Independent Groups
CPI: GOP leadership PACs boost American Future Fund
By Michael BeckelIt is highly unusual for a group of leadership PACs to make sizeable contributions to politically active nonprofits, let alone during a matter of weeks, at a time when the beneficiary is airing ads in support of one of their own.
Candidates, Campaigns, Politicians and Parties
Washington Post: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to face challenge from Ky. official next year
By Aaron BlakeKentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) announced Monday that she will run for Senate in 2014, giving Democrats a top challenger against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)Grimes, 34, was one of the last remaining big-name options Democrats had to challenge McConnell, who has been portrayed by Senate Democrats as one of their top targets next year.
C&E: An ethics guide for the campaign trail
By M. Robert CarrCandidates themselves are not as likely as other actors to commit ethical violations. Their reputation is literally on the line (of the ballot), and the consequences of unethical behavior are thus more frequently top of mind. Most of their transgressions revolve around playing fast and loose with campaign rhetoric, rather than outright dishonest, unethical behavior.Campaign management and staff are another matter. The nature of campaigns is that they tend to materialize out of nowhere overnight, and when it’s over, they disappear just as quickly. Aside from the financial disclosure requirements that exist, there is little public visibility, much less record.
Politico: Paul Ryan to fundraise hard for House GOP
By JOHN BRESNAHAN and JAKE SHERMANRep. Paul Ryan has committed to dramatically ramping up his fundraising appearances to help fellow House Republicans, a move that will help boost his political muscle among GOP lawmakers and bring piles of cash to the party’s election arm.Ryan, the former GOP vice presidential candidate and current chairman of the House Budget Committee, has 20 political events scheduled between now and the end of 2013, according to a Republican aide.
FEC
Roll Call: FEC Lays Ground Work for Compliance Actions
By Kent CooperThe Commission approved an Interpretive Rule on Reporting Ultimate Payees of Political Committee Disbursements. The rule clarifies the Commission’s interpretation of the regulatory requirement that political committees report the full name and address of each person to whom they make expenditures or other disbursements aggregating more than $200 per calendar year, or per election cycle for authorized committees, and the date, amount and purpose of such payments, in three situations.
Washington Post: FEC asked to recognize rights of married gay couples on campaign donations
By Matea GoldThe Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on Monday asked the Federal Election Commission to treat married gay couples the same as opposite-sex spouses, part of an early push to bring federal statutes in line with the Supreme Court’s decision last week striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act.In its advisory opinion request, the DSCC said the high court’s ruling gives married same-sex couples new rights under federal election law, including the ability to make a single campaign contribution from a joint bank account if only one spouse has earned the income.
State and Local
Virginia –– Washington Post: Governor McDonnell used Virginia assets for personal, political purposes
By Rosalind S. HeldermanVirginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell repeatedly used state assets for personal and political purposes, including directing state employees to work at private and political events, according to new allegations from McDonnell’s former chef.
