Campaign Finance/Fair Elections When Democracy Weakens Bob Herbert contrasts the situation of the Egyptian people with that of the US and says our Democracy is being put up for sale: “The corporate and financial elites threw astounding sums of money into campaign contributions and high-priced lobbyists and think tanks and media buys and anything else they could think of. They wined and dined powerful leaders of both parties…All that money was well spent. The investments paid off big time.”  New York Takes Step on Money in Judicial Elections “New York’s top court officials will bar the state’s hundreds of elected judges from hearing cases involving lawyers and others who make significant contributions to their campaigns, a move that will change the political culture of courts and transform judicial elections by removing an important incentive lawyers have for contributing.” McConnell Plan Cuts off Public Campaign Funds Sen. McConnell (R-KY) has introduced companion legislation to end presidential public financing. Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) Spokesperson Jon Summers: “Congress should focus on improving the system so that it protects our democracy, instead of giving more and more power to special interests.”   Congress Rebel Frosh Play by DC Rules Senate freshman are quickly becoming ensconced in Washington culture with many hiring lobbyists and DC insiders to run their offices.   Nevada Senator Ensign Seeks to Revive Career Facing ethics charges stemming from an extramarital affair, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) is traveling the state begging for forgiveness and campaign contributions.   At watershed, Obama caught in the middle on depth of his budget cuts President Obama is seen by some as caving into Republicans’ demands with newly proposed budget cuts. “Still, liberal activists warn that Obama risks losing a motivated base for his reelection bid. ‘The great bulk of progressives are not happy with the course of action the administration is taking, but we also understand the political realities,’ said Alan Charney, policy director at USAction, a grassroots group.”   Boehner Mum on Lee Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) won’t reveal what he said to former Rep. Chris Lee (R-N.Y.) regarding his craigslist scandal, but he has said that the American people “have the right, and should expect, the highest ethical standards from members of Congress." Could these words come back to haunt him if The National Enquirer stories are true?   Other Candidates Explore Alternate Advertising Candidates that have opted into Wisconsin’s judicial public financing system are finding new cost effective methods to get out their message including social networking sites.   Many Herrara Staffers Contribute to his Campaign San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrara is running for mayor and a suspiciously high number of staffers have contributed to his campaign. Peer pressure anyone?   Barbour: “I’m a lobbyist” As Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) eyes a run for president, he argues that his previous profession as a mega lobbyist helps, rather than hinders, his prospects for the White House.   Sometimes Justices Can Play Politics This New York Times op-ed argues that U.S. Supreme Court Justices can’t be expected to be “innocent of worldly vanities, free of political connections and guided only by the gem-like flame of inward conscience.”   Gov. Cuomo’s Promised Reforms This New York Times editorial argues it’s time for Gov. Cuomo (D-N.Y.) to enact the reforms he promised.   Wall Street’s Dead End “The Tea Party is right about one thing: What’s good for Wall Street isn’t necessarily good for Main Street.”   Issa Meets with Richard Dreyfuss It seems that actor Richard Dreyfuss was making the rounds last week, meeting with House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darryl Issa (R-Calif.) to discuss government transparency.   A Look Back at the Week’s News The Sun Journal reports that in Maine “every single newly seated senator was a Clean Election candidate.” Good news.