Citizens United/Fair ElectionsHouse Dems say they have votes to pass new campaign finance legislation, by Susan CrabtreeHouse Democrats have the votes on DISCLOSE. Disclosing the meekness of the DISCLOSE billJim Hightower says DISCLOSE is weak and Congress must do more.CongressWhite House cool to derivatives banThe White House doesn’t like it. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) doesn’t like it. Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s (D-Ark.) derivatives legislation isn’t very popular among certain Democrats.Rep. Brian Baird recalls highs, lows of 12 yearsRep. Brian Baird (D-Was.) talks retirement – two mentions of fundraising. 1) He couldn’t get through a government continuity plan in case of an emergency because “there is no fundraising benefit, and 2) He won’t miss fundraising calls.Political donations from business sector down from 2008 elections 

• “Conventional wisdom says that the amount of money spent seeking influence in politics always goes up. As it turns out, that's wrong.”

Under siege by lobbyistsCongress is drowning in campaign cash. Pro-reformers can’t compete, but transparency in the process—including televised conference committee meetings—could help. OtherTime to repair a broken, unsustainable systemAn op-ed in North Carolina from one of their business leaders on the need for public financing for state and federal elections.