This op-ed by Rick Siders talks about the need for more veterans in Congress. "The cost of running for office may be one barrier. In my home district in Tennessee, Rep. Stephen Fincher spent more than $3 million in his most recent race, in 2010, and this is a bargain in some congressional districts. When soldiers are trying to stabilize nations abroad, they aren’t spending time gaining the experience or contacts necessary to raise massive amounts for campaigns. A public financing system that truly allowed wider access to our elected politics could help level the playing field."

Super PACs and Dark Money: ProPublica's guide to the new world of campaign finance
ProPublica has put together a guide to navigate through Super PACs, Super Duper PACs, and Super Heroes. Ok, not super heroes. But worth a look!

Blow to free speech
The Hartford Courant editorializes on McComish: "It will inhibit robust political debate in elections rather than promote it."

Congress/2012
Rep. Paul Ryan wines with major donor, Koch attendee
Sure, that $350 bottle of wine Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) shared with some folks last week wasn't a huge deal. Though, with a little more research, we found one of those guys with a Koch-event attendee and major political donor.

Sen. McCaskill raises nearly $1.4M
Solid quarter for Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), bringing in $1.4 million.

He's Baaack: Former Rep. Grayson announces 2012 run
Alan Grayson will run for office in 2012.

Lobbyists pay millions to honor Congress, executive branch
"In all, lobbying entities—including lobbying firms and their clients—reported spending $50.2 million on so-called honorary and meetings fees over 2009 and 2010, according to a Sunlight Foundation analysis."

Top Democrats ask Wall Street to step up debt-ceiling pressure
Democrats are asking business groups and Wall Street to up the pressure on Republicans to pass a debt bill. Heh: "Lobbyists who represent major corporations that could lose millions from the stock market turmoil and the higher interest rates associated with a default have been hesitant to jump into the charged debate."

Alcohol wholesalers contribute over $82 million toward political influence since 2006
This is interesting. One smaller interest group, the Specialty Wine Retailers Association, is hitting another group, the wine wholesalers, for their campaign giving and effort to pass legislation that would only benefit the wholesalers.

Darrell Issa questions White House's 2012 actions
"House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) is probing what he sees as signs of an unseemly overlap between President Barack Obama’s official and political activities."

Barney Frank says financial overhaul is "holding up very well"
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) says his financial reform bill is holding up--despite efforts to weaken its implementation.

Rick Perry to meet major Republican donors at Aspen summit
Possible 2012 candidate will be raising money at the Republican Governors Association summit next week.

Other
New Hampshire salutes Granny D
"In the Statehouse executive council chambers Tuesday morning, Governor John Lynch is scheduled to sign Senate Bill 173, which establishes next January 24 as New Hampshire Granny D Day."

Judge was correct in campaign finance case
The Des Moines Register writes that a judge's decision to uphold Iowa's disclosure laws was the right one.

Remember, if you're in DC, stop by (or send your interns!) to a screening of Priceless at 5 pm at the Capitol Visitors Center today: http://publicampaign.org/blog/2011/07/08/youre-invited-screening-priceless