Fair Elections/Campaign Finance Political backfire Refers to Public Citizen and Democracy 21 as “Naderite groups.” Both chambers feeling deja vu this week on multiple bills                       Some info on DISCLOSE in here – looks like Blue Dogs are now saying that if it can’t pass the Senate they don’t want to have to vote on a “politically challenging” vote. NRA statement on DISCLOSE NRA: We really don’t like DISCLOSE at all but my job was to make sure we were exempt from it.   Congress Sen. Cantwell in West Seattle Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) keynoted the Washington Public Campaign's annual dinner, reiterating her support for public financing. Banking lobbyists make final run at reform bill, by Eric Dash and Nelson Schwartz Industry lobbyists are making their final attempt to gut some of the provisions in the financial reform bill. BP, Transocean tap a well of Washington lobbyists and consultants, by Dan Eggen Companies involved in the Gulf oil spill crisis are tapping some big names in Washington to lobby on their behalf like Chairman of the Podesta Group-a DC-based lobbying firm-Tony Podesta, Managing Partner of the Brunswick Group-a PR firm in London-Hilary Rosen, and others.   Republicans can be their own worst enemies by John Farmer This article quotes our Barton campaign finance data On defending the devil, by Jules Witcover Another article that uses our Barton data Bingo is chief beneficiary of Michigan PAC, R. Jeffrey Smith The Phillip Hart Club in Michigan has raised $1.9 million this cycle, and has given $500 to a candidate. Most of the money comes from bingo. Lobbyist parties toast lawmakers with money, by Paul Barton A piece using PoliticalPartyTime data to show all the big fundraisers this year (and highlighting the 53 BP has held since 2008). In a dramatic election year, K Street is the ATM, by Kate Ackley

• “As control of Congress hangs in the balance of this year’s midterm elections, Members are chasing every dollar, and K Street remains a top target.”

Van Hollen no longer flawless, by Tory Newmyer and Steven Dennis With the NRA exemption blow up, it was a rough week for Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and DISCLOSE’s outcome could have an impact on his stock in the caucus. Other Traditional v. public candidates are lined up 136 of 276 candidates in Arizona are running under Clean Elections  Clean Elections as excuse to squelch speech, by Jacob Sullum A column bashing Arizona Clean Elections in NY.