax rates and economic growth, an issue that has been debated along partisan lines. (New York Times)
- Office of Congressional Ethics forwarded three names: The Office of Congressional Ethics forwarded the names of three people for further investigation by the House Ethics Committee last quarter, according to a report released this week. The names are not released in the report. (The Hill)
- Hurricane maps available thanks to gov data: Detailed maps with information about Hurricane Sandy were thanks in part to the government data made available to the public and third-party developers. (TechCrunch)
Influence Explored: Education Sector Contributes Millions to Presidential Race
With the Higher Education Opportunity Act up for renewal in 2013, either President Obama or Mitt Romney will need to address higher education, particularly funding and student loans. And although neither campaign has placed much focus on higher education, both candidates touched on the issue during the Presidential debates.
Political Money Weather Report: Final Forecast
In these final days before the election, check out our Political Money Weather Report to run you through the cloudy season we're enduring. To stay up with the latest money tallies and reporting stories keep your eyes on our Elections 2012 hub page.
Continue readingLatest Dark Money Tallies: $213 million in the general election and counting, 81% on behalf of Republicans; 34 races with $1 million or more
Back in July, Senate Republicans successfully blocked the DISCLOSE Act, which would have required all organizations spending $10,000 or more to reveal their donors. Now we understand why. Though Nov.1, $213.0 million has been spent by “dark money” groups to influence the 2012 elections. Of that, $172.4 million (81%) has been spent to help Republican candidates, as compared to $35.7 million (19%) to help Democrats. (By “dark money” we mean groups that do not disclose their donors and only are required to disclose their congressional race spending within 60 days of House and Senate elections and their presidential race spending following the national party conventions).
Continue reading2Day in #OpenGov 11/1/12
NEWS ROUNDUP:
- Money pours into Senate races: Millions of dollars are pouring into several competitive Senate races in the final stretch of the campaign season. Both parties are trying to sway majority of the Senate their way. (Washington Post)
- Lessons from Citizens United: Roll Call took a look at some of the lessons in the post-Citizens United era. One of the main trends: spending by outside groups, including Super PACs and nonprofits, has soared. (Roll Call)
- Nonprofit contributions leads to increase of dark money: The prevalence of donations by nonprofits to Super PACs this campaign season has contributed to the increase of dark money since 501(c)(4) groups do not have to disclose their donors. (Public Integrity)
Rethinking civic participation
What would a 21st century town hall meeting look like? Is there a better way to hold public meetings than to give each person three minutes at a microphone to have their say? The city of Bell, California, might have some of the answers.
Continue reading2Day in #OpenGov 10/31/2012
NEWS ROUNDUP:
- Election lawyers poised to pounce: Lawyers across the country are ready to challenge the election results based on questions that could arise from machine errors, voter suppression, or other illegal activity. Hurricane Sandy has also created concerns that there could be challenges for people trying to make it to the polls next week, which could spawn litigation. (Washington Post)
- Outside groups outspend candidates in 26 House races: Outside groups have spent more than candidates in 26 House races this election cycle, according to an analysis. In Illinois' 17th Congressional District, outside groups have spent some $2.7 million more than the candidates. (Public Integrity)
Sunlight Offices Closed Today, Back Tomorrow
Like much of DC and the Eastern Seaboard, the Sunlight Foundation's offices are closed today. We are all working from home so the Sunlight continues to shine, but we may be a tad preoccupied plugging up leaks and keeping roommates, children and spouses from going too stir crazy.
Continue reading2Day in #OpenGov 10/30/2012
NEWS ROUNDUP:
- Hurricane could impact election: FEMA is guessing Hurricane Sandy could impact the presidential election as it brings high winds and heavy rainfall to the East Coast. Federal law allows states to make their own decisions about whether to delay elections due to emergencies that can disrupt voting. (Politico)
- Jobs report may be delayed due to storm: The last jobs report before the presidential election may be delayed after the federal government was shut down Monday and will continue to be closed Tuesday. The Bureau of Labor Statistics was scheduled to release the report Friday, and officials are still determining whether that deadline can be met. (New York Times)
Sunlight Open House Postponed
The Sunlight Open House that was scheduled for Tuesday evening is postponed until after Election Day due to Hurricane Sandy.
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