SEC RULE COMMENTS. Nation. “Lobbyists, especially those guiding large amounts of undisclosed corporate cash into the election, are not pleased with the SEC proposal. Trade groups that lobby for Walmart, Chevron and major Fortune 100 companies are registering their disapproval on the SEC’s open comment website.”
FEC AND REFORM. US News.
OBAMA LEGACY. Politico. “The organization formerly known as the Obama for America will host supporters and former campaign volunteers at a Washington confab over inauguration weekend where top officials are expected to decide on the future of the organization.”
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THAT DEBT? Yesterday’s email from Jim Messina (I voluntarily sign-up for emails from a huge number of groups across the spectrum) landed in my inbox with a long disclaimer: “The first $2,500 from a contributor to Obama Victory Fund 2012 will be allocated to Obama for America, designated for general election debt retirement. The next $30,800 from a contributor will be allocated to the Democratic National Committee. Any additional amount(s) from a contributor will be divided equally among the Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Virginia State Democratic Party Committees, up to $10,000 per committee and subject to the biennial aggregate limits. A contributor may designate a contribution for a particular participant. This allocation formula may change if following it would result in an excessive contribution or if Obama for America receives sufficient funds to pay its outstanding debts. Contributions will be used in connection with a Federal election, may be spent on any activities of the participants as each committee determines in its sole discretion, and will not be earmarked for any particular candidate.” “General election debt retirement”? Last month one keen campaign finance law expert noted the debt with a tweet.
CFR CHANCES. HuffPo. “Aside from a possible vote for disclosure legislation in the Senate, Congress is unlikely to take up any reforms to the nation’s overheating campaign finance system in the next two years.”
GA: UPDATE. Story here. “State House Speaker David Ralston says more people should be required to register as Statehouse lobbyists and disclose their spending.”
MS: CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW ON TRIAL. Story here. “A non-jury trial is set to begin June 3 to consider Mississippi’s campaign finance laws.”
NY: CAMPAIGN FINANCE PUSH. WSJ. “Gov. Andrew Cuomo is making a priority of campaign finance reform just as he and much of Albany have bulked up with campaign fundraisers that have brought in millions of dollars in donations.”
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.