Here's a recap of Public Campaign and Public Campaign Action Fund's (PCAF) work from December 12 through December 16, 2011.

• Good call, House Dems. Yesterday, House Democratic Caucus Chair (and lead Fair Elections Now Act sponsor), John Larson (D-Conn.) announced the formation of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Fair Governance. Larson: “The American people deserve a government that works for them. With the creation of the Task Force on Fair Governance, House Democrats are demonstrating a continuing commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in our elections, ensuring a citizen’s right to vote, and putting the needs of Americans ahead of corporate special interests.” Public Campaign blogged on the news.

• The fact that this is legal is mind-blowing. The Washington Post reported yesterday on how casino magnate Sheldon Adelson is set to hand $20 million to a “Super PAC” backing Newt Gingrich. PCAF's David Donnelly in the Washington Post story: “She’s a bigger benefit to Gingrich outside his campaign because there are no limits to what she can raise.” Thanks again, Citizens United!

• A Congress of, by, and for the 1%. A new report, The One Percent of the One Percent, from Sunlight Foundation shows how so few people gave such a large percentage of campaign cash in the 2010 election cycle. It's easy to see why Congress continues to look out for the 1%, and why the 99% are so angry. 

• Our hats off to you! Key state ally and Clean Elections advocate honored. Maine Citizens for Clean Elections Board President Alison Smith was named by YES Magazine as one of their "Breakthough 15" for 2011. Well deserved recognition for a longtime friend and ally.

• Like father, like son. On Wednesday, while Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney jetted off to Manhattan to raise money from the 1%, his son Tagg was working the D.C. lobbyist fundraiser curcuit. Here's PCAF's take on the Romney Campaign using Mitt's son Tagg to double-up their efforts to get their hands on K Street lobbyist and Wall Street campaign cash.

• Faith leader calls out influence of big money and lobbyists. Last Friday, Patrick Carolan, a former Connecticut labor leader who now directs the social justice arm of the Franciscan Action Network issued a statement released during The 99% Take Back the Capitol decrying the huge influence of big money players in our politics. From the statement: "We should not kid ourselves in thinking that legislation and public policy is written by our elected officials with the interest of the common good. It is written by lobbyist on K Street whose only interest is corporations and the wealthy." Another important voice is added to the growing numbers of Amercians who are fed up with our broken system.

As always, be sure to keep up with all the latest news on money-in-politics. Here's a link to our daily clips.

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