Campaign Finance/Fair Elections
Curbing campaign cash
The Nation is all over this in their current issue! "Instead of heading into the ditch of pay-to-play politics with the Republicans, Democrats—led by President Obama—should continue along the high road. Most Americans are already there waiting for them."

News Corp. faces criticism over new political contribution policy
We joined with Media Matters and the Nathan Cummings Foundation in criticizing News Corp's latest political contribution policy--it doesn't go far enough.

Taxpayers shouldn't subsidize attack ads
This Virginian Pilot editorial page is a big fan of people paying their taxes

Group launches early ad against Romney
Priorities USA is up with its first ad--hitting Mitt Romney in South Carolina.

Democrats test GOP's plan at FEC
Democrats have filed a request with the FEC to check if Jim Bopp's new Super PAC strategy is legal.
- And they'll probably use it if it is: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/05/19/democrats-want-to-copy-gop-fund-raising-group-if-its-legal/

Congress
Oil lobby contributions to House members yield results
Using our research, Sam Stein writes how every House member, save one who didn't vote, that got PAC money from Exxon, Chevron, and Conoco in April also voted for the offshore drilling bill earlier this month.

Republicans to push Obama on hidden lobbyist meetings
Looks like Republicans are going to make another go at secret White House lobbyist meetings.

Allen avoids lobbyist label for his firm
Don't call the work George Allen's firm does lobbying! Democracy 21's Fred Wertheimer: "It looks like the firm is attempting to offer lobbying services for their clients without having to be treated as a lobbying firm.”

Cantor jets around, donates big with PAC money
A report on Rep. Eric Cantor's April PAC money.

Senate Dems launch '12 money race
"Top Senate Democrats are already engaged in an all-out money chase as they try to raise millions of dollars for the 2012 campaign, realizing that not only is their Senate majority on the line, but President Barack Obama’s bid for a second term and House Democratic fundraising could create serious competition for cash."

First lady to campaign donors: Obama "needs you to work like you have never worked before"
And Michelle Obama starts fundraising for 2012.

As Pawlenty hits up Minn. donors, 2012 GOP hopeful says he needs money for "Buick" campaign
Tim Pawlenty just needs enough money to fund a "Buick" campaign--not a Cadillac one.

Wall Street's April donations
Our round-up of PAC giving in April by the American Bankers Association.

Secret donors multiply in US election spending
Secret donors, FEC, deadlock and more is all discussed in this article.

Gary Johnson's PAC faces sanctions in Utah over campaign finance violation
The PAC for GOP 2012 prez candidate Gary Johnson faces sanctions in Utah over reporting violations.

Other
When "no" means "no"
An interview with Jim Bopp!

Wis. gov introduced members of development corp.
You're surprised that Gov. Scott Walker's new business board has his campaign donors on it right?