Independent groups
National Journal, Influence Alley: Citizens United Amendment Sponsors Look to Grassroots
by Andrew JosephThe sponsors of several constitutional amendments that would overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision said on Wednesday they were a long time away from achieving their goal but encouraged by the growing grassroots support.
US News: Progressives Push Amendment to Overturn Citizens United
by Rebekah MetzlerOpponents of the Supreme Court ruling that led to unlimited corporate campaign spending acknowledged that their bid for a constitutional amendment to address the issue is a long shot, but hope to rally grassroots support for change as a consequence of the effort.
Huffington Post: Citizens United Amendment Urged By Grassroots, Federal Lawmakers
by Paul Blumenthal“We have developing here a grassroots movement,” Udall said.
SCOTUS/Judiciary
Huffington Post: Federal Judge Rejects Contractors’ Request To Lift Political Aid Ban, Bucking Citizens United Trend
by Pete YostA judge has turned aside a request to temporarily lift a long-standing ban on contributions by federal contractors to political campaigns.
Washington Post: The most amazing Supreme Court chart. Maybe ever.
by Chris CillizzaWhile browsing around the Pew polling site this morning — and, yes, we do a fair amount of that — we came across a chart on the Supreme Court that reminded us, for the billionth time, that assuming the average person follows the back and forth of Washington as closely as we do is a major mistake.
Disclosure
Wall Street Journal: Shutting Down ALEC
EditorialIs it suddenly disreputable to advocate free-market policies? That’s the question raised by a remarkable political assault on the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which promotes reform in the 50 states. Led by former White House aide Van Jones, various left-wing activists and media are bullying big business to cut off ALEC’s funding. So much for free and open debate.
Washington Times: Van Jones’ campaign for election fraud
by George LandrithThroughout history, political extremists have attacked their opponents, seeking to silence and suppress those with whom they disagree. Some form of bullying is almost always their chief weapon. These extremists invariably try to undermine democracy itself and silence their opposition. This truth has been sadly evident in recent attacks by Van Jones and his group, Color of Change, on the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Boston Herald: American Legislative Exchange Council to abandon gun rights, other social causes
by Toluse Olorunnipa and Erika Bolstad“Today we are redoubling our efforts on the economic front, a priority that has been the hallmark of our organization for decades,” ALEC national chairman and Indiana state lawmaker David Frizzell said in a statement. “We are eliminating the ALEC Public Safety and Elections task force that dealt with non-economic issues, and reinvesting these resources in the task forces that focus on the economy.”
Huffington Post: Julius Genachowski, FCC Chair, Blasts Broadcasters For Opposing Online Database Of Political Ad Buys
by Paul BlumenthalJulius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, staked out strong ground Monday in support of a plan to make information about political television ad buys available online. He was speaking in Las Vegas before the National Association of Broadcasters, whose members have lobbied hard against the plan.
Candidates and parties
Associated Press: Ad Watch: Pro-Obama super PAC ad claims a Romney win would be middle class’ loss
ANALYSIS: The independent, though Obama-supporting, Priorities USA Action is telegraphing plans to cast Romney as a privileged millionaire who doesn’t understand the challenges facing families. The dark ad, with ominous warnings to middle-class voters that a Romney administration would strip seniors of their checks and students of their educations, is a clear sign of what Democrats view as the likely GOP nominee’s greatest weakness.
FEC
Bloomberg: Obama Stands Aside as Election-Law Enforcement Weakened
by Jonathan D. SalantBarack Obama pledged as a presidential candidate to strengthen the Federal Election Commission and nominate members “committed to enforcing our nation’s election laws.”
STATE and LOCAL
New York –– Wall Street Journal: Hedge Funds Use Donations to Boost Clout
by Andrew GrossmanHedge funds have emerged as a force in New York state politics in the past seven years, funneling tens of millions of dollars to political parties, pet causes and candidates from both major parties, according to a report set to be released on Wednesday.
Virginia –– Washington Post: Legislators call on General Assembly to halt use of taxpayer funds for ALEC conferences
by Anita KumarThe Virginia Progressive Caucus on Wednesday called on their colleagues in the General Assembly to stop using state money to send legislators to conferences hosted by a conservative group that has been under fire in recent weeks.
