We see that the FEC has launched its new AO search engine, the first glimpse of which we blogged on back in December. For those who follow this stuff closely, this is an exciting (or at least very useful) development. The new search engine brings up AOs and related documents in PDF format, much more pleasing to the eye than the old HTML format they were previously presented in. More importantly, it allows researchers to Shepardize AOs.
The advanced search has more options, and even allows users to search for AO comments by specific groups. But don’t go searching for "Center for Competitive Politics" just yet. It appears that in entering our name into the system we’ve become the "Center for Competitive Poltiics" (time to order new letterhead). Also, the new search engine currently only works as far back as 1996. Years 1995 and before will be available "as soon as possible." Once it’s fully updated, though, and glitches like "Poltiics" are ironed out, it should be a great resource.
Update: The glitch we reported earlier is fixed. A search for comments by the "Center for Competitive Politics" now brings up all of the comments we’ve submitted. Thanks to the folks at the FEC for getting that fixed so quickly.
