Fair Elections/Campaign Finance Congress must address broken political system Murray Galinson, a business leader for Fair Elections has this op-ed in San Diego praising Rep. Susan Davis and Fair Elections. The big campaign finance story of 2011: An effective end to public financing Rick Hasen says 2011 is going to be bad news for public financing--he expects SCOTUS to take up the McComish v. Bennett Arizona Clean Elections challenge and nobody is likely to use the presidential system for 2012. Transparent elections This Philly Inquirer editorial calls for Congress to pass some form of DISCLOSE and chides Republicans for blocking it. - So does the Des Moines Register: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101129/OPINION03/11290304/-1/POPWEATHER/Close-anonymous-donations-loophole Campaign cash The Salt Lake Tribune calls for contribution limits at the state level (they don't have any) and says, "another possibility is public financing," with a Fair Elections model. DeLay's convictions opportunity for Fair Elections The president of the Democracy Matters chapter at the University of Minnesota has this piece on Tom DeLay's conviction and the need for Fair Elections. "Our newly elected Congress and political leaders can choose to seize this opportunity to demonstrate to a wary public a strong commitment to solving our problems and concerns instead of those of special interests who can afford to pay for special treatment." Congress K Street Preps for Holiday Party Scene It's holiday time on Capitol Hill--and that means Christmas parties with lobbyists! DeLay is convicted in Texas donation case Tom DeLay was finally held accountable last week by a jury of his peers--getting convicted on money laundering. On his conviction, DeLay said, "The criminalization of politics undermines our very system." He should know. - And the Times editorializes too: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/25/opinion/25thu1.html - So does the Philly Inquirer: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20101127_Inquirer_Editorial__Hammered.html Delay's guilty verdict could reverberate "Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's conviction for money laundering in a state court here could inspire prosecutors in other states to target the methods used by politicians to raise and deploy corporate contributions." Rangel wants House to reject measure Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) still isn't giving up--he wants the censure downgraded to simply a reprimand. Election tone was anti-incumbent, but old pros handled the cash Sure, there was anti-incumbent fervor, but just 15 consulting firms pulled in over $400 million from candidates, parties, and outside groups. Still the best Congress money can buy In the States Frank Russo's campaign donors got big tax breaks At least 359 donors to former Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo received more than $1.8 million in tax deductions on their property. Common Cause Ohio quoted. Campaign finance reform It looks like Alabama Gov. Bob Riley is expected to call a special legislative session on ethics reform. PAC to PAC transfers should be high on the list, says this editorial.