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Gay couples can’t make joint political donations from individual account, FEC rules

April 25, 2013
Washington Post

Posted by Juliet Eilperin

A gay couple married under state law cannot give a joint contribution to a federal candidate if they make it from an individual banking account, the Federal Election Commission voted unanimously Thursday.

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Editorial: Election spending shows change is needed

April 1, 2013
Green Bay Press-Gazette

Every so often you hear a complaint about how the Citizens United decision has changed politics. It certainly feels more divisive since the 2010 Supreme Court decision.

But there’s one tangible result that’s particularly shocking. Campaign spending in the 2010 and 2012 election cycles tripled in Wisconsin compared to the previous two major elections.

Tripled.

A Wisconsin Democracy Campaign report shows that $392 million was spent on state and federal races in 2010 and 2012 compared to $124 million in 2006 and 2008.

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Was Jackson Jr.'s alleged spending spree a victimless crime?

February 20, 2013
Chicago Tribune

Eric Zorn

OK, all mockery, pearl-clutching and indignation aside, who, really, was hurt if, as federal prosecutors allege, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. used campaign funds to buy decorations for his own personal Planet Hollywood along with assorted other luxury items?

The public treasury?

I'll give you that.

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Bloomberg's choice for Congress (editorial)

February 19, 2013
Chicago Tribune

Voters will decide if his super PAC message sways them

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's super political action committee, Independence USA, is spending at least $2.1 million on the special election campaign in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District, and Debbie Halvorson is not happy about it. With her A+ rating from the National Rifle Association, she has been the target of the ads, and one of her Democratic primary opponents, Robin Kelly, has won the endorsement of the super PAC.

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Supreme Court to consider eliminating political contribution limit

February 19, 2013
Chicago Tribune

By David G. Savage

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court has agreed to go beyond its controversial Citizens United decision and consider striking down the limit on the total amount that wealthy persons may give to candidates and political parties.
The justices voted to hear an appeal from an Alabama donor and the Republican National Committee, which contends the total contribution limit of $123,200 per election cycle is "unconstitutionally low."

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$1.6 million reasons to be concerned about SuperPACs in Illinois elections

 Yesterday, January 10, was the first hearing of the Campaign Finance Reform Task Force to discuss independent expenditures and so-called SuperPACs. The Task Force, created by statute to monitor election laws, is to report to the General Assembly and the Governor by the end of the month about how adequate current rules are for ensuring that SuperPACs do not corrupt the process. ICPR Deputy Director David Morrison testified at yesterday's hearing, alongside UIS Prof. Emeritus Kent Redfield. Here's a summary of what we said:

 



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After Brutal Election, GOP Congressman Open to Campaign Finance Limits

November 19, 2012
WUIS-FM

After a blistering campaign in which millions of dollars were spent on television ads, some of the targets of the attacks are reconsidering how elections are funded. Brian Mackey spoke to one of Illinois’ incoming Congressmen.

Rodney Davis is the only Republican among the six men and women who will soon be Illinois’ newest Congressmen.

http://wuisnews.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/after-brutal-election-gop-congr... target="_blank">Read More...



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Little to Show for Cash Flood by Big Donors

November 7, 2012
The New York Times

By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE and JESS BIDGOOD
Published: November 7, 2012

 

At the private air terminal at Logan Airport in Boston early Wednesday, men in unwrinkled suits sank into plush leather chairs as they waited to board Gulfstream jets, trading consolations overMitt Romney’s loss the day before.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/08/us/politics/little-to-show-for-cash-fl... target="_blank">Read More...



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53rd District candidates running frugal campaigns this time

November 2, 2012
the Daily Herald

By Deborah Donovan

What a difference two years make.
When Republican David Harris defeated one-term incumbent Mark Walker for a seat in the Illinois House two years ago, the campaigns spent a combined $1 million.

This year Harris has raised well under $50,000, and his opponent, Democrat Curt Renz, not a penny.
Redistricting has moved Harris into a newly drawn 53rd district, which he acknowledges “leans Republican.”

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17 Legislative Campaigns Top the $1M Mark

ICPR's analysis of legislative races finds 17 contests that have exceeded the $1M mark -- 9 Senate campaigns and 8 House races.

 



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