Good morning! Here’s what I’ve found of interest for today in the world of political law.
Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010
“Welcome to Washington”
Outisde money on the web
ClickZ’s got the topic covered here.
2010: First cycle in a new campaign finance world
The Hill explains.
The ultimate impact of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision hasn’t been fully realized, observers say, despite the record amounts of outside money spent in the 2010 election.
Earmark vote coming
Sentence in Palin hacking case
Here.
2012: More, more, more and 501(c)(4)
Tax law is featured in this story about groups active in 2010. Politico.
2012 planning
The Times reports.
The outsize contributions are possible because while donations to federal PACs are limited to $5,000, many state-based entities have no such limits. Some can also take donations from corporations and unions, which federal PACs cannot directly do.
The generous giving to the state PACs is just one aspect of the 2012 money race, which is well under way. In recent months, many of the candidates-in-waiting have been actively cultivating the kinds of major donors needed to finance expensive presidential bids.
Casino Jack: Straight to video?
Reviews of Casino Jack aren’t so hot, it looks like. Kevin Spacey was in town for a D.C. showing recently and the Post was there.
Torn up $100,000 check and cash in undergarments in the news
The Post reports on serious allegations involving Prince George’s county executive Jack Johnson this morning.
In closing…
It looks like it will be another warm day here in Washington. As usual for this time of year, my weekend involves leaves, leaves, and more leaves… Have a good one.