Independent groups
AEI: Why Citizens United Has Nothing to Do with What Ails American Politics
By Ilya ShapiroCitizens United is one of the most misunderstood Supreme Court decisions ever. It doesn’t stand for what many people say it does.
Politico: Priorities USA ad shows free media still rules
By Robin BravenderThe most controversial ad in this presidential campaign can’t be seen where one might expect it — during the commercials.
The Hill: Obama super-PAC blames ‘station error’ after cancer ad airs
By Meghashyam MaliA pro-Obama super-PAC blamed “station error” after a controversial ad tying Mitt Romney to a woman’s death from cancer aired Wednesday in the key swing state of Ohio.
Wall Street Journal: Super PAC Targets GOP in New York
By Andrew GrossmanWASHINGTON—A super PAC trying to help Democrats retake the House of Representatives has launched a fundraising effort aimed at New York, where nearly a third of the congressional races are competitive.
SCOTUS/Judiciary
Associated Press: Judge tosses some Colorado campaign finance rules
Denver District Judge J. Eric Elliff upheld one rule defining what can be considered electioneering communications. But he invalidated a rule that would have capped penalties for some campaign finance violations. He also rejected rules affecting who must file campaign finance reports.
Disclosure
Washington Free Beacon: Democracy Alliance Editor’s Note
The secretive, invitation-only group, co-founded by hedge fund billionaire George Soros, has attracted the support of high-profile liberals such as Hollywood scion Rob Reiner. But many of its members are far more obscure. Business titans, socialites, and activists donate between $100,000 and $200,000 per year to join the elite alliance, while remaining anonymous—and, in some cases, publicly decrying the effect of secret “dark money” in American politics. An estimated 150 wealthy liberals attended its latest convention—double the 80 members it attracted in 2005.
NY Times: Ryan Meets Casino Mogul and Major G.O.P. Donor
By TRIP GABRIEL and NICHOLAS CONFESSORELAS VEGAS — Four days after his announcement as Mitt Romney’s running mate, Representative Paul D. Ryan was not in Florida talking Medicare with elderly voters or in drought-ridden Iowa talking about a farm bill. He traveled to the Venetian hotel here for a meeting hosted by Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire casino mogul who has pledged to spend as much as $100 million this year to defeat President Obama.
Candidates and parties
Washington Post: President Obama, Mitt Romney running a most poisonous campaign
By Dan BalzNo one expected Campaign 2012 to be positive or uplifting. The country’s problems are too severe and the battle lines between Republicans and Democrats have been hardened by almost four years of conflict between the White House and Congress.
Lobbying and ethics
The Hill: Citing ‘family needs,’ Rep. Cardoza resigns and joins DC law firm
By Peter Schroeder and Alexandra JaffCardoza isn’t leaving Washington, however. He has accepted a position with Manatt, Phelps & Phillips as managing director of the law firm’s government affairs and public policy practice.
