Campaign Finance/Fair Elections
Appeals court upholds campaign finance ban on foreign donations
The ban on campaign donations by foreign nationals was upheld yesterday, but could be appealed to SCOTUS. Judge Brett Kavanaugh: "It is fundamental to the definition of our national political community that foreign citizens do not have a constitutional right to participate in, and thus may be excluded from, activities of democratic self-government."

Loopholes let big political donors wear multiple fundraising hats
Interesting take from Peter Stone on overlapping donations between campaigns and super PACs that support them.

Congress
GOP presidential hopefuls use leadership PACs to expand clout
Interesting new report from CRP on the money the leadership PACs of GOP presidential candidates are handing out.

Report finds heavy lobbying on FAA bill
"More than $50 million has been spent thus far in 2011 lobbying the funding bill for the Federal Aviation Administration, a new report suggests. "

Romney: "No controversy" in Bain's exec's $1 million donation
Mitt Romney says "nothing to see here" about the $1 million donation. CLC's Paul Ryan disagrees: "Nothing Mr. Conard has done mitigates the need for investigations into possible violations of two aspects of federal campaign finance law"

Progressive groups unveil "Contract for the American Dream"
Contract for the American dream is released. Public Campaign is proud to be part of this--especially happy about plank 10, "Strengthen Democracy" that calls for Fair Elections, an end to anonymous political donations, and more. You can see it all here: http://contract.rebuildthedream.com/.

The return of golf, vacation fundraisers
"Veteran K Streeters say fundraising trips are more pervasive than ever as rank-and-file lawmakers have to secure checks not only for their reelection committee, but also for leadership political action committees."

Fantasy sports PAC plays in the real world
"And starting this week, the Fantasy Sports Trade Association will begin fundraising for its newly established federal political action committee with the intention of giving to lawmakers supportive of the burgeoning online industry."

Another Super PAC run by close Perry associates
Rick Perry is getting tons of outside help for his race.

The contenders and dark horses to land on debt "supercommittee"
The Hill lays out its possible picks for the super committee.
- Liberal and labor groups are pushing to make sure folks are chosen that don't cut Medicare, etc.

Buchanan bill would require televised supercommittee meetings
Televised meetings is good--but transparency of meetings and an end to fundraising is also required.

Other
David Bossie, President and Chairman, Citizens United
Dave Weigel has a Q&A with David Bossie, the president and chairman of Citizens United