Fair Elections/Campaign Finance More than $10 million spent on 16th district race More than $10 million was spent in the battle between Rep. John Boccieri and his victorious opponent James Renacci. Both candidates complained about the amount of outside spending in the race, but only Boccieri talked up the need for the Fair Elections Now Act.   Hold Textron accountable David Segal, an outgoing state representative who lost a Democratic primary challenge for the Rhode Island Congressional seat, uses an example of a company in his district to show the need for Fair Elections. The next campaign This Times editorial again bemoans the outside spending in elections, citing a few specific examples. “Lawmakers need to require disclosure of all major campaign donations, and approve a system encouraging small contributions.” (i.e. Fair Elections) Broken campaign finance system poses a rising menace The executive director of the Coastal Conservation League writes this op-ed in South Carolina about the lack of action on global warming and the need for reform—constitutional amendment, lobbying constraints, and “public funding of campaigns.” Congress Political funds remain an asset for many ex-lawmakers There are very little rules governing the use of leftover funds in a former member of Congress’s political action committee. Many of these members become lobbyists, and could help curry favor by giving some of that money to former colleagues. John Boehner’s links to lobbyists could be the chink in his political armour And another chapter in the “John Boehner hearts lobbyists” book. K Street tries to woo the new cast of powerbrokers Lobbyists are still trying to figure out how to move forward with a new Congress and lots of new faces. A nice summation: “At this juncture, gridlock is all we can hope for,” said one high-level GOP financial services lobbyist. “We need a breather from all this regulation.” Blue Dogs on K Street say their clout stays Even though the election obliterated the Blue Dog caucus, “Blue Dog lobbyists are that demand for their services will not diminish in the new Congress.” For many businesses, 2010 midterm election campaign was a winner The average voter may have lost to the special interests in 2010, but the midterm stimulus helped catering companies, media firms, credit card companies, and TV stations. McConnell says banning “earmarks” is complicated While some of the most conservative members of his caucus are pushing to ban earmarks, Sen. McConnell isn’t ready to give up the process yet. Tom DeLay upbeat at trial but missing GOP spotlight An update on Tom DeLay’s trial—he’s still as unrepentant as ever.