Fair Elections/Campaign Finance Reality Check: Clean Elections Under Fire The Fox affiliate in Maine covers the new proposals to restrict Clean Elections funding and they both take issue with attempting to undo something that was enacted as part of a people’s referendum.   Influence-Peddling Hurdles Party Lines This op-ed in The Pittsburg Post-Gazette lambasts special interest influence in the Pennsylvania legislature and calls for publicly-financed elections. “That's the only way we can have a shot at draining the swamp of corruption that engulfs our state.”   Our Opinion: Clean Elections Money Not Just for Legislators Maine’s Morning Sentinel editorializes on the state’s Clean Elections law arguing that while it may need to be examined it shouldn’t be gutted.   Watchdogs: Campaign Finance Agency is AWOL TPM covers the letter sent by a number of organizations, including Public Campaign, that calls for congressional hearings on the systematic failings of the Federal Election Commission.   Other K Street Holding Cards on 2012 Primary Many lobbyists are already close with potential GOP primary contenders.   Clarence Thomas Financial Disclosure Controversy The Colbert Report covers Common Cause’s work on the Clarence Thomas controversy.   President Obama Supports Wisconsin Public Employees Public Campaign Action Fund’s research on corporate contributions to Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wisc.) is covered amidst the union busting controversy. ·      "It's exactly the type of politics that makes everyday citizens think that government works for the few at the expense of the many," said David Donnelly, the group's national campaigns director. Lobbyists Ride Out Regime Change in Egypt Mubarak is out, but lobbyists are still in.   The Thomas Issue The New York Times editorializes on this ethics controversy surrounding Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas.