Campaign Finance/Fair Elections Who can replace labor? Ezra Klein has this short piece on how the recession has ravaged labor unions and says that maybe the only way to reduce corporate political power in the U.S. Is through Fair Elections. Congress Former Tom DeLay aides thrive in GOP “While former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay tries to avoid a three-year stint in Texas prison, the loyal aides who once worked for him have quietly created a powerful Republican network on and off Capitol Hill — riding the GOP comeback while their former boss appeals his state money-laundering and conspiracy conviction.” As Public Campaign President Nick Nyhart said, the Hammer may be gone, but the nails are in place. Sen. Sanders sends out fundraising email citing Arizona tragedy “Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, today sent out a fundraising email to supporters in which he includes his analysis of the Arizona shootings that ties the tragedy to ‘right-wing reactionaries’.” Eek. Oil spill panel calls for sweeping changes The presidential panel investigating the Deepwater Horizon spill released its report and recommendations. It’ll be interesting to see where people like new energy and commerce chair Fred Upton stands on this (and how in line it is with the industry). Big business is back in business Dana Milbank pivots off Chamber of Commerce president Tom Donahue’s speech yesterday. Millions may be out of work, but Wall Street profits are soaring.  “At the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, corporate interests are becoming increasingly brazen.” Other Groups call on Greiner to resign from American Future Fund Sandy Greiner, newly-elected Iowa State Senator, has pledged to remain president of the American Future Fund, one of the big money anonymous Republican groups from 2010. A bit of a conflict of interest, yes? David Donnelly: “Instead of wondering whether she’s beholden to the special interests funding her campaigns, her constituents now have to wonder whether the millions she has raised in unlimited secret cash also plays a role in her decisions in the legislature.” Public Citizen and Iowa CCI are also quoted.