Campaign Finance/Fair Elections Our view on elections: Public campaign finance in danger USA Today editorial on presidential financing. “This is a fight between politicians' interests and the public interest. With the lessons of Watergate fading, the public interest appears headed for a rough ride.”

• Tom Cole provides the rebuttal:  http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2011-02-02-editorial02_ST2_N.htm

CREW wants IRS probe of GOP outside group CREW has filed a complaint with the IRS to investigate the American Future Fund, one of the top outside spenders in 2010. Congress Senate filibusters explained A really awesome video that explains the ins and outs of the filibuster. House ethics committee chairman Jo Bonner says political realities keep OCE operating Nobody likes the ethics office but darn it if the American people like their politicians to be accountable. Companies boost PAC donations to new House Republicans Newly elected Republicans have received about $2 million in PAC money from companies and business groups since Election Day. House GOP readies severe new restrictions on EPA And, you know, related to the story above, “In a sharp challenge to the Obama administration, House Republicans intend to unveil legislation Wednesday to ban the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.” Ethics Committee names special counsel to aid in ethics investigation It looks like the investigation into Sen. Ensign is picking up steam! Senate Dems give in on earmark ban “A renowned earmarker, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), announced that his panel will ban earmarks from any bills in the next two years, a move that would effectively block senators from sending money to their home states in spending bills.” BP hires Republican firm to lobby U.S. Congress, Administration BP hired a new lobbying firm, with strong Republican ties, to lobby in the new GOP House majority. Public Citizen’s Craig Holman: “There is no better way of buying oneself back into the graces of Capitol Hill and the White House than through their former emissaries.” Could be worth a look at the revolving door on this. Senator Herb Kohl deposits $1 million into campaign account Thought to be considering retirement, Sen. Kohl just made a $1 million loan to his campaign. Patty Murray’s chief of staff joins lobbying firm “Jeff Bjornstad, who last month announced his resignation as Sen. Patty Murray's chief of staff after four years, will become a lobbyist.” Other New Yorkers need voter-owned elections This letter in Ithaca calls for public financing in New York. Ethics panel checking SC lieutenant gov spending Did the South Carolina lieutenant governor break the law by using campaign money on personal expenses?