Fair Elections/Campaign Finance/Ethics Campaign finance reformers carry on without their leader “As Sen. Russell D. Feingold left the Capitol for the last time just before Christmas, allies from his 18 years of fighting big money in politics vowed to press on with the cause, despite an unsympathetic Supreme Court and a more conservative Congress.” Tom Donahue bemoans intimidation if his major corporate donors become public. Man pleads guilty in bundling case Evan Snapper, a Connecticut wealth manager, has pleaded guilty to make false statements to the FEC about “bundling” he did for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. Tensions between ethics watchdogs evident in per diem inquiry The Office of Congressional Ethics saw the need for an investigation into members per diem expenses, but the House Ethics committee did not. Another sign of tension between the two bodies? Congress House freshman throws a party – and GOP – cringes Incoming Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) and many of his colleagues will be attending a swanky fundraiser at the W Hotel with LeAnn Rimes in downtown Washington. (I’ve been there, there’s a velvet rope to get up to the roof deck.). One Tea Part activist says they’ll be watching the way these new members raise money and that “the Rimes fundraiser a “tone-deaf” signal that some freshmen did not internalize the tea party’s message of changing the political culture in Washington.” - Here’s the PCAF statement on it: http://campaignmoney.org/press-room/2011/01/04/house-freshmen-take-oath Darrell Issa asks business: Tell me what to change Rep. Darrell Issa sent a letter to a number of businesses, trade groups, and think tanks asking them what he should change this year—big oil, manufacturers, auto industry, etc. I wonder how much campaign cash he got from these folks. Democrats plan push to curtail use of filibusters An update of where things stand on filibuster and rules changes. - And an op-ed in the Post from Sen. Tom Udall: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/03/AR2011010302449.html Other/States Report shows $246 million raised in 2010 races A new report from NYPIRG, Citizens Union, Common Cause, and the League shows that nearly $246 million was spent on NY state races in 2010. Gansler campaign finance reform report out today Maryland’s Attorney General will release his report on recommended changes to the state’s campaign finance system.