Other Resources
A number of research institutions and public interest groups around the country are putting money in politics under the microscope and coming up with interesting analyses and commentary. Below you will find a broad selection of groups that are looking at this issue.
Research Organizations and Institutions
To find out what's happening in your state, check out our interactive map of state organizations working on Clean Elections reform.
Campaign for America's Future
A center of progressive strategy, organizing and issue campaigns
Citizens Against Government Waste
Dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government
Common Cause
Works to boost the voice of Americans in the political process and hold elected leaders accountable to the public interest
Demos
Dedicated to building America’s highest democratic ideals through research and advocacy
Democracy South
Regional network of progressive state-based and regional organizations in the Southeast
Environmental Working Group
Provides information on money in politics' adverse effects on environmental legislation
League of Women Voters
Works to impact public policy and improve systems of government through education and advocacy
Midwest States Center
Works to advance a democratic movement for economic, social, racial and environmental justice in several Midwestern states.
MovingIdeas.org
An electronic policy network providing resources from numerous progressive organizations on a variety of issues
MoveOn
Works to bring Americans back to the political process by making sure elected officials hear their voices
National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Dedicated to protecting public health and the environment by transitioning to a world free of toxic pesticides
The National Voting Rights Institute
Works toward meaningful political participation by all Americans regardless of economic or social status
Northeast Action
Regional support center for citizen action organizations in New England
Public Citizen
Represents consumer interests in Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Courts
Sunlight Foundation
Harnessing the power of the internet and information technology to help citizens learn more about Congress and their elected representatives
Washington Toxics Coalition
Protects public health and the environment by eliminating toxic pollution
Western States Center
Regional organization to support citizen action organizations in 8 western states
Research Organizations and Institutions
American University Campaign Finance Project
Provides database-formatted campaign finance files
The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center
Provides strategy and insight on ballot initiative campaigns
Benton Foundation
Provides a public interest vision for the digital age and works to demonstrate the value of communications for solving social problems
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
Supports campaign finance reform through scholarship, public education, and legal action
Brookings Institution
Campaign finance section of the Brookings Institution, an organization that conducts independent research and provides policy solutions
Campaign Finance Information Center
Resource for journalists covering political campaign contributions
Campaign Finance Institute
Conducts research focused on campaign finance policy
The Cato Institute
Conducts public policy research on a variety of issues
Center for Responsive Politics
Tracks money in politics and its effect on elections and public policy
Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (American University)
Provides an integrated teaching, research, and study program focusing on Congress, the presidency and the interactions of these two basic American institutions
The Center for Governmental Studies
Creates innovative solutions to improve civic engagement in communities and governments
Center for Public Integrity
Conducts investigative journalism on issues of public concern
Council on Government Ethics Law (COGEL)
Professional organization for individuals with responsibilities or interests in governmental ethics, elections, campaign finance, lobby laws and freedom of information
Columbia University Library / U. S. Government Documents, Campaigns and Elections
Directory for conducting research on federal campaigns and elections
The National Institute on Money in State Politics
Offers extensive databases of state campaign finance information
Open Congress
A wiki-based website documenting the people, organizations and issues shaping the public agenda
Open Debates
Works to ensure that presidential debates serve the American people first
The Pew Center for the States
Offers state news on various issues, including campaign finance reform
Professor Clyde Wilcox
Author of publications with special sections on money in politics
Project Vote Smart
A research organization of volunteers from across the political spectrum dedicated to providing nonpartisan, unbiased information on elected officials
State PIRGs
State-level organizations across the country advocating for the public interest
U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG)
Federally focused arm of the State PIRGS
University of Michigan Documents Center
Expansive directory of federal government resources on the web
Wisconsin Campaign Finance Project
Provides researchers with data on public election funding programs throughout the U.S.
Campus Greens
National organization of Greens in colleges and high schools across the country
College Democrats
National organization of Democrats in colleges across the country
College Republicans
National organization of Republicans in colleges across the country
Democracy Matters
Organization of student activists dedicated to taking private money out of politics and other pro-democracy reforms
Green Party of the United States