Campaign Finance/Fair Elections
Give the public part of the power

This editorial for Albany, N.Y. calls for the legislature to stick with Gov. Cuomo’s pledge to pass public financing. “The most committed of government reform advocates — Karen Scharff of Citizen Action of New York among them — make the very valid point that without public financing of political campaigns, even the most ambitious and sweeping of reform measures solve only part of the problem.”Ending Maryland’s campaign scamsThe Post praises the Attorney General’s new report on campaign finance in MD but says, “We would have liked to have seen the commission go further by urging that Maryland embrace at least a pilot program in public financing of elections - a step that could start to rein in the influence of special interests that have long had their way in Annapolis, such as the liquor lobby.”Congress
Report: Tea Party-endorsed candidates take millions in Wall Street cash
On Friday, we released a new report on the Tea Party-supported candidates and their Wall Street cash—will they stand with their constituents or Michelle Bachmann and her repeal bill?More trouble for Fitzpatrick? 

Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) faced some bad press back at home over the weekend on his decision to attend a fundraiser instead of being sworn in. Public Campaign Action Fund's David Donnelly: “We can debate whether Mike Fitzpatrick's swearing in fundraising event violates federal law or House ethics rules all we want, but the truth is, instead of taking the oath of office he was clearly attending a fundraiser.”Fitzpatrick ethics probe urged CREW's Melanie Sloan: “You're not allowed to solicit contributions. I don't care why.”Apology from GOP Rep. Fitzpatrick for swearing in gaffe

Public Citizen's Craig Holman: “No member of Congress nor their staff is supposed to be doing fund-raising in the Capitol or using any sort of official resources. . . . It sounds like it is a direct violation."First week for Murphy replacement Fizpatrick is a rough oneFrom DC’s LGBT newspaper, Public Campaign Communications Director Adam Smith: “I'm not sure 'tone deaf' would begin to accurately describe his actions on Wednesday."Lobbyists ski, hit the beach with lawmakers 
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Members of Congress are holding great vacations (i.e. Fundraisers) with lobbyists this month—ski trips, beach resorts, etc. David Donnelly quoted. Common Cause's Mary Boyle: “Unfortunately, we can’t afford a weekend at the Breakers.”Texas judge weighs options on witness testimony for DeLay’s sentencing An update on the Tom DeLay trial—the “punishing phase” is set to begin today.The Conservative Constitution of the United StatesIn this satirical take on Congress’ reading of the constitution, Cole writes the “conservative” version, including: ”The right of Corporations, Hedge Funds, Business Leaders and Lobbyists to spend endless cash on campaigns and influence-purchasing shall not be infringed.”