Campaign Finance/Fair Elections
Beware the super PAC
A Washington Post editorial: "Whether the right approach is to press for tighter regulations or new legislation, this much is clear: The growth of the super PAC threatens to make limits on campaign contributions a mere fig leaf barely covering the reality of outsize checks — for which the candidates are undoubtedly grateful to the donor."

Under the U.S. Supreme Court: corporate political funds may be unmasked
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on the need for transparency of political spending, but nothing has been done. Hopefully the SEC will act on the petition to require disclosure of political spending by public companies.

The end of campaign finance law
Michael Kang talks about his new article,"The End of Campaign Finance Law."

Congress/2012
Supercommittee Member Max Baucus Cancels Fundraiser
So, why did Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) cancel an October 4th fundraiser--right in the middle of supercommittee negotiations?

Sen. Toomey and "special interest carve-outs"
Another supercommittee member, Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), was complaining about special interests buying tax loopholes. I wonder how we could work on that...

Many members of debt "supercommittee" have ties to lobbyists
Supercommittee members have plenty of ties to lobbyists with business before the committee. Statement from Baucus's office: "Money has never influenced the decisions Max makes, and he’ll continue to do what’s right for working Montana families, regardless of outside interests.”

Deficit panel may aim at oil tax breaks
An entire article on whether oil subsidies will be on the table during the supercommittee without any mention of oil industry campaign cash.

Will they stand with banks or consumers?
Rich Cordray, President Obama's nominee to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, faces a confirmation hearing in the Senate Banking Committee today. Here's a look at the campaign cash of the Republican members that have promised to block anyone unless the bureau is weakened.

Decision time for GOP elites
Elite Republican donors and powerbrokers are slowly coming to the conclusion that they'll have to choose between Rich Perry or Mitt Romney.

Super PAC backing Perry to spend $55 million
The super PAC backing Rick Perry plans to spend $55 million to blow away his competition in the GOP primary.

Meet the money behind Rick Perry
And TPM looks at Rick Perry's big backers.

Rep. Shelley Berkley's cause is often her husband's gain
Summary: "Ms. Berkley’s actions were among a series over the last five years in which she pushed legislation or twisted the arms of federal regulators to pursue an agenda that is aligned with the business interests of her husband, Dr. Larry Lehrner."

The last moderate
Joe Nocera talked to Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) about Congress and its dysfunction. "Money changes hands here way too much," he said.
- Boston Review did a forum with Cooper and several others a few months ago: http://www.bostonreview.net/BR36.3/ndf_jim_cooper_fixing_congress.php

BofA, Citigroup among 17 banks in federal lawsuit
"Bank of America, Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase were among the 17 lenders sued by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for allegedly misleading Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac about residential mortgage-backed securities."

Who gave to Horizon?
Ben Smith looks at the donors to Jon Huntsman's super PAC.

Tammy Baldwin enters race for open Senate seat
And Fair Elections supporter Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) will run for the U.S. Senate to replace retiring Sen Herb Kohl. In her opening video, she says, "That's why I'm running for the U.S. Senate, to stand up for you, no matter how tough the odds, or how powerful the special interests it means fighting against."

FBI arrests prominent Democratic campaign treasurer
"A prominent Democratic campaign treasurer who works for federal, state and O.C. lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Loretta Sanchez and state legislators Lou Correa and Jose Solorio has been arrested by the FBI on suspicion of mail fraud, The Orange County Register has learned."

Other
Arizona prison businesses are big political contributors
But when it comes to other ways of winning business, such as employing platoons of lobbyists, doling out campaign contributions and working through political connections, [Corrections Corp of America] stands head and shoulders above its competitors, in Arizona and across the country."